Liturgy, Church organization, sermons,
church instruction, worship service, worship, church elder
How was the Ministry Supported?
Major Threads |
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‘Full time’ did
not mean they received a salary from Jerusalem. Paul was dependent on the
support of people along the way. If that support did not come, he worked to
support himself and sometimes his assistants. "Yes, you yourselves
know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who
were with me" (Acts 20:34). Apparently his assistants often worked
with him. "nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked
with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of
you" (II Thes 3:8)
Most of those who seem to
be ‘full time’ ministers had no other regular occupation in which they are
engaged. Paul had skills as a tentmaker. "So, because he was of the
same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers."
(Acts 18:3) Probably the others had skills as well, but we are not told about
them. Neither are we told that any
were regularly receiving support from their family back home, a particular
wealthy person, their annuity investments or a lottery pay out.
They did receive support
from the congregations. "And when I was present with you, and in
need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from
Macedonia supplied" (II Cor 11:9). Some were more attuned to their
responsibility than others. Occasionally the ministers found themselves in
need. "To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are
poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless" (I Cor 4:11). This is a
sad witness against those New Testament believers.
This also shows the
importance which the real ministers of God put on the wealth of this world.
They were not particularly concerned with it. We do live in a different
culture than they did. Traveling by foot and foraging along the way is not
what we should expect of those who lift our spiritual perspective and teach
us the way of God. Shame on us if we let this happen. The spirit of God will
provide sufficient for those who carry His message. Blessed are those who
value their treasure with God above that which they hold in a bank.