‘Collection,’ in our language today, does not go beyond a one-time, sporadic almsgiving that does not necessarily imply solidarity with the poor, so closely linked to the Gospel of Christ. Therefore, the word ‘collection’ does not fully convey the whole meaning of this service to the poor that Paul is going to talk about, which is part of the message of the letter. The Apostle begins by calling this service to the poor ‘grace.’ Being able to give, and to give generously, is ‘God’s grace.’
God is the great ‘giver,’ who provides men and women with the example of giving and what to give (cf. Ps 136:25; 145:16). Given the community’s already recognized and demonstrated qualities—faith, eloquence, knowledge, fervor—why not also make clear and compelling the most important quality, which they certainly have: the abundance of their generosity?