A Study of Authority “And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him; the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:47-48).

A Study of Authority Lesson 13 Authority and Benevolence (Presentations are basically an adaptation of material found in Billy W. Moore’s classbook, A Study of Authority)

Introduction  We have learned in past lessons the need for authority  Two kinds of authority (Generic & Specific)  Means of establishing authority (Command, Example, Inference)  With this lesson we seek to make application, recognizing our need for authority in the realm of benevolence

The Church is to Engage in the Work of Benevolence  There is authority for such a work  While not in dispute, the fact remains that authority must be established  Approved by Direct Statement  1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 1 Timothy 5:16

1 Corinthians 16:1-3 “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.”

1 Timothy 5:16 “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.”

The Church is to Engage in the Work of Benevolence  There is authority for such a work  While not in dispute, the fact remains that authority must be established  Approved by Direct Statement  1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 1 Timothy 5:16  Approved by Apostolic Example  The Jerusalem church cared for its needy (cf. Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35; 6:1-8)

Acts 2:44-45 “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”

Acts 4:34-35 “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.”

The Church is to Engage in the Work of Benevolence  There is authority for such a work  While not in dispute, the fact remains that authority must be established  Approved by Direct Statement  1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 1 Timothy 5:16  Approved by Apostolic Example  The Jerusalem church cared for its needy (cf. Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35; 6:1-8)  The church in Antioch sent to the brethren in Judea (Acts 11:27-30)

Acts 11:27-30 “And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”

The Benevolent Work of the Church was “Unto the Saints”  “all that believed…” (Acts 2:44,45)  “them that believed…” (4:32-35)  “the disciples…” (6:1)  “relief unto the brethren…” (11:29)  “unto the saints…” (Rom. 15:25)  “for the poor saints…” (15:26)  “accepted of the saints…” (15:31)  “collection for the saints…” (1 Co. 16:1)

The Benevolent Work of the Church was “Unto the Saints”  “ministering to the saints…” (2 Co. 8:4)  “the ministering to the saints” (2 Co. 9:1)  “supplieth the need of the saints…” (2 Co. 9:12)  “Relieve them that are widows indeed…” (1 Tim. 5:16)  Note: There is neither command nor example for the church to engage in a work of general benevolence.

James 1:27 “27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” Note: The general work of benevolence falls within the province of the individual’s responsibility.

Galatians 6:10 “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Luke 10:33-36 “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

Three Possibilities for Benevolence in Church  Local church may care for its own needy saints. (Example: Church in Jerusalem. cf. Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 6:1-8)

Acts 2:44-45 “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”

Acts 4:32-35 “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.” Note: Establishes a common treasury

Acts 6:1-3 “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”

How the Work was Done 1.Place 2.Personnel 3.Provisions

How the Work was NOT Done 1.Place 2.Personnel 3.Provisions (Benevolent Society)

Three Possibilities for Benevolence in Church  Local church may care for its own needy saints. (Example: Church in Jerusalem. cf. Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 6:1-8)  One church may send to many churches to supply the needs of the saints (Example: The church in Antioch sent the the brethren in Judea. cf. Acts 11:27-30)

Acts 11:27-30 “And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”

How the Work was Done

How the Work was NOT Done (Jerusalem) (Antioch)

Three Possibilities for Benevolence in Church  Local church may care for its own needy saints. (Example: Church in Jerusalem. cf. Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 6:1-8)  One church may send to many churches to supply the needs of the saints (Example: The church in Antioch sent the the brethren in Judea. cf. Acts 11:27-30)  Many Churches can send to one church (Example: The churches in Macedonia, Achaia and Galatia sent to the church in Jerusalem. cf. 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9:1-2; Rom. 15:25-32)

1 Corinthians 16:1-3 “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.”

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.”

2 Corinthians 9:1-2 “Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; 2 for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.”

Romans 15:25-28 “But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.”

How the Work was Done Thessalonica Philippi Berea Corinth Athens Lystra Jerusalem

How the Work was NOT Done Thessalonica Philippi Berea Corinth Athens Lystra Jerusalem Iconium

How the Work was NOT Done (2) Thessalonica Philippi Berea Benevolent Society Athens Lystra Jerusalem Iconium

Conclusion  The church may care for needy saints in three different ways.  Those of own congregation  One church sending to many  Many churches sending to one  The Benevolent work to which the church is charged is “unto the saints.”  We must respect God’s pattern in this work as in all works.

Questions Lesson 13 Authority and Benevolence ?

Question 1  Cite the Scriptures which give a divine mandate and approved examples for the work of benevolence in the local church. Divine Mandate (Command): 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 1 Timothy 5:16 Examples: (Local) Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35; 6:1-8; (To other churches) 11:27-30

Question 2  Why did the church in Antioch send to the churches of Judea, as recorded in Acts 11:27- 30? There was a prophecy concerning a famine in the land, and the disciples in Judea would suffer.

Question 3  According to 1 Timothy 5:16, who has the primary obligation in the caring for those who are widows? When is the church to be charged with this work? The individual is given the primary obligation, in this case the children of the widow. The church is to care only for those who are “widows” indeed. That is, who do not have children to care for them.

Question 4  What is the extent of benevolent work that is charged to the church in the New Testament? Is the scope limited at all? Note the list on slides 3 and 4 of the handout. Every scripture which alludes to benevolent monies taken from the treasury limits those monies to saints in need. There is no pattern for the church to engage in the work of general or unlimited benevolence.

Question 5  Describe the three possibilities for benevolent work in the church. 1.The needy of their own congregation (Acts 6). 2.One church sending money to many churches (Acts 11). 3.Many churches sending to one church (1 Corinthians 16).