1 Corinthians 16:2

First day of the week. See on Matt. 28:1.

Lay. The construction of the Greek indicates that they were to do so regularly every first day of the week.

By him. Gr. par’ heauto, literally, “by himself,” equivalent to the English “at home.”

In store. Literally, “treasuring up,” “storing up,” probably in some special receptacle or in some special place in the house.

As God hath prospered him. To give in proportion to one’s prosperity may involve a careful checking of accounts, a task that Paul would hardly recommend be done on a day of holy rest.

This verse is often cited in support of Sunday observance. However, when it is examined in connection with the apostle’s project for the poor believers in Jerusalem, it is seen to be an exhortation to systematic planning on the part of the Corinthian church members for their part in the offering. There is nothing in the verse that even remotely suggests that there is any sacredness attached to the first day of the week (see 3T 413; cf. F. D. Nichol, Answers to Objections, pp. 218, 219). If all believers today were to adopt this principle of systematic benevolence, there would be an abundance of means for speedily carrying the message of salvation to all the world (see 3T 389).

Gatherings. Gr. logeiai, “collections.” Paul requested that the contributions be ready for him when he arrived.