1. The New Testament Church 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 Benevolence within a local church Brethren in Jerusalem – Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37 Acts 6 – 7 men appointed 1 Timothy 5:16

4. Benevolence Examples Brethren of Judea Acts 11:27-30 Judea had exhausted resources Relief sent by each according to his ability (29) They chose Paul and Barnabase (Messengers) (30) Sent directly to elders of congregations (30) Antioch sends to Judea Acts 11:27-30 Jerusalem Church at Antioch of Syria $ Joppa Lydda $ $

5. Benevolence Examples Brethren of Jerusalem Years later, Paul’s 3 rd journey Romans 15:22-27 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 2 Corinthians 8-9 Relief to Jerusalem Rom. 15, 1 Cor. 16, 2 Cor. 8-9 Corinth Needy saints in Jerusalem $ Thess. Philippi $ $

6. Benevolence Examples Brethren of Jerusalem Each congregation acted independently Each congregation raised its own funds (1 Cor. 16:2) Each congregation chose how (and who) their gift would be delivered (1 Cor. 16:3-4, 2 Cor. 8:19,23)

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

8. The Pattern of Benevolence Churches in NT NEVER engaged in general benevolence 1 Tim. 3:15, Romans 14:17 Consider Acts 6:2-4 General benevolence addressed: Family, 1 Tim. 5:8 Government, Rom. 13 Individuals, James 1:27, Gal. 6:10, Matt. 25:31-46

9. The Pattern of Benevolence Benevolence was never used as a means to evangelize! John 6:26-27 Acts 3:1-9 It was always to brethren Always when other efforts exhausted – 1 Tim. 5:16

10. 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

11. The Pattern of Benevolence There IS a difference between the work of the individual and the church! 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

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