1. The New Testament Church 2017
The Work of the Church - Benevolence

2. 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!

3. Benevolence Examples Acts 6:1-4 Acts 11:27-30 Romans 15:25-26
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

4. Benevolence Examples Benevolence within a local church
Brethren in Jerusalem – Acts 2:44-45, 4: Acts 6 – 7 men appointed
1 Timothy 5:16

5. Church at Antioch of Syria
Benevolence Examples
Antioch sends to Judea Acts 11:27-30
Jerusalem
Church at Antioch of Syria $
Joppa
Lydda
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)

6. Needy saints in Jerusalem
Benevolence Examples
Relief to Jerusalem Rom. 15, 1 Cor. 16, 2 Cor. 8-9
Corinth
Needy saints in Jerusalem $
Thess.
Philippi
Brethren of Jerusalem
Years later, Paul’s 3rd journey
Romans 15: Corinthians 16: Corinthians 8-9

7. 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, Corinthians 8:19,23)

8. Benevolence Examples Brethren of Jerusalem
No sponsoring church or human organization
Money sent directly to the need (Rom. 15:26-27)

9. The Pattern of Benevolence
Churches in NT NEVER engaged in general benevolence 1 Timothy 3:15, Romans 14:17 Consider 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

10. The Pattern of Benevolence
Benevolence was never used as a means to evangelize! John 6: Acts 3:1-9
It was always to brethren
Always when other efforts exhausted – 1 Timothy 5:16

11. 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

12. 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; 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

13. The good intentions of these works are not questioned
The PATTERN in scripture is!
Where is the authority?