“These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

Benevolence in the New Testament ChurchThe church in Jerusalem. (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37).

This is not teaching communal property but generosity (Acts 5:4).

Regular care for widows (Acts 6:1-6). Qualifications for such regular support (1 Tim. 5:3-16).

Relief from one church to the needy saints in another church (Acts 11:27-30).

Paul’s efforts to bring relief (Rom. 16:26-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-4).

Principles Regarding Collective

Benevolence

Principles Regarding Collective

Focus

Benevolence

Principles Regarding Collective

Focus The Church“For the Saints” (1 Cor. 16:1)

Benevolence

Principles Regarding Collective

Focus The Church“For the Saints” (1 Cor. 16:1)

Limits

Benevolence

Principles Regarding Collective

Focus The Church“For the Saints” (1 Cor. 16:1)

LimitsThe church is not to be

“burdened” with some things (1 Tim. 5:16)

Benevolence

Principles Regarding Collective

Focus The Church“For the Saints” (1 Cor. 16:1)

LimitsThe church is not to be

“burdened” with some things (1 Tim. 5:16)

Cooperation

Benevolence

Principles Regarding Collective

Focus The Church“For the Saints” (1 Cor. 16:1)

LimitsThe church is not to be

“burdened” with some things (1 Tim. 5:16)

Cooperation Church to church(Acts 11:30)

Benevolence

Evangelism in the New Testament ChurchThe first Christians spread the word (Acts 6:7).

Sometimes, a preacher spread the word (Acts 8:1-5).Preachers earned their support in different ways.

Paul on occasion supported himself (2 Thess. 3:7-9).Other times he accepted support from other churches (2 Cor. 11:7-9;

The church is authorized to support preaching of the gospel (1 Cor. 9:4-14).

One church may support a preacher working in another area (Phil. 4:15-16).

Principles Regarding Collective

Focus The Church“For the Saints” (1 Cor. 16:1)

LimitsThe church is not to be

“burdened” with some things (1 Tim. 5:16)

Cooperation Church to church(Acts 11:30)

Benevolence Evangelism

Principles Regarding Collective

Focus The Church“For the Saints” (1 Cor. 16:1)

All People (Acts 8:1-5)

LimitsThe church is not to be

“burdened” with some things (1 Tim. 5:16)

Cooperation Church to church(Acts 11:30)

Benevolence Evangelism

Principles Regarding Collective

Focus The Church“For the Saints” (1 Cor. 16:1)

All People (Acts 8:1-5)

LimitsThe church is not to be

“burdened” with some things (1 Tim. 5:16)

Cooperation Church to church(Acts 11:30)

Church to preacher(Phil. 4:15-16)

Benevolence Evangelism

Principles Regarding Collective

Focus The Church“For the Saints” (1 Cor. 16:1)

All People (Acts 8:1-5)

LimitsThe church is not to be

“burdened” with some things (1 Tim. 5:16)

Not church to organization or church to church

Cooperation Church to church(Acts 11:30)

Church to preacher(Phil. 4:15-16)

Benevolence Evangelism

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”