Strong’s 3048 refers to a planned “collection,” specifically a monetary gathering for the relief of believers. It emphasizes intentional, systematic giving rather than a spontaneous gift.

Occurrences and Immediate Context

1 Corinthians 16:1–2 contains both New Testament uses:

“Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia: On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”

Paul writes from Ephesus near the close of his third missionary journey, instructing Corinth to prepare a relief fund for impoverished believers in Jerusalem.

Historical Background of the Jerusalem Relief Effort

• Famine (Acts 11:27–30), persecution, and economic disparity had left many Judean Christians in need.
• The Apostolic Council (Galatians 2:10) urged remembrance of the poor, and Paul made this a hallmark of his Gentile ministry.
• Contributions were gathered across Galatia, Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia (Romans 15:25–28; 2 Corinthians 8–9), culminating in Paul’s final trip to Jerusalem (Acts 24:17).

Theological Themes

• Unity of Jew and Gentile: shared resources testified that “there is one body” (Ephesians 4:4).
• Stewardship: giving is portrayed as an act of worship (“first day of every week”) and a test of sincerity (2 Corinthians 8:8).
• Equality in the body: “that there may be equality” (2 Corinthians 8:14) sets the paradigm for mutual care.
• Anticipation of resurrection life: laying aside earthly treasure for eternal reward (1 Timothy 6:18–19).

Practical Principles for Christian Giving

• Regular: synchronized with weekly worship.
• Personal: “each of you.”
• Proportionate: “in keeping with his income.”
• Purposeful: advance preparation avoids last-minute pressure and ensures integrity.

Impact on Church Unity and Mission

The collection became a tangible symbol of inter-church partnership, easing potential ethnic tensions and reinforcing apostolic authority. It also financed Paul’s travel companions, creating a mobile team of witness-bearing delegates from varied congregations (Acts 20:4).

Legacy in Church History

• Set precedent for weekly offerings in Christian liturgy.
• Inspired post-apostolic almsgiving canons (e.g., Didache 4).
• Sparked later relief movements—medieval poorhouses, Reformation diaconates, modern mission boards and disaster-response agencies.

Contemporary Ministry Applications

• Budgeting: churches allocate percentages for benevolence and missions.
• Transparency: pre-designated funds and plural oversight imitate Paul’s multiple delegates (2 Corinthians 8:19–21).
• Global partnership: wealthier congregations assist persecuted or disaster-stricken believers abroad, echoing the original Jerusalem fund.

Key Related Passages

Acts 11:29; Romans 15:25–28; 2 Corinthians 8:1–15; 2 Corinthians 9:6–15; Galatians 2:10.

Summary

Strong’s 3048 highlights the early church’s intentional, systematic generosity. Paul’s directive in 1 Corinthians 16 shaped Christian financial practice, underscoring stewardship, unity, and compassionate mission—principles that continue to guide congregations in caring for the global body of Christ.