“On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come”
(1 Corinthians 16:2 NKJV)

the church collects money through freewill offerings on the first day of the week

The word “collection” (also used in 1 Corinthians 16:1) identifies this as a collection of money. 1 Corinthians 16:1 also shows that this particular collection was “for the saints.” Paul discusses this subject in more detail in 2 Corinthians 8-9 and Romans 15:25-31. The saints referenced here are the needy brethren in Jerusalem (see 1 Corinthians 16:3).

The authority of an apostle lies behind the command for this collection. The seriousness of this benevolent work is seen in 1 Corinthians 16:1: He had given orders to churches in Galatia, and now, to the church in Corinth: “so you must do also.”

The duly authorized time to take up the collection is the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:2). This special day has been sanctified by the resurrection of Christ (see the last chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). On this day, the disciples met to take the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7). We learn here that the same first day of the week is when we have authority to take up the collection.

Each individual is to contribute as he has prospered. There is no reference to the Lord’s people tithing as in the old covenant.

Though this is the only reference to a church treasury, other passages show that churches used funds for preaching the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:8). 1 Corinthians 16 authorizes the way for a church to collect money. This way meets with divine approval.

– Rick Duggin