New Testament Giving

New Testament Giving

New Testament Giving I. Introduction II. Scriptures III. Supporting Local Pastors, Elders & Church Staff a. Galatians 6:6 b. 1 Timothy 5:17 c. 1 Corinthians 9:1-18 IV. Conclusions V. Discussion Questions VI. References

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, "He has distributed freely, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” - 2 Corinthians 9:6-9

I. Introduction “How were financial collections in the early church distributed?” Unfortunately most of us don’t know the answer to this question. We assume we know the answer based on what pastors, spiritual leaders, or people in a place of spiritual authority have taught us. But how many believers have studied this idea personally? The answer to this question is vitally important because it reveals God’s desire for our giving today. The New Testament books of Acts through Jude provide a written testament of the church in its purest form. To truly understand and appreciate ‘the church’ we must look at the first church and how it functioned. This study explores New Testament Scriptures that reveal how finances were distributed in the early church. Section II is a collection of Scriptures that directly reveal how finances were distributed in the early church. While there are passages in the Gospels that mention giving, only Scriptures after the establishment of the church (Acts 2:1-4) are considered. Section III takes an in-depth look at three Scriptures that are commonly used as proof-texts to support financially supporting local pastors, elders & church staff. Section IV contains the author’s final thoughts. Refrain from reading this section until after you have studied the passages for yourself and drawn your own conclusions. Section V is a listing of discussion questions for personal or group use.

II. Scriptures Related to New Testament Giving As you study the following passages, allow Scripture to interpret Scripture. Take time to honestly evaluate each Scripture passage and prayerfully draw conclusions concerning how financial contributions should be distributed. Keep the following questions in the forefront of your mind as you study each passage…  “Who was the recipient of the financial offering in this passage?”  “What does this passage reveal about God’s desire for giving?”  “How should this passage affect my patterns of giving?” Acts 2:44-45 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.1 Acts 4:32-37 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Keep in mind that the focus of this study is on how collections were distributed and not the validity of tithing for the New Testament Church. Determining whether tithing is commanded for the New Testament Church is beyond the current scope of study. To learn more about tithing visit TruthForFree.com which has an excellent section dedicated to the validity of tithing for New Testament believers. Regardless of your belief in tithing, both sides of the argument agree that Christians should be the most generous and cheerful givers on the face of the earth (2 Cor. 9:7; 1 Tim. 6:18). May the Lord bless and protect you as you study New Testament giving, and that He will show you mercy and kindness. May the Lord be good to you and give you peace. (Based on the High Priestly Blessing in Leviticus 6:22-27)

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Unless noted, all Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version of the Holy Bible

Acts 11:27-30 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. Acts 20:33-35 I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Romans 12:13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 15:22-28 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you.

1 Corinthians 16:1-4 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 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. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you— see that you excel in this act of grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, "Whoever gathered much had nothing left over and whoever gathered little had no lack."

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, "He has distributed freely, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! 2 Corinthians 11:7-9 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.

Ephesians 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Philippians 4:10-20 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 5:16 If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.

Galatians 2:9-10 Titus 3:14 And when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 2:15-17 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 1 John 3:17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 3 John 1:5-8 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

III. Supporting Local Pastors, Elders & Church Staff “Does Scripture promote financial support of local pastors, elders and church staff?” The following Scriptures are three of the most commonly cited passages related to financially supporting local pastors, elders & church staff. As you proceed with this study, keep in mind that the focus is not to dissuade believers from financially supporting local pastors, elders, or church staff. Rather the focus of this study is to examine whether it is God’s design and purpose to financially support local pastors, elders, and church staff. God calls us to have discernment and good stewardship with the finances He has blessed us with. Financially supporting local pastors is a personal decision for each individual believer that must be made with prayer, study and meditation. Prayerfully read and study the following three passages along with their corresponding Greek word studies & observations. As you study these passages make sure to keep the aforementioned Scripture passages in mind. God’s Word will not contradict itself. Rather it will create a beautifully seamless thread from beginning to end.

a. 1 Timothy 5:17-19

Observations 

Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. (NLT)

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Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages." Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. (ESV) Greek Word Study 

Presbuteros (pres-boo'-ter-os): elder of age; advanced in life; forefathers; those who presided over assemblies Time (tee-may'): reverence, honor which belongs or is shown to someone; the value of a person or thing bought or sold  Time (Gk) is used 41 times throughout Scripture – in 30 instances it refers to honor, in 4 instances it refers to spiritual value, and in 7 instances it refers to the value or the price paid for something or someone  When translated as ‘price’, Time (Gk) does not mean ‘wage’ or ‘salary’, but the value of a person or thing bought or sold  Paul used time on 21 occasions in his letters and never used it to refer to a salary. Paul only used time in reference to honor or spiritual value.

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Logos (log'-os): what is declared – a thought, declaration, aphorism, weighty saying, dictum, or maxim Didaskalia (did-as-kal-ee'-ah): teaching; instruction; that which is taught

The most respected & literal translations of the Bible (NIV, ESV, RSV, KJV, NKJV, NASB, ASV, and YLT) translate Time (Gk) as ‘double honor’ not ‘double pay’. The context throughout 1 Timothy 5 is honor and rebuke. The chapter begins with ‘do not rebuke an elder (older man)’ and ends with ‘be careful when you rebuke an elder (overseer in the church)’ 3. When studying Scripture is it very important to keep verses in their proper context. o 1 Tim 5:1 Do not rebuke an elder (older man) o 1 Tim 5:3-16 Honor widows o 1 Tim 5:17-18 Give double honor to elders (overseers in the church) o 1 Tim 5:19-20 Be cautious when rebuking an elder (overseers in the church) o 1 Tim 5:21 Do not be impartial as you rebuke and honor elders (overseers in the church) If Paul wanted to clearly assert that elders who work hard at preaching & teaching should be paid well he had better word choices in the Greek language. Misthos (a spiritual or physical reward; dues paid for work) or Opsonion (a soldier’s ration of food, clothing & shelter) would have been much better choices if a salary was intended. Misthos was the common word for ‘wages’ at the time and Paul admitted to receiving ‘wages’ (opsonion) to meet his bare necessities from time to time. In Acts 20:33-35 Paul addressed the same group of elders in Ephesus that he writes to in 1 Timothy 5. In Acts 20, Paul says that he did not take money from God’s people and that the elders in Ephesus should follow his example. It is also worth noting that Logos and Didaskalia are spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:8; Rom. 12:7). The Scriptures never assert that believers were financially compensated for excelling in their spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues, mercy or giving. Spiritual gifts are to build up the church (1 Cor. 14:12) not financially support a believer.

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All Greek definitions are from the Key Word Study Bible and biblestudytools.com New Testament Greek Lexicon

3

Kelly, Should the Church Teaching Tithing?, 210.

b. Galatians 6:6

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Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. (NLT)

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One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. (ESV)

Elders in the local church o Elders didn’t necessarily teach they just had to be able to teach (1 Tim. 3:2). o Elders that taught well were to be given honor and respect, not finances (1 Tim. 5:17; Acts 20:33-35).

Greek Word Study Katecheo (kat-ay-kheh'-o): to sound down into the ears; to inform, instruct, teach Logos (log'-os): the sayings of God; the moral precepts given by God

Believers in the local church o All believers are afforded the opportunity to teach in the church if they desire (1 Cor. 14:26). o The word teach in 1 Cor. 14:26 also refers to Jesus’ teachings (Acts 13:12) and the apostles teaching (Acts 2:42). So believers are able to teach as powerfully as Jesus. o Teaching is a spiritual gift and any believer in the church could have the gift of teaching, not just elders (Romans 12:7). o Believers are not financially compensated for exercising their gifts. See 1 Timothy 5:17 Observations.

Koinoneo (koy-no-neh'-o): to distribute, impart, to share with others  Koinoneo occurs 7 times in the New Testament (Rom. 12:13; Rom. 15:27; Gal. 6:6; Phil. 4:15; 1 Tim. 5:22; Heb. 2:14; 1 Pet. 4:13; 2 John 1:11). Only twice does it clearly refer to sharing financially (Rom. 12:13; Phil. 4:15). Agathos (ag-ath-os'): good, useful, to do good to benefit others

Travelling apostolic workers visiting a local church o Because they are continually on the move, traveling apostolic workers have a legitimate right to receive financial support for their needs (1 Cor. 9:1-18).

Observations 

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It is possible that Paul is referring to free-will offerings as a token of blessing from time to time, but this is not the dominating thought throughout the New Testament.4 According to Paul, believers are to share good things with those who teach, but never explains who these teachers are. If we are looking at a local church, these teachers could have been…

Of the seven occurrences of Koinoneo in Scripture, only twice does it clearly refer to sharing financially. Romans 12:13 refers to believers sharing financially with other believers in need and Philippians 4:15 refers to sharing with traveling apostolic workers in need. Neither of these passages implies a salary or a wage, rather they imply believers helping other believers meet immediate or necessary needs. The context throughout Galatians 6:6-10 is that of doing good to all, especially Christians. There is no direct mention of salaries or wages within the passage.

Pastors in the local church o The modern office of pastor as we know it is not biblical. Pastor is mentioned once (Eph. 4:11) and as a spiritual gift of a believer, not an office or position in the church. o Believers are not financially compensated for excelling at their gifts. o The spiritual gift of pastoring involves shepherding other believers, not preaching and teaching. 4

Viola, Pagan Christianity?, 185.

c. 1 Corinthians 9:1-18

Greek Word Study

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Apostolos (ap-os'-tol-os): a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with others, ambassador

This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?

Zao (dzah'-o): to enjoy real life; to live, breath; to be in full vigor

Kataggello (kat-ang-gel'-lo): announce, declare, make known

Observations 

Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? For it is written in the Law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?

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Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

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Of the 143 times Zao is used in the New Testament it is typically translated ‘life’, ‘alive’ or ‘living’. 1 Corinthians 9:14 is the only passage throughout Scripture where Zao is translated ‘get their living’. If Paul wanted to irrefutably convey the idea of a salary or full-time financial support there are better Greek words he could have chosen.5 o Bios: livelihood; wealth (11 occurrences) o Ergasia – craft; occupation (6 occurrences) o Technee – occupation; trade (3 occurrences) Paul never refers to elders, pastors, or any other leader associated with today’s local church throughout this passage. He only refers to apostles (himself, Barnabas, and unnamed apostles) and brothers who were travelling (1 Cor. 9:1-5) Travelling apostolic workers were not always able to work at their trades since they were continually moving around. So while Paul attempted to support himself through tent making, it was not always feasible and he would accept support from time to time. Paul was an itinerant apostolic worker. According to this passage Paul had a legitimate right to receive financial support as an apostle, but he intentionally waived that right whenever possible (1 Cor. 9:14-18; 2 Cor. 11:7-9; 12:1318; 1 Thes. 2:6-9; 2 Thes. 3:8-9)6. The context throughout this passage is that travelling apostolic workers have a legitimate right to receive financial support in order to meet their needs, but Paul refused to make use of that right as much as he possibly could.

Kelly, Should the Church Teach Tithing?, 189. Viola, Pagan Christianity?, 185.

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1 Corinthians 9:14 has no direct parallel in Scripture. The closest cross-references are Matthew 10:5-10 and Luke 10:1-8. Both of which refer to temporary evangelistic trips, not a permanent ministry in one locality. These passages also speak of acquiring nothing and only taking enough food, clothing and shelter to survive. These ‘missionaries’ went out and came back with nothing – relying entirely on God to supply their basic needs. It is also important to recognize that most priests and Levites met a majority of their needs (food, shelter, etc.) by maintaining livestock in their fields throughout the year (Num. 35:1-4). Except for the high priest, the priests and Levites lived in Levitical cities most of the year (not Jerusalem) and only received tithes while ministering in the Temple. 7

IV. Conclusions Throughout the New Testament recipients of financial offerings were people in need. The Greek word translated ‘need’ is Chreia (necessity; to need; occasion) which originates from the Greek word Chre (it is necessary; there is a need).8 Financial recipients were provided with something that they could not obtain by themselves. During New Testament times, the saints in Jerusalem were facing a severe famine and needed finances for food (Acts 11:27-30; 1 Cor. 16:1-4). James tells us that true and lasting religion is to provide for those that cannot care for themselves (James 1:27). Throughout his letters to local congregations, Paul made it very clear that even though he had a legitimate right to do so, he would not take contributions from believers unless it was absolutely necessary (1 Cor. 9:1-18; 2 Cor. 11:7-9; Phil. 4:10-20). Throughout the New Testament, the church distributed finances to saints in need (Acts 2:44-45), the poor (Titus 3:14), and travelling apostolic workers in need (Phil. 4:10-20). These were the three main groups of people that received offerings from the church in the New Testament. While it may be possible that the Scriptures allude to free-will offerings as a token of blessing from time to time, it is not the dominating thought throughout the New Testament. There is no valid Scriptural support that finances were regularly given to ‘church’ buildings and resident elders. If Paul and other New Testament authors wanted to clearly convey that local resident elders had a right to receive financial support, they had plenty of opportunity to do so. And the few passages that are used as proof-texts for financially supporting pastors, elders, and church staff are vague and they are typically lifted out of the context of the chapter. If we study the New Testament as a whole and in context - elders & believers that taught God’s Word in local assemblies were worthy of great respect and all goodness. Christians are called to be the most generous and cheerful givers on the face of the earth, but we must also give biblically. As stewards of God’s finances, we must know where our finances are going and that they are distributed biblically. Make it a point to question where the finances you give to your local church or Christian ministry are going. Allow your offerings to give God glory!

7

Kelly, Should the Church Teach Tithing?, 185.

8

New Testament Greek Lexicon

V. Discussion Questions

VI. References

Which Scripture passage(s) surprised you the most? Why?

Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Good News Publishers, 2001.

Why are Christians called to be generous and cheerful givers?

Holy Bible, New Living Translation. second edition. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Kelly, Russell. Should the Church Teach Tithing? New York: Writers Club Press, 2007.

Based on Scripture, where do you see finances being distributed in the early church?

Do you believer the actions of the early church cultural or conceptual? (Cultural – actions apply only to a specific time & a specific place; Conceptual – there are underlying concepts that apply to all times and all places)

How are believer’s offerings typically being distributed in the church today? (If you attend a local church, ask to see the church budget – it is usually made public for all members)

Which observations from Section III do you agree with? Which do you disagree with?

Do you regularly take part in New Testament giving? How so?

How can you promote and encourage New Testament giving to those around you?

What one thing can you begin to do this week to personally live out a life of New Testament giving?

Key Word Study Bible, editor: Spiros Zodhiates. Canon City, CO: AMG Publishers, 2008. The New Testament Greek Lexicon. http://www.biblestudytools.com/Lexicons/NewTestamentGreek/. Viola, Frank. Pagan Christianity? Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2008.