Local churches are authorized to provide for needy Christians, continued

God authorized churches to provide for needy saints, continued

  • Acts 24:17 – Paul carried money from other churches to Jerusalem. He simply acted as the means to transport the money.
  • Romans 15:25-27
  • I Corinthians 16:1-3 – A voluntary collection of funds was taken on the first day of the week. The amount was “as he may prosper.” Some argue that this passage is only talking about funds for benevolence, not for preaching, but there are several passages that show that a local church can use its money to support preaching the gospel.
  • II Corinthians 8:3-4, 14
  • II Corinthians 9:1 – The money was directed specifically to needy saints.
  • I Timothy 5:16, 3-5 – “Honoring” widows can include monetary support. See Matthew 15:4.

Observations

  • Churches are authorized to provide for needy Christians.
  • Individuals are authorized to provide for anyone.
  • How generous!
    • Acts 11:29
    • Acts 4:34 – These people were selling their own property to give the money to others in need.
  • Use wise judgment.
    • II Thessalonians 3:6-12 – Be generous, but also be wary of those who would prey on that generosity.