1. When the Church Helps I. The Church Helped Needy Saints.
A. Within the Congregation — Example of the church in Jerusalem.
1. Sold possessions and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:32-37).
2. Supported widows (Acts 6:1-6).
a. Paul’s qualifications for widows supported by the church (I Timothy 5:3-16).
B. In Other Places — Example of relief for churches in Judea.
1. Carried by Paul & Barnabas to the elders (Acts 11:27-30).
2. Several churches participated (Romans 15:25-27; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4).

2. When the Church Helps II. The Church Supported Preachers.
A. Working In Other Places — The Example of Philippi (Philippians 4:14-19).
B. Working Locally — Paul’s Teaching to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:1-16).
1. Although he didn’t accept support from them he could have.
2. While in Corinth he was supported by brethren in other places (2 Corinthians 11:7-9).
3. Elders who labor in the word can also be supported (1 Timothy 5:17,18).