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Discover biblical examples of benevolence in the New Testament Church and learn about the guidelines and limits set for this crucial work. Explore Acts, Romans, Corinthians, and Timothy passages illustrating benevolence practices within the church.
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The Work of the Church - Benevolence The New Testament Church 2017
Benevolence Examples • The church CAN be involved in benevolence! • It is a legitimate work of the church • BUT, there are limits! • This is an emotional issue!
Benevolence Examples • Passages about the church and benevolence • Acts 2:44-45, 5:32-37 • Acts 6:1-4 • Acts 11:27-30 • Romans 15:25-26 • 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 • 2 Corinthians 8-9 (8:1-4, 9:6-13) • 1 Timothy 5:3-16
Benevolence Examples • Benevolence within a local church • Brethren in Jerusalem – Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37 Acts 6 – 7 men appointed • 1 Timothy 5:16
Benevolence Examples Antioch sends to JudeaActs 11:27-30 Jerusalem • Brethren of Judea • Acts 11:27-30 • Judea had exhausted resources • Relief sent by each according to his ability (29) • They chose Paul and Barnabas (Messengers) (30) • Sent directly to elders of congregations (30) $ Church at Antioch of Syria Lydda $ $ Joppa
Benevolence Examples Relief to JerusalemRom. 15, 1 Cor. 16, 2 Cor. 8-9 Corinth • Brethren of Jerusalem • Years later, Paul’s 3rd journey • Romans 15:22-27 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 2 Corinthians 8-9 $ Philippi Needy saints in Jerusalem $ Thess. $
Benevolence Examples • Brethren of Jerusalem • Each congregation acted independently • Each congregation raised its own funds(1 Corinthians 16:1-2) • Each congregation chose how (and who) their gift would be delivered (1 Corinthians 16:3-4, 2 Corinthians 8:19,23)
Benevolence Examples • Brethren of Jerusalem • No sponsoring church or human organization • Money sent directly to the need (Rom. 15:26-27)
The Pattern of Benevolence • Churches in NT NEVER engaged in general benevolence 1 Timothy 3:15, Romans 14:17Consider Acts 6:2-4 • General benevolence addressed: • Family, 1 Timothy 5:8 • Government, Romans 13 • Individuals, James 1:27, Gal. 6:10, Matthew 25:31-46
The Pattern of Benevolence • Benevolence was never used as a means to evangelize! John 6:26-27Acts 3:1-9 • It was always to brethren • Always when other efforts exhausted – 1 Timothy 5:16
The Pattern of Benevolence • It was always temporary – needs were not created and then funds sought • Churches maintained their autonomy and independence • No organizations or sponsoring churches
The Pattern of Benevolence • There IS a difference between the work of the individual and the church! • Matthew 18:15-17; Acts 5:4; 1 Corinthians 11:22, 34; 1 Timothy 5:16 • Sometimes justification for churches in general benevolence is taking passages like Galatians 6:10, James 1:27, etc. and applying it to the church. • Context to individuals
The PATTERN in scripture is! Where is the authority? The good intentions of these works are not questioned