He then examines the sociocultural context of the collection including gift giving practices in the ancient mediterranean world relating to benefaction and care for the poor finally downs explores how paul framed this contribution rhetorically as a religious offering consecrated to god. Add tags for the offering of the gentiles pauls collection for jerusalem in its chronological cultural and cultic contexts be the first. The offering of the gentiles pauls collection for jerusalem in its chronological cultural and cultic contexts david j downs at booksamillioncom. After reconstructing this complex story downs examines the socio cultural context of the collection focusing on analogous forms of giving among ancient pagan and jewish voluntary associations including practices of benefaction common funds care for the poor and translocal economic links among these associations. Encuentra the offering of the gentiles pauls collection for jerusalem in its chronological cultural and cultic contexts de david j downs beverly