The Offering of the Gentiles: Paul's Collection for Jerusalem in Its Chronological, Cultural, and Cultic Contexts

by David J. Downs

The monetary fund that the apostle Paul organized among his Gentile congregations for the Jewish-Christian community in Jerusalem was clearly an important endeavor to Paul; discussion of it occupies several prominent passages in his letters. In this book David Downs carefully investigates that offering from historical, sociocultural, and theological standpoints.
 
Downs first pieces together a chronological account of Paul’s fund-raising efforts on behalf of the Jerusalem church, based primarily on information from the Pauline epistles. He then examines the sociocultural context of the collection, including gift-giving practices in the ancient Mediterranean world relating to benefaction and care for the poor. Finally, Downs explores how Paul framed this contribution rhetorically as a religious offering consecrated to God.

Genres: Religion, Biblical Studies

222 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2008

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I do not agree with several of Down’s assumptions and conclusions, this study of one of Paul’s greatest ministry achievements (the Gentile offering for the saints in Jerusalem) is very helpful. Downs often seems to speculate and stretch to prove his thesis, but he provides many insights for approaching the passages in 1Corinthians 16, 2Corinthians 8-9, and Romans 15 regarding “the offering of the Gentiles.”

Pastor-teachers who preach on giving from Corinthians would do well to work there way through this book (Collection is worship). And students of missions would be wise to read it as well and learn more about the Gentile offering as it relates to partnering and giving to global outreach (Collection is harvest), though Downs does not develop this aspect in relation to Romans 15 as much as he could.

[Christian Wermeskerch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found a more compelling argument in his summary of previous discussions, but his chronological reconstruction of the collection was key.

[Chris Holmes]

Downs calls attention to a persistent, though not well-recognized, theme in Paul's letters: his collection for poor Christians in Jerusalem. Great read.