1. An offering for Jerusalem (1-4)

Paul turns his attention from the glorious resurrection to a seemingly mundane matter--the offering. This particular offering was very important to Paul. He risked his life to deliver it to Jerusalem. The saints in Jerusalem needed material help, but more than this, they needed tangible evidence of God's work among the Gentiles. They needed world mission vision. The Gentile Christians also needed to make a sacrificial gift. An offering is a spiritual thermometer, and Christians who give are growing Christians.

2. An open door (5-9)

Paul described his work in Ephesus as an open door--with many opponents. When God is working, Satan also works. This is not the time to retreat or give up. So Paul stayed in Ephesus.

Application: Lord, help me to give sacrificially, so that I may participate in your work and my faith may grow.
One Word: A sacrificial offering and an open door