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As Christ's chosen apostle to the non-Jewish nations (the "Gentiles"), Paul emphasized the oneness of Jews and non-Jews in Christ. As a demonstration of that unity and as a capstone to his life's work, he carefully organized a financial contribution from many of his Gentile churches to the Jewish mother-church in Jerusalem (Gal. 2:7-10; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8-9; Acts 19:21; 20:16, 22-24; Rom. 15:25-33; Acts 21:17; 24:17; 2 Tim. 4:7). Similarly, first-century Jews scattered throughout the Roman world demonstrated solidarity with Palestinian Jewry by contributing an annual Temple tax to the Jerusalem establishment.
Paul had mentioned this collection to the Corinthians either in person or in a previous unpreserved letter, and they had asked for more detailed instruction. He provided that in First Corinthians 16:1-4. Although the Corinthians quickly committed to this benevolent project, they were slow in fulfilling their commitment. A year later, Paul wrote them again, urging them to turn carry through on their good intentions (2 Cor. 8-9). First Corinthians 16:1-4 involved a special one-time offering, from selected donors, for a particular purpose, collected personally by Paul and a small group of representatives from the donating churches. It is possible that this did not even involve a Sunday "church" collection, since the literal translation of Paul's words is simply to "set aside and save."
This passage contains no general, universal command to churches everywhere -- and no prohibition of anything. Like every other New Testament passage involving Christian financial giving, it concerns a special offering to meet a special need. It does illustrate Christian generosity, integrity and accountability -- principles we also do well to practice. Everything we have belongs to God. The question is not, "How much of my money should I give to God?" It is rather, "How much of God's money may I use for myself?" Those who have given themselves to God have no difficulty giving generously to support God's work and the needs of others, whether on Sunday or any other day of the week (Psalm 24:1; Matt. 22:21; Rom. 12:1).
For more on Sabbath and Sunday, click here.