NEW TESTAMENT GIVING-part 5

NEW TESTAMENT GIVING - What are we to give to?-(cont.)

The next time we see money mentioned in connection with the early disciples is when Simon(Magus) the sorcerer offered Peter and John money for the ability to confer the gift of the HOLY GHOST. Peter rebuked him for thinking that the gifts of GOD could be purchased. Yet I have heard men teach that the principle of tithing is such that even the ungodly who tithe will be blessed with material blessings if they are faithful to tithe (especially if they give the money to the one doing the teaching). They shall perish with their money for the blessings of GOD cannot be bought with sums of money and those who think they can are as Simon, in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.
Then we travel with Barnabas and Paul down to Antioch where the scripture tells us that “the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea.” (Acts 11:29) This passage is interesting for what it does not say as much as it is for what it does. There is no record here of any man being coerced or even exhorted to give money to this effort to send financial help to the brethren in Judea. There was a report given by Agabus, a prophet, that there was to be (or perhaps already was) a famine or dearth coming upon the earth. There is no record that anyone made a specific appeal for relief. This is quite a novel concept in light of the constant pleading for money and those who feel it necessary to make everyone aware of “opportunities for service”. etc. which are quite rampant today. Many are amazed to find out that the LORD can (and does from time to time) lay it upon the heart of HIS people to supply a need without anyone else having to make them aware of it. I am not saying that this is always the case nor that the LORD does not move upon men to supply needs which are brought before them by another man, only that HE is not powerless in these things to work without human instrumentality.
We notice in this instance that men gave according to their ability rather than according to a fixed formula. We have no record of anyone exhorting them to give more nor do we find a certain goal set which they strove to meet. Giving for the relief of the brethren is one of the specific things that GOD’s people are to be concerned with in giving the funds with which the LORD has blessed them. When the saints of GOD are in a place of need which they cannot supply by their own effort or ability, it is incumbent upon those who are their brethren to consider their needs as their own as the LORD enables them. “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal 6:2) Paul knowing the sinful nature of men followed this admonition up with “For every man shall bear his own burden.” (Gal 6:5) lest any should abuse this and let laziness rather than true lack be the moving factor of “need”. (see 2 Thes.3:10-12)
This money was evidently pooled together (rather than deposited in a general fund) and placed in the hands of Barnabas and Paul for the specific purpose of the saints relief. We have no record of any votes being taken nor of any committee that was consulted, much less of any of those funds gathered for this reason being used for some other purpose.. They saw a need, gave as GOD enabled them, and made arrangements to see that which they had given, safely and efficiently placed into the hands of those in need. Paul and Barnabas journeyed to Jerusalem and having accomplished the task they were sent to perform they returned back to Antioch. (see Acts 12:25)
The next time that we come across the subject of money is in Acts 18:3 where we find the apostle Paul busy working with his own hands to provide for his needs. This too, is a novel concept among many churches today as the ministry of the Word has become a paid profession more than a calling. Paul did not demand that he be supported and even brought attention to the fact that he preferred not to take a salary from those he ministered to. His desire was to be chargeable (i.e.; a financial liablility) to no one. (see 1 Thes.2:9, 2 Thes.3:8) It is clear that Paul was not reluctant to provide his own support and gave no consideration to money in determining where he was to minister the gifts GOD had given him. The modern practice of selling one’s services to the highest bidder is nothing more or less than making merchandise of the gospel. Even as a child I observed that most so called preachers determined where the LORD was “calling” them by looking at the salary offered. We hope to address this whole matter in more detail later but suffice it to say that Paul’s example is disregarded by the professionals.
An amazing occurrence took place in Ephesus as Paul preached there and the HOLY SPIRIT was convincing men of sin and bringing them to repentance. (see Acts 19:19) Evidently many in that city were involved in some sort of witchcraft which they were convicted by the SPIRIT was evil. They manifested repentance by bringing the books which they used in this practice and burning them, even though their value was 50,000 pieces of silver. This is a princely sum but it illustrates the comparative worthlessness of money, in the mind of GOD’s people, compared to spiritual truth and it demonstrates the willingness of the true children of GOD to part with that which men deem very valuable for the cause of CHRIST. Some more pragmatic and “wise” teachers today would probably have had them liquidate their collections of books and give the proceeds to their “ministry” since they always seem to be in short supply.
It was also here in Ephesus and related to this very event that Demetrius the silversmith arose with the concern that his and other workmen’s livelihoods were in danger of being disrupted. The power of CHRIST to change men’s lives and practices is evident in this testimony from an unconverted man who observed this power in operation even though he had no love nor understanding of it.

(to be continued, DV) mam