praise_yeshua said:
The verses you mention only deal with the temporary collect for the poor saints at Jerusalem. Paul even says that he didn't want any collections being taken while at Corinth.
Correct. But where did the monies go? Paul originally told the Corinthians that he didn't want a part in taking the money to Jerusalem but he eventually changed his mind and told the Romans that he was going to do just that.
I Corinthians 16:1-4
Now concerning the contribution for the saints; as I have directed the Churches in Galatia, so you are also to do...And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.
II Corinthians 8:1-4
We want you to know, brethren, about the grace of God which has been shown in the Churches in Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of liberality on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints...
II Corinthians 9:1-2
Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the offering for the saints, for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
Romans 15:25-26
At present however, I am going to Jerusalem with aid for the saints. For Macedonia and Archaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.
Why the change of mind? Because it seems he feared his collections might not be accepted.
Romans 15:30-31
I appeal to you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and
that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints.
When he was arrested, in his testimony he confirmed his reason for being in town:
Acts 24:17-18
Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult.
So where did the monies go? There is no record of the Apostles collecting it, no record of it being distributed to the poor and no record of him keeping it. What we do know is that none of the Apostles or church in Jerusalem (other than his nephew) came to his defense or offered aid at his arrest and that there is no further record of them having any fellowship with him thereafter. He did, however, pay the expenses of the Nazarite four:
Acts 21:23-24
Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. Take them and be purified with them, and
pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.
So did Paul collect money from the churches to pay for the Nazarites and to show 'proof' he, despite his reputation did "walk orderly and keep the law" (the same 'law' from which he said he was released in Romans 7)?
No accusations, just curiosity...