On Offerings and Contributions

 

On Offerings and Contributions

 

2 Corinthians 8:21–22: "We are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man, so that no one may blame us concerning this large contribution (*hadrotēti*) we are administering." Paul instructed the Corinthian church to prepare their contribution in advance—commensurate with the grace they had received—to avoid any embarrassment before the other churches. It is essential to have a precise understanding of offerings and contributions. Jesus spoke after observing the rich and a widow placing their gifts into the offering chest; He noted that the widow had actually contributed far more. The significance of offerings differs between the Old Testament and New Testament eras. Some pastors claim that "the Old Testament tithe was replaced by the New Testament contribution."

While Jesus referred to them as "offerings," pastors often call them "contributions" (*yeonbo*). The term "contribution" originated in the Old Testament; the "contribution chest" (*yeonbo-gwe*) represented a concept akin to a treasury or state storehouse. Translated as *lishkah* in Hebrew and *gazophylakion* in Greek, it referred to a storehouse within the temple courtyard for offerings dedicated to God—not merely a small collection box like those found in New Testament churches. 2 Chronicles 34:9–10 and 14 discuss this chest, describing it as a repository containing various tithes and offerings. The Hebrew root for "contribution" (*bo*) implies "coming in"; thus, a contribution signifies everything that has been brought into God's storehouse of offerings. Old Testament tithes were simply one part of what was kept in that chest. Therefore, it is problematic to assert that "the Old Testament tithe was replaced by the New Testament contribution." The concept of the "offering" in the New Testament differs from that of the Old Testament. In the Old Testament era, all tithes and offerings dedicated to God were collected in a treasury chest; these gifts were used to support those in charge of the Temple (the Levites) as well as orphans and widows. Thus, the practice did not originate in the New Testament era. Jesus did not use the specific term "collection" (*yeonbo*) but rather spoke of "offerings" (*heongeum*). The Hebrew terms used for such offerings were *Korban* and *Minhah*. The Apostle Paul supported himself through his own labor while evangelizing. In the New Testament era, offerings were used to provide living expenses for ministers and to assist the poor and widows.

The Greek word *doron*, used by Jesus, is translated as "offering." The Korean word for offering (*heongeum*) also carries the meaning of a sacred gift or present. It is essential to understand Jesus's teachings regarding offerings. We see an example of this in Acts 4:32–37, where the multitude sold their possessions and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet. Why did they do this? The land belonging to the people of Israel was considered God's property, and the law required it to be returned during the Year of Jubilee. The early disciples believed—or presumed—that Jesus would return imminently; thinking the end times were near, they likely surrendered their land and assets to the apostles.

It was in this context that Ananias and Sapphira caused trouble. They had pledged to sell and donate their entire estate (a *Korban* offering), but they later felt reluctant to part with it all. Consequently, they withheld a portion—effectively embezzling the funds. Ananias and Sapphira subsequently died; they had deceived God.

Similarly, when God delivered the city of Jericho to the Israelites, He strictly forbade individuals from keeping any of the spoils of war for themselves. This is what is offered to God and consumed by fire; anything presented to God is consumed and thereby sanctified. Regarding the Battle of Jericho, Achan’s act of theft meant that he, too, became something "devoted" to God—just like the spoils of war—and was thus subject to divine destruction, resulting in the death of his entire family. An offering should be given sincerely and joyfully, in accordance with one's means and circumstances.

In 2 Corinthians 9:5, the Apostle Paul speaks of the offering, stating: "So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given." Paul is essentially saying, "Prepare to receive the true blessing that God gives." This refers to the same concept as the heavenly blessing God promises to pour out by opening the floodgates of heaven (Malachi 3:10) and the "spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms" mentioned in Ephesians 1:3.

In other words, the offering Paul describes is given with the understanding that the money can become a source of heavenly spiritual blessing for others. Thus, the first meaning of the offering Paul speaks of is blessing.

The second meaning relates to the Greek word *logia*, signifying a charitable contribution or donation—an offering made to help the poor. The third meaning relates to *haplotēs* (sincerity or honesty), implying that one should give with a pure heart and a desire to share God's blessings. The offering Paul discusses is not merely something presented to God, but a contribution made for the sake of neighbors who are poor or in need. Although translated into Korean as *yeonbo* (a general term for religious offering), it effectively corresponds to a charitable donation. Paul planned to travel to the Jerusalem church with the offering collected by the Corinthian church. He had boasted that the Corinthians had begun preparing this offering a year in advance; therefore, he urged them to have the funds ready before the envoys arrived, so as to avoid any embarrassment. In writing this letter, Paul emphasized that God desires offerings given willingly from the heart rather than those given under compulsion.

Regarding the offering that pleases God, it is written: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." It is also stated: "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

According to 8:1–2, the saints in Macedonia—despite facing great tribulation and extreme poverty—gave of their own free will, even beyond their means; their love and sacrificial giving bore abundant fruit. At that time, they were facing persecution from the Jews simply because they believed in Christianity. Yet, amidst the trials faced by a colonized people, they possessed an abiding joy that transcended their circumstances.

That joy became the strength to overcome every adversity, and that strength was the power of God’s grace. Paul conveys that, although they faced abject poverty, the fact that they gave so generously was truly a result of God’s grace. The fact that the Macedonian believers experienced overflowing joy even as they endured trials demonstrates the great maturity of their faith. Although Macedonia was a region of considerable wealth, it suffered from structural poverty under Roman rule, as the Romans appropriated its primary sources of income. The region itself was prosperous, boasting thriving agricultural, mining, and timber industries; however, the extreme poverty experienced by the Christians there is attributed to the persecution they faced for their faith. Paul cites the fact that these Macedonian believers—despite such adverse conditions—gave generously and abundantly as evidence of their love for God.

The term used for this offering implies simplicity, singleness of heart, and purity, indicating that the fundamental attitude behind an offering must stem from a pure heart. Paul emphasizes that poverty should not serve as a pretext for stinginess. Even amidst extreme poverty, the Macedonians offered everything they could to God. They embodied the description found in 2 Corinthians 6:10: "poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

The purpose of the offering is to demonstrate the sincerity of a Christian's love for the Lord. Scripture states, "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." God brings about a harvest by providing the appropriate climate and environment for sowing and reaping. He is the One who grants the farmer not only enough seed for future planting but also an abundance of food for daily sustenance. God has promised that when one gives an offering to help others, He will not only meet that person's own needs but also increase their wealth and abundance.