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General Principle This is an example of a Biblical doctrine or principle taught in the New Testament. Although we refer to Paul as a tentmaker, and at times he ministered at his own expense, at other times he received support and he taught this general principle. He drew it from the Old Testament law that instructed the Israelites not to muzzle the ox while he is shelling grain. It expresses the mutual accountability we have in the body of Christ. It makes no distinction as to where this person might be preaching the Gospel or to whom he might be preaching. So it refers, to preachers, missionaries, etc. as many as God calls. 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. |
This is an example of a Biblical doctrine or principle taught in the New Testament. Although we refer to Paul as a tentmaker, and at times he ministered at his own expense, at other times he received support and he taught this general principle. He drew it from the Old Testament law that instructed the Israelites not to muzzle the ox while he is shelling grain. It expresses the mutual accountability we have in the body of Christ. It makes no distinction as to where this person might be preaching the Gospel or to whom he might be preaching. So it refers, to preachers, missionaries, etc. as many as God calls.
Gifts from individuals
This Scripture clarifies a main source of the funds necessary to support Christ's three-year ministry while he walked the earth. It sets a Scriptural precedent that individuals may give to various ministries when God prompts them to give, apart from corporate giving. These women were Jews. They could have pointed out that they had already tithed at the temple and that Jesus should have sought support from there. But they recognized that God often works outside of existing power structures to accomplish His will. So they saw God working in Jesus and wanted to be a part of it whether anyone else was interested or not.
3 Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
This Scripture clarifies a main source of the funds necessary to support Christ's three-year ministry while he walked the earth. It sets a Scriptural precedent that individuals may give to various ministries when God prompts them to give, apart from corporate giving. These women were Jews. They could have pointed out that they had already tithed at the temple and that Jesus should have sought support from there. But they recognized that God often works outside of existing power structures to accomplish His will. So they saw God working in Jesus and wanted to be a part of it whether anyone else was interested or not.
Congregational support
Here Paul is explaining to the Corinthian church where his living came from while he was with them. His point was that they should have met his needs, but others carried their responsibility for them. Again, it sets a Scriptural precedent that one congregation may supplement ministry to, or the establishment of, another congregation. This is especially important in new church work whether in the homeland of the worker or abroad.
*All Scripture references are from the Holy Bible, New International Versionâ Copyright ã 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society
Copyright 1999 Chris Hart
8 I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you.
Here Paul is explaining to the Corinthian church where his living came from while he was with them. His point was that they should have met his needs, but others carried their responsibility for them. Again, it sets a Scriptural precedent that one congregation may supplement ministry to, or the establishment of, another congregation. This is especially important in new church work whether in the homeland of the worker or abroad.
*All Scripture references are from the Holy Bible, New International Versionâ Copyright ã 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society
Copyright 1999 Chris Hart