God provided for the poor saints in Jerusalem through offerings collected by Paul from Gentile believers.
After the early Jewish believers sold their possessions and pooled resources, the common fund ran dry, leaving them destitute. In His sovereignty, God moved Gentile converts of Paul's gospel to give offerings, which Paul transported back to Jerusalem to support these saints. This direct provision is affirmed throughout Acts and Paul's epistles.
Acts 11:29-30 — Records the first Gentile collection sent to the Jerusalem elders.
In Acts 2:44-45 and Acts 4:34-35, believers sold possessions and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made to each as needed. However, this communal fund eventually depleted, leaving the Jerusalem believers poor. The New Testament shows that Paul organized collections from Gentile churches for 'the poor saints which are at Jerusalem' (Romans 15:26). In 1 Corinthians 16:1-3, Paul instructs churches to set aside funds on the first day of the week for this purpose. These offerings were a tangible expression of fellowship and gratitude, as Gentiles shared in Jewish spiritual blessings (Romans 15:27).
Les explains that the early Jewish believers at Jerusalem voluntarily sold their lands and houses and placed the proceeds into a common fund, following the example of Barnabas. However, because Israel rejected the kingdom, the kingdom did not come in, and the fund eventually ran out, leaving them destitute. In God's sovereignty, He then moved Gentile believers—converts of Paul's gospel—to give offerings for these poor saints. Paul collected these offerings during his missionary journeys and brought them to Jerusalem. Les emphasizes that these believers were poor because of their obedience, so God graciously provided for them through Gentile generosity.
Les teaches that the early believers pooled all their resources, but because Israel rejected the kingdom, the expected utopia never came. The fund was finite and eventually depleted, leaving them poor and unable to start over.
Paul instructed the churches of Galatia and Corinth to set aside offerings on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). These offerings were specifically for the poor saints in Jerusalem, and Paul and his companions delivered them.
Paul taught that Gentile believers were debtors to the Jews because they shared in Jewish spiritual blessings, so it was fitting for them to provide material support. Les notes that even poor Macedonian and Achaian churches gave sacrificially.
Early Communal Living
Les describes how believers sold possessions and placed money at the apostles' feet, showing the initial pooling of resources.
Kitty Runs Out
Les explains that the common kitty ran out because Israel rejected the kingdom, and God then moved Gentile believers to give offerings.
Gentile Offerings for Jerusalem
Les shows that Paul's collections were for the poor saints in Jerusalem, and that God took care of them through these offerings.
Paul's Instructions for Giving
Les notes Paul's extensive teaching on giving (2 Corinthians 8-9) specifically for the poor saints at Jerusalem.
Why They Became Poor
Les reiterates that selling possessions and living on a common fund leads to running out, as happened to the Jerusalem believers.
Collections for the Poor Saints
Les emphasizes that wherever Paul went, he took collections for the poor saints in Jerusalem because the kitty had run empty.
Provision Through Paul's Converts
Les explains that God provided for the destitute believers through offerings from Paul's Gentile converts, brought back to Jerusalem.
Macedonian Generosity
Les highlights that even poor Macedonian and Achaian churches contributed, showing their gratitude for Jewish spiritual blessings.
Acts 4:34: Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
Shows the communal sharing that led to the fund, which later ran out.
Acts 11:29-30: Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Records the first Gentile collection sent to the Jerusalem elders.
Romans 15:26: For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
Explicitly identifies the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2: Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Paul instructs churches to set aside offerings for the saints, likely referring to the Jerusalem poor.
No, God provided through the willing offerings of Gentile believers, as Les teaches, and as seen in Paul's collection efforts.
Because they had sold their possessions and the common fund ran out after Israel rejected the kingdom, leaving them destitute.
Paul organized and delivered offerings from Gentile churches to the poor saints in Jerusalem.
Watch the Teaching: Why Poor Churches Begged to Give - 2 Corinthians 8:1-6