Collection
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Collection in the Bible?
In the Old Testament, the term denotes a tax levied for the upkeep of the Temple. In the New Testament, it describes the voluntary contributions collected by Paul and his associates to support impoverished believers in Jerusalem.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this practice clarifies the economic solidarity and mutual aid structures that sustained early Christian communities across diverse regions, offering deeper insight into the social dynamics of the New Testament church.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Collection. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Collection in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Collection clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Collection." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/collection/