… ²⁵ but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. ²⁶ For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

The bane of Christian ministry—fundraising! Usually in today’s evangelical climate, when people advertise for their own ministry, go on deputation visits as new missionaries, send out “prayer letters”—all this can make Christians quite nervous and unbelievers skeptical. But note it well, Paul was not raising money for himself. One can look throughout the biblical record and find no evidence that he ever solicited funds for his own personal needs or support, or even hinted at it. At times, when his resources ran low, he was not averse to resorting to his former livelihood, tent making (2 Cor 18:3, Acts 20:33-35). To be sure, many believers and churches supported him—see for example the loving support the Philippian church provided him (Phil 4:10-20). Paul appreciated the gifts shared with him, and he knew and encouraged giving to the Lord’s work and His servants. But for himself, he never asked.

However, the apostle had no difficulty vigorously challenging believers to financially support others. He learned compassion and generosity early in his ministry, when he and Barnabas were commissioned by the church in Antioch to transport their collected financial donation to the famished believers in Jerusalem. This benevolent sensitivity stayed with Paul throughout his ministry, as we see evidenced in our passage today.

As it turns out, the difficulties in Jerusalem continued, and as Paul planted churches he seems to have made the needs known. He had recently been in Macedonia and Achaia, and as he writes to the Romans he is in transit to Jerusalem to deliver their gift. In writing the Corinthians, he directs them to take up weekly collections “as I directed the churches of Galatia” so that he could “carry your gift to Jerusalem” (1 Cor 16:1-2). This was not a denominational subscription, as some assert. Paul’s own words clearly state the purpose: “to make a contribution for the poor among the saints.”

A few applications are in order: 1) We believers should be concerned about the poor, as the apostles were (Gal 2:9-10). 2) Christian leaders, following Paul’s example, should challenge believers to generously give to the needs of others. 3) Our concern for others should begin with “the saints,” those who are in the household of faith. 4) Our generosity should extend beyond the needs of our own local church. 5) We should give joyfully, as seen in the example of the believers in Macedonia and Achaia who were “pleased” to contribute.

Lord, bring to my mind a believer in need so I can help them with my resources.