BENEVOLENCE AS A MEANS OF BENEVOLENCE AS A MEANS OF EVANGELISM THAT TURNS THE WORLD EVANGELISM THAT TURNS THE WORLD

UPSIDE DOWNUPSIDE DOWN

Dates: December Dates: December 21-23, 200921-23, 2009Venue: Kalookan Venue: Kalookan Church of ChristChurch of Christ

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““Turned the world Turned the world upside down”upside down”Cebuano: “Nagabalit-ad sa Cebuano: “Nagabalit-ad sa

kalibutan”kalibutan”Hiligaynon: “Nagpabaliskad Hiligaynon: “Nagpabaliskad

sang kalibutan”sang kalibutan”Tagalog: “Nambabaligtad Tagalog: “Nambabaligtad

ng mundo”ng mundo”

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MGA GAWA 17:1-6MGA GAWA 17:1-6 1 Nang makaraan na sina Pablo at Silas 1 Nang makaraan na sina Pablo at Silas

sa Amfipolis at sa Apolonia ay sa Amfipolis at sa Apolonia ay nakarating sila sa Tesalonica, kung nakarating sila sa Tesalonica, kung saan may isang sinagoga ng mga Judio. saan may isang sinagoga ng mga Judio.

2 At si Pablo ay pumasok ayon sa 2 At si Pablo ay pumasok ayon sa kanyang kaugalian, at sa loob ng kanyang kaugalian, at sa loob ng tatlong araw ng Sabado ay tatlong araw ng Sabado ay nangatuwiran sa kanila mula sa mga nangatuwiran sa kanila mula sa mga Kasulatan,Kasulatan,

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3 Na ipinapaliwanag at pinatutunayan 3 Na ipinapaliwanag at pinatutunayan na kailangang magdusa ang Cristo at na kailangang magdusa ang Cristo at muling mabuhay mula sa mga patay; muling mabuhay mula sa mga patay; at sinasabi, “Itong Jesus na aking at sinasabi, “Itong Jesus na aking ipinangangaral sa inyo ay siyang ipinangangaral sa inyo ay siyang Cristo.”Cristo.”

4 Nahikayat ang ilan sa kanila at 4 Nahikayat ang ilan sa kanila at sumama kina Pablo at kay Silas, sumama kina Pablo at kay Silas, ganoon din ang mga Griyegong ganoon din ang mga Griyegong masisipag sa kabanalan, at hindi masisipag sa kabanalan, at hindi kakaunting mga pangunahing babae.kakaunting mga pangunahing babae.

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5 Subalit dahil sa inggit, ang 5 Subalit dahil sa inggit, ang mga Judio ay nagsama ng ilang mga Judio ay nagsama ng ilang masasamang tao mula sa masasamang tao mula sa pamilihan, at nang pamilihan, at nang makapagtipon sila ng maraming makapagtipon sila ng maraming tao ay ginulo nila ang lunsod. tao ay ginulo nila ang lunsod. Nilusob nila ang bahay ni Jason, Nilusob nila ang bahay ni Jason, sa kagustohang maiharap sina sa kagustohang maiharap sina Pablo at Silas sa mga tao. Pablo at Silas sa mga tao.

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6 Nang sila’y hindi nila 6 Nang sila’y hindi nila natagpuan, kanilang kinaladkad natagpuan, kanilang kinaladkad si Jason at ang ilang kapatid sa si Jason at ang ilang kapatid sa harap ng mga pinuno ng lunsod, harap ng mga pinuno ng lunsod, na ipinagsisigawan, “Ang mga na ipinagsisigawan, “Ang mga taong ito na nambabaligtad ng taong ito na nambabaligtad ng mundo ay dumating din dito!”mundo ay dumating din dito!”

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In ACTS 17:6, that In ACTS 17:6, that phrase in the Greek NT phrase in the Greek NT

reads like this…reads like this… ‘‘οι την οικουμενην αναστατωσαντες οι την οικουμενην αναστατωσαντες

‘ουτοι και ενθαδε παρεισιν, ‘ουτοι και ενθαδε παρεισιν, hoi ten oikoume’nen anastato’santes hoi ten oikoume’nen anastato’santes

houtoi kai ethna’de pa’reisin, houtoi kai ethna’de pa’reisin, ““These men having turned the These men having turned the

inhabited earth upside down have inhabited earth upside down have arrived here also!”arrived here also!”

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ANASTATO’SANTESANASTATO’SANTES

αναστατωσαντες, “having turned upside down,” αναστατωσαντες, “having turned upside down,” aorist active participle, from αναστατοω, aorist active participle, from αναστατοω, anastato’o, anastato’o, “to stir up to sedition, to upset, to “to stir up to sedition, to upset, to unsettle, to cause an uproar” (Rogers & Rogers, unsettle, to cause an uproar” (Rogers & Rogers, The New Linguistic & Exegetical Key to the Greek The New Linguistic & Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament, New Testament, 273; Vine, 273; Vine, Expository Dictionary Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, of New Testament Words, 75, s. “Stir”).75, s. “Stir”).

It refers to the previous action of Paul and Silas It refers to the previous action of Paul and Silas of preaching at the synagogue of the Jews the of preaching at the synagogue of the Jews the good news of Jesus, whose death and resurrection good news of Jesus, whose death and resurrection had scandalized the Jews. had scandalized the Jews.

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Paul had ALSO been accused of Paul had ALSO been accused of turning the government upside turning the government upside down.down. Acts 21:38, Acts 21:38, ““And when Paul was about to be And when Paul was about to be

taken into the building, he said to the chief taken into the building, he said to the chief captain, May I say something to you? And the captain, May I say something to you? And the [chief captain] said, Have you a knowledge of [chief captain] said, Have you a knowledge of Greek? 38 Are you by chance the Egyptian who, Greek? 38 Are you by chance the Egyptian who, before this, got the people worked up against before this, got the people worked up against the governmentthe government and took four thousand men of and took four thousand men of the Assassins out into the waste land?”the Assassins out into the waste land?” (BBE). (BBE).

““Worked up against the government” is from Worked up against the government” is from αναστατωσας, αναστατωσας, anastato’sas, anastato’sas, aorist active aorist active participle, participle, ““stirred up to sedition,” or “turned stirred up to sedition,” or “turned upside down.”upside down.”

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Paul accused the false teachers of Paul accused the false teachers of turning upside down the minds of turning upside down the minds of the Galatians.the Galatians.

Gal. 5:12:Gal. 5:12: “ “I would” (5:12a), I would” (5:12a), οφελον, οφελον, o’phelono’phelon, , a particle to introduce wishes that are not a particle to introduce wishes that are not obtainable (Rogers & Rogers, 430), obtainable (Rogers & Rogers, 430), “I desire,” “I desire,” “I would, oh that I would,” “Ibig ko sana”“I would, oh that I would,” “Ibig ko sana”

““that they that unsettle you” (5:12b), that they that unsettle you” (5:12b), αναστατουντες, αναστατουντες, anastatountesanastatountes, “they that stir , “they that stir you up, they that give you trouble, they that you up, they that give you trouble, they that turn you upside down,” “na iyang mga turn you upside down,” “na iyang mga nanggugulo sa inyo”nanggugulo sa inyo”

““would even go beyond circumcision” (5:12c), would even go beyond circumcision” (5:12c), αποκοψονται, αποκοψονται, apoko’psontai,apoko’psontai, “ “might even be might even be cut off themselves” (BBE), “Na kapunin nila cut off themselves” (BBE), “Na kapunin nila ang kanilang sarili” (TB).ang kanilang sarili” (TB).

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Our good news always turns Our good news always turns the world upside down!the world upside down! Like Paul, we preach about the God who came Like Paul, we preach about the God who came

here and became poor and offered us the riches here and became poor and offered us the riches of heaven,of heaven,

Who taught us that the only way to be happy Who taught us that the only way to be happy with our riches is to use it to further the ends of with our riches is to use it to further the ends of love,love,

That the only way for us to inherit God’s That the only way for us to inherit God’s mansions is to throw away our pretentiousness,mansions is to throw away our pretentiousness,

That the way to go up is to go down,That the way to go up is to go down, That the way to end enmity is to love our That the way to end enmity is to love our

enemy, enemy,

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That the way to deal with our sins is to look That the way to deal with our sins is to look at it squarely, face up to it, and strive to at it squarely, face up to it, and strive to follow Him. follow Him.

He has promised everyone life--- and died in He has promised everyone life--- and died in order to make good that promise.order to make good that promise.

In this world of many imperfections, He has In this world of many imperfections, He has come to invite us to “be perfect even as your come to invite us to “be perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). Father in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48).

He wants us not to remember our past but to He wants us not to remember our past but to strive to become the new man that He strive to become the new man that He desires us to be!desires us to be!

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I think we have crystallized I think we have crystallized our teachings to some our teachings to some point…point…

We can NOW conclude that the We can NOW conclude that the work of the church of Jesus on work of the church of Jesus on earth consists of three:earth consists of three:

(1) Evangelism(1) Evangelism(2) Edification(2) Edification(3) Benevolence(3) Benevolence

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Evangelism – the Evangelism – the proclamation of the Good proclamation of the Good NewsNews ευαγγελιον, ευαγγελιον, euangelioneuangelion, which means , which means

“evangel, or good news”; ευ means “evangel, or good news”; ευ means “good,” αγγελιον means “news.”“good,” αγγελιον means “news.”

αγγελιον, αγγελιον, angelionangelion, has the same roots , has the same roots as the word αγγελος, angelos, “angel, as the word αγγελος, angelos, “angel, messenger”messenger”

It also has the same roots as It also has the same roots as ευαγγελιστες, ευαγγελιστες, eu’angelistes,eu’angelistes, “evangelist,” “gospel preacher,” or “evangelist,” “gospel preacher,” or “good newser” (as Jim Massey would “good newser” (as Jim Massey would say)say)

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In our work of In our work of evangelism,evangelism, The whole world is our field, every creature The whole world is our field, every creature

is the object of our efforts, and the Bible is is the object of our efforts, and the Bible is the seed of God that we keep sowing.the seed of God that we keep sowing.

We aim for change, not only for ourselves, We aim for change, not only for ourselves, but for the people of the world whom we but for the people of the world whom we love.love.

Our goal is to keep on, that we all may Our goal is to keep on, that we all may finally be found sitting before that table, finally be found sitting before that table, with the rest of them who love His with the rest of them who love His appearing, partaking of the Supper of the appearing, partaking of the Supper of the Lamb.Lamb.

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Picture the people Picture the people in sin…in sin… Like planets they are wandering through Like planets they are wandering through

space, without any sure direction, drifting space, without any sure direction, drifting aimlessly, ending finally into that Black Hole of aimlessly, ending finally into that Black Hole of destruction from which they could no longer destruction from which they could no longer return.return.

We in the Lord’s church are here to provide We in the Lord’s church are here to provide them directions, that they may stop groping in them directions, that they may stop groping in the dark and focus their eyes toward the light.the dark and focus their eyes toward the light.

Our benevolence efforts must therefore be Our benevolence efforts must therefore be geared toward directing these people to Jesus geared toward directing these people to Jesus to embrace the lifestyle that He wants us to to embrace the lifestyle that He wants us to have.have.

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Benevolence? Have you Benevolence? Have you heard of this story?heard of this story? Grupo: “Pastor, kailangang gumawa na rin tayo Grupo: “Pastor, kailangang gumawa na rin tayo

ng benevolence program natin upang ng benevolence program natin upang makakatulong man tayo kahit paano.”makakatulong man tayo kahit paano.”

Pastor (nag-isip ng malalim): “Benevolence? Pastor (nag-isip ng malalim): “Benevolence? Tama kayo. Kaya madaliin natin itong meeting Tama kayo. Kaya madaliin natin itong meeting natin at uuwi na ako. Kawawa din yong misis natin at uuwi na ako. Kawawa din yong misis ko.”ko.”

Grupo: “Bakit po? Ano pong nangyari sa Grupo: “Bakit po? Ano pong nangyari sa kanya?”kanya?”

Pastor: “Tatlong linggo na po kaming hiwalay Pastor: “Tatlong linggo na po kaming hiwalay ng kwarto.”ng kwarto.”

Grupo: “Eh, anong kinalaman niyan sa Grupo: “Eh, anong kinalaman niyan sa benevolence program natin?”benevolence program natin?”

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This was the verse he This was the verse he showed them…showed them…““Let the husband render unto Let the husband render unto

the wife due benevolence: and the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the likewise also the wife unto the husband” (1 Cor 7:3, KJV). husband” (1 Cor 7:3, KJV).

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1 Corinthians 7:31 Corinthians 7:3 The word wrongly translated The word wrongly translated

“benevolence” is the Greek word “benevolence” is the Greek word οφειλην, οφειλην, opheilen,opheilen, meaning “obligation, due.” meaning “obligation, due.”

τη γυναικι ‘ο ανηρ την οφειλην αποδιδοτω, τη γυναικι ‘ο ανηρ την οφειλην αποδιδοτω, te gunaiki ho aner ten opheilen apodido’to,te gunaiki ho aner ten opheilen apodido’to, Literally: “Let the husband pay the wife Literally: “Let the husband pay the wife

[his] obligation.”[his] obligation.” Pakikipagtalik – pagbabayad ng utang, Pakikipagtalik – pagbabayad ng utang,

fulfilling obligationfulfilling obligation

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αποδιδοτω, apodido’toαποδιδοτω, apodido’to““Let him pay” the obligationLet him pay” the obligationPresent tense – referring to Present tense – referring to

continuous actioncontinuous actionImperative – it is a commandImperative – it is a commandActive – you yourself should Active – you yourself should

do itdo it

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““Benevolence”: Benevolence”: EtymologyEtymology Old English word, borrowed from French, Old English word, borrowed from French,

which borrowed it from Latin.which borrowed it from Latin. Latin: BENEVOLENSLatin: BENEVOLENS BENE, “well” (cf. benign).BENE, “well” (cf. benign). VOLENS, present participle of VELLE, “to VOLENS, present participle of VELLE, “to

wish” (rooted from Indo-European). wish” (rooted from Indo-European). Hence: “To wish one well.”Hence: “To wish one well.” http://www.thefreedictionary.com/http://www.thefreedictionary.com/

benevolentbenevolent

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Benevolence isBenevolence is““a disposition to do good” a disposition to do good” ““an inclination to do kind an inclination to do kind

acts”acts”““an act showing kindness an act showing kindness

and good will” and good will” wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

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BenevolenceBenevolence From AGATHOSU’NE, αγαθωσυνη, From AGATHOSU’NE, αγαθωσυνη,

which means goodness.which means goodness. It is a generosity that springs from It is a generosity that springs from

the heart that is kind and will the heart that is kind and will always take care to obtain for always take care to obtain for others that which is useful and others that which is useful and beneficial (Rogers & Rogers,beneficial (Rogers & Rogers, 431).431).

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Benevolence is coupled Benevolence is coupled with kindness or with kindness or gentlenessgentleness Kindness is CHRESTO’TES, Kindness is CHRESTO’TES,

χρηστοτης, which also means χρηστοτης, which also means “gentleness.” “gentleness.”

““It refers to a kindly disposition It refers to a kindly disposition toward one’s neighbors, showing toward one’s neighbors, showing goodness and concern toward other goodness and concern toward other people, a kindness that expresses people, a kindness that expresses sympathy” (Rogers & Rogers, 431). sympathy” (Rogers & Rogers, 431).

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Benevolence is a trait Benevolence is a trait produced by the Spirit of produced by the Spirit of God in us.God in us. Galacia 5:22-23, Galacia 5:22-23, “Subalit ang bunga “Subalit ang bunga

ng Espiritu ay pag-ibig, kagalakan, ng Espiritu ay pag-ibig, kagalakan, kapayapaan, pagtitiyaga, kapayapaan, pagtitiyaga, kagandahang loob, kagandahang loob, kabutihan kabutihan [benevolence], katapatan, [benevolence], katapatan, 23 kaamuan at pagpipigil sa sarili. 23 kaamuan at pagpipigil sa sarili. Laban sa mga ito ay walang Laban sa mga ito ay walang kautusan.”kautusan.”

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The rich are commanded The rich are commanded to practice benevolenceto practice benevolence 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (Montgomery),1 Timothy 6:17-19 (Montgomery), ““Charge the rich of this world not to be Charge the rich of this world not to be

supercilious, nor to trust in uncertain supercilious, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in God, who provides all things riches, but in God, who provides all things richly for our use. 18 Charge them to richly for our use. 18 Charge them to practice benevolence, to be rich in good practice benevolence, to be rich in good works, to be open-handed and generous, works, to be open-handed and generous, 19 laying up right good treasure for 19 laying up right good treasure for themselves in the world to come, in order themselves in the world to come, in order that they may obtain the Life which is life that they may obtain the Life which is life indeed.” indeed.”

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1 Timothy 6:17-191 Timothy 6:17-19 (1) Charge (6:17a), παραγγελλε, (1) Charge (6:17a), παραγγελλε, para’ngelle,para’ngelle,

present imperative active, “to give orders, to present imperative active, “to give orders, to command, to instruct” (Rogers & Rogers, 499). command, to instruct” (Rogers & Rogers, 499). “Atasan mo sila” (TB). It is a continuing “Atasan mo sila” (TB). It is a continuing command.command.

(2) “The rich of this world” (6:17b), τοις (2) “The rich of this world” (6:17b), τοις πλουσιοις εν τω νυν αιωνι, πλουσιοις εν τω νυν αιωνι, tois plousi’ois en to tois plousi’ois en to nun aioninun aioni, to the rich people of this present age., to the rich people of this present age.

(3) “Not to be supercilious” (6:17c), μη (3) “Not to be supercilious” (6:17c), μη ‘υψηλοφρονειν, ‘υψηλοφρονειν, me hupsilophroneinme hupsilophronein, “not to be , “not to be highminded, not to think highly of themselves” highminded, not to think highly of themselves” (Ibid.). “Huwag magmataas” (TB).(Ibid.). “Huwag magmataas” (TB).

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(4) “Not to trust in uncertain riches” (6:17d), (4) “Not to trust in uncertain riches” (6:17d), Literally, “not to put their hope on the Literally, “not to put their hope on the uncertainty of riches” (Marshall, Interlinear uncertainty of riches” (Marshall, Interlinear Greek-English New Testament). Greek-English New Testament). “Huwag “Huwag umasa sa kayamanang hindi tiyak” (TB). umasa sa kayamanang hindi tiyak” (TB). “Trust,” ηλπικεναι, “Trust,” ηλπικεναι, elpike’nai,elpike’nai, is perfect is perfect active infinitive, a finished action whose active infinitive, a finished action whose effect continues to the present. It means to effect continues to the present. It means to put one’s hope on someone or something put one’s hope on someone or something and to let that hope rest there. “To hope and and to let that hope rest there. “To hope and continue to hope” (Rogers & Rogers, 499). continue to hope” (Rogers & Rogers, 499).

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““Riches are uncertain because they may soon Riches are uncertain because they may soon be taken away. No dependence can be placed be taken away. No dependence can be placed on them in the emergencies of life. He who is on them in the emergencies of life. He who is rich today, has no security that he will [still] be rich today, has no security that he will [still] be [rich] tomorrow; and if he shall be rich [rich] tomorrow; and if he shall be rich tomorrow, he has no certainty that his riches tomorrow, he has no certainty that his riches will meet his necessities then. A man whose will meet his necessities then. A man whose house is in flames, or who is shipwrecked, or house is in flames, or who is shipwrecked, or whose child lies dying, or who is himself in the whose child lies dying, or who is himself in the agonies of death, can derive no advantage from agonies of death, can derive no advantage from the fact that he is richer than other men” the fact that he is richer than other men” (Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament). (Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament).

Brethren, one thing that is certain about riches Brethren, one thing that is certain about riches is that they are uncertain!is that they are uncertain!

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(5) Trust in God, who continually provides all (5) Trust in God, who continually provides all things richly for our use (6:17e). Rivers will things richly for our use (6:17e). Rivers will run dry, the ice in the Arctic Ocean will melt, run dry, the ice in the Arctic Ocean will melt, and climates will change, but God will not. and climates will change, but God will not. Only God is certain. Trust God, not riches. He Only God is certain. Trust God, not riches. He always provides. “He provides for our use.” always provides. “He provides for our use.” “Our use,” εις απολαυσιν, “Our use,” εις απολαυσιν, eis apo’lausineis apo’lausin, , meaning “for our pleasure or enjoyment” meaning “for our pleasure or enjoyment” (Rogers & Rogers, 499). God keeps on (Rogers & Rogers, 499). God keeps on providing all things so richly that no granaries providing all things so richly that no granaries or depots in this world could contain His or depots in this world could contain His blessings. blessings.

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(6) Charge the rich to practice (6) Charge the rich to practice benevolence (6:18a). The word here benevolence (6:18a). The word here is αγαθοεργειν, is αγαθοεργειν, agathoergein,agathoergein, from from agathos,agathos, “good,” and “good,” and ergos,ergos, “work,” meaning “to do good “work,” meaning “to do good deeds, to do good works, to do that deeds, to do good works, to do that which is noble and praiseworthy” which is noble and praiseworthy” (Rogers & Rogers, 499).(Rogers & Rogers, 499).

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(7) “To be rich in good works” (6:18b), (7) “To be rich in good works” (6:18b), πλουτειν εν εργοις καλοις, πλουτειν εν εργοις καλοις, ploutein en ploutein en ergois kalois. ergois kalois. “Maging mayaman sa “Maging mayaman sa mabubuting gawa.”mabubuting gawa.” ..

(8) “To be open-handed, or ready to give” (8) “To be open-handed, or ready to give” (6:18c), ευμεταδοτους, (6:18c), ευμεταδοτους, eumetado’touseumetado’tous, , “to be ready to impart” (Marshall); “to be “to be ready to impart” (Marshall); “to be sharing well, to be generous” (Rogers & sharing well, to be generous” (Rogers & Rogers, 499). It is a picture word coined Rogers, 499). It is a picture word coined from ευ, “good,” μετα, “stand by,” from ευ, “good,” μετα, “stand by,” δοτους, from δοτους, from doto,doto, “to give” (BAGD). “to give” (BAGD).

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(9) “To be willing to communicate” (9) “To be willing to communicate” (6:18), “To be willing to share,” ειναι (6:18), “To be willing to share,” ειναι κοινωνικους, κοινωνικους, einai koinonikou’s.einai koinonikou’s. Sharing one’s blessings is a form of Sharing one’s blessings is a form of communicating the language of divine communicating the language of divine love. In benevolence, both the givers love. In benevolence, both the givers and the receivers are in fellowship and the receivers are in fellowship with the one God who provides these with the one God who provides these blessings to all. blessings to all.

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(10) By being benevolent, the rich (10) By being benevolent, the rich will be laying up right good will be laying up right good treasure. treasure.

““Sa gayo’y magtitipon sila para sa Sa gayo’y magtitipon sila para sa kanilang sarili ng isang mabuting kanilang sarili ng isang mabuting saligan para sa hinaharap upang saligan para sa hinaharap upang sila’y makapanghawak ng tunay sila’y makapanghawak ng tunay na buhay” (TB). na buhay” (TB).

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Galatians 6:10Galatians 6:10 ““So then, as we have opportunity, let us do So then, as we have opportunity, let us do

good to all men, but especially to those who good to all men, but especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Montgomery are of the household of faith” (Montgomery NT).NT).

(1) αρα ουν ‘ως καιρον εχωμεν, (1) αρα ουν ‘ως καιρον εχωμεν, Ara oun hos Ara oun hos kairon e’chomen. kairon e’chomen. Literally, “Therefore as we Literally, “Therefore as we have the time” (6:10a). Take note that this have the time” (6:10a). Take note that this passage no longer talks about the rich alone passage no longer talks about the rich alone doing good. It is no longer the question of doing good. It is no longer the question of whether we have money or not, but whether whether we have money or not, but whether we have TIME to do good or not. Everyone, we have TIME to do good or not. Everyone, whether rich or poor, is to do good, and whether rich or poor, is to do good, and doing good does not wholly involve money.doing good does not wholly involve money.

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(2) εργαζωμεθα το αγαθον προς παντας, (2) εργαζωμεθα το αγαθον προς παντας, ergadzo’metha to agathon pros pa’ntas.ergadzo’metha to agathon pros pa’ntas. “Let us do the good to all” (6:10b). A “Let us do the good to all” (6:10b). A hortatory subjunctive that speaks to the hortatory subjunctive that speaks to the heart. The good, το αγαθον, heart. The good, το αγαθον, to agathon, to agathon, is anything that uplifts your fellow man. is anything that uplifts your fellow man. προς παντας, προς παντας, pros pa’ntas, pros pa’ntas, refers to “all refers to “all men,” regardless of sex, color, religion, men,” regardless of sex, color, religion, need, lifestyle, ideology. need, lifestyle, ideology.

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(3) μαλιστα δε προς τους οικειους της (3) μαλιστα δε προς τους οικειους της πιστεως, πιστεως, ma’lista de pros tous oikei’ous ma’lista de pros tous oikei’ous tes pis’teos. tes pis’teos. ““And most of all to the And most of all to the members of the family of the faith.” Are members of the family of the faith.” Are we accused of being partial to church we accused of being partial to church members? There is nothing wrong with it members? There is nothing wrong with it (Rom. 9:13). Nobody has any right to (Rom. 9:13). Nobody has any right to question the preference of the Divine question the preference of the Divine Giver, nor have any right to dictate on God Giver, nor have any right to dictate on God to change His preferences as He reveals in to change His preferences as He reveals in His Word. His Word. The sense of the passage is: Do The sense of the passage is: Do good to all, but most of all to Christians. good to all, but most of all to Christians.

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1 John 3:171 John 3:17 (1) “He who has this world's goods”

(3:17a). ‘ος δ αν εχη τον βιον του κοσμου, hos d an eche ton bi’on tou kosmou, literally, “Whoever has the means of life of the world” (Rogers & Rogers, 596). “World’s goods is of value to us [because] it meets our wants this side of the grave; and perhaps also because it is sought supremely by the men of the world” (Barnes).

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(2) “And sees his brother have need” (3:17b). Literally, “And beholds his brother having need.” “Beholds” is θεωρη, theore, present subjunctive active, “to see” (Rogers & Rogers, 596). Present subjunctive shows the action to be continuing. εχοντα, e’chonta, “have,” is present active participle, speaking of continuous action (Ibid.). χρειαν, chrei’an, “need,” means “need of food, raiment, shelter; or sick, and poor, and unable to provide for his own wants and for those of his family” (Barnes).

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“And shutteth up his bowels from him” (3:17c). και κλειση τα σπλαγχνα αυτου απ αυτου, kai klei’se ta spla’nchna autou ap’ autou, “And shuts the bowels of him from him.” κλειση, klei’se, aorist subjunctive active, “to shut up, to lock” (Rogers & Rogers, 596). Aorist subjunctive speaks of immediate action. “And immediately shuts up his bowels of mercy from his brother, never opening up.” “The bowels… are in the Scriptures represented as the seat of mercy, piety, compassion, because when the mind feels compassion it is that part which is affected” (Barnes).

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“How does the love of God dwell in him?” (3:17d). How can a man say he loves God but does not love those who bear the image of God? “Love of God” here is genitive of description, meaning “the love one has for God.” How can the man who keeps seeing his brother having need, and remembers him having need, say that the love of God dwells in him when he shuts the door of compassion in his heart for that brother? The meaning is plain: We cannot have the evidence of piety unless we are ready to do good to others, especially to fellow Christians.  

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CASES OF BENEVOLENCE IN CASES OF BENEVOLENCE IN THE BOOK OF ACTSTHE BOOK OF ACTS Acts 2:44-45Acts 2:44-45Acts 4:32-35Acts 4:32-35Acts 11:27-30Acts 11:27-30

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Acts 2:44-45Acts 2:44-45 ““And all that believed were And all that believed were

together, and had all things together, and had all things common; 45 and they sold their common; 45 and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man them to all, according as any man had need” (ASV).had need” (ASV).

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Acts 2:44-45Acts 2:44-45 (1) “And all that believed together” (1) “And all that believed together”

(2:44a), παντες δε ‘οι πιστευσαντες επι το (2:44a), παντες δε ‘οι πιστευσαντες επι το αυτο, αυτο, pantes de hoi pisteu’santes epi to pantes de hoi pisteu’santes epi to auto, auto, literally, “and all the believing ones literally, “and all the believing ones together,” active participle telling us that together,” active participle telling us that the ones who believed in the Messiahship the ones who believed in the Messiahship of Jesus at that time had that togetherness. of Jesus at that time had that togetherness.

(2) “Had all things common” (2:44b), ειχον (2) “Had all things common” (2:44b), ειχον απαντα κοινα, απαντα κοινα, eichon apanta koinaeichon apanta koina. ειχον, . ειχον, “had,” is imperfect indicative active, “had,” is imperfect indicative active, speaking of continuing action in the past.speaking of continuing action in the past.

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Acts 2:44-45Acts 2:44-45 J. W. McGarvey: “J. W. McGarvey: “This was not a This was not a

community of goods, by which all were community of goods, by which all were placed on a pecuniary level” (J. W. placed on a pecuniary level” (J. W. McGarvey, McGarvey, Commentary on Acts of the Commentary on Acts of the ApostlesApostles). ).

B. W. Johnson: “(1) the goods were not a B. W. Johnson: “(1) the goods were not a common fund, but each one had goods common fund, but each one had goods that he possessed; (2) he did not say that he possessed; (2) he did not say that his goods were his own; (3) they that his goods were his own; (3) they used all as if it belonged to all; (4) there used all as if it belonged to all; (4) there were none that lacked” (were none that lacked” (The People's The People's New TestamentNew Testament).).

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Acts 2:44-45Acts 2:44-45 (3) “And they sold their possessions and (3) “And they sold their possessions and

goods” (2:45a). “They sold,” επιπρασκον, goods” (2:45a). “They sold,” επιπρασκον, epi’praskon, epi’praskon, imperfect indicative active of imperfect indicative active of πιπρασκω, πιπρασκω, pipra’sko, pipra’sko, “to sell.” It is a “to sell.” It is a customary imperfect that speaks of customary imperfect that speaks of continuous action in the past. The sense of continuous action in the past. The sense of the text is “They sold from time to time” the text is “They sold from time to time” (Rogers & Rogers, 234). They sold, when (Rogers & Rogers, 234). They sold, when there was a need to do so, there was a need to do so, as much as was as much as was necessary, in order to procure the means necessary, in order to procure the means of providing for the wants of each other.of providing for the wants of each other.

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(4) “And parted them to all” (2:45b), και (4) “And parted them to all” (2:45b), και διεμεριζον αυτα πασιν, διεμεριζον αυτα πασιν, kai dieme’ridzon kai dieme’ridzon auta pasin, auta pasin, literally, “and distributed literally, “and distributed them all.” them all.” Distributed them to supply Distributed them to supply the wants of their poorer brethren. the wants of their poorer brethren.

McGarvey: “Poor brethren must not be McGarvey: “Poor brethren must not be allowed to suffer for the necessaries of allowed to suffer for the necessaries of life, though it requires us to divide with life, though it requires us to divide with them the last loaf in our possession” them the last loaf in our possession” (Ibid.). (Ibid.).

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(5) “According as any man had need” (5) “According as any man had need” (2:45c).(2:45c). καθοτι αν τις χρειαν ειχεν, καθοτι αν τις χρειαν ειχεν, katho’ti an tes chrei’an ei’chen, katho’ti an tes chrei’an ei’chen, ““according to their necessities.”according to their necessities.” The basis The basis for the distribution was the needs of for the distribution was the needs of everyone. Some may have little needs, everyone. Some may have little needs, others may have great needs. The others may have great needs. The profoundness of their system does not lie profoundness of their system does not lie in the equal utilization of goods but in the in the equal utilization of goods but in the satisfaction of the users.satisfaction of the users.

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Acts 4:32-37 And the multitude of them that believed And the multitude of them that believed

were of one heart and soul: and not one were of one heart and soul: and not one of of themthem said that aught of the things which said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles their witness of power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 For great grace was upon them all. 34 For neither was there among them any that neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, the prices of the things that were sold,

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Acts 4:32-37 35 and laid them at the apostles' 35 and laid them at the apostles'

feet: and distribution was made feet: and distribution was made unto each, according as any one had unto each, according as any one had need. 36 And Joseph, who by the need. 36 And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, 37 having a field, Cyprus by race, 37 having a field, sold it, and brought the money and sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet” (ASV).laid it at the apostles' feet” (ASV).

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Acts 4:32-37Acts 4:32-37 (1) “And the multitude of them that (1) “And the multitude of them that

believed were of one heart and of one soul” believed were of one heart and of one soul” (4:32a). “This expression denotes close and (4:32a). “This expression denotes close and tender union. They felt alike, or were tender union. They felt alike, or were attached to the same things, and this attached to the same things, and this preserved them from jars and dissensions” preserved them from jars and dissensions” (Barnes).(Barnes).

(2) “And not one of them said that aught of (2) “And not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own, the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things common” (4:32b). but they had all things common” (4:32b). “That is, they did not regard it as their own, “That is, they did not regard it as their own, but to be used for the benefit of the whole but to be used for the benefit of the whole society” (Ibid.).society” (Ibid.).

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(3) “And with great power gave the apostles (3) “And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus” (4:33a). The word “power” here denotes Jesus” (4:33a). The word “power” here denotes “efficacy“efficacy,”,” meaning the strength, the meaning the strength, the effectiveness, the ability to produce the effectiveness, the ability to produce the necessary results. “Power” also means that they necessary results. “Power” also means that they had the “capability” given them to bear witness had the “capability” given them to bear witness of the resurrection of the Saviour. of the resurrection of the Saviour.

They preached the resurrection with great ability They preached the resurrection with great ability using logic and scriptures, and people seeing using logic and scriptures, and people seeing their benevolence became more convinced of their benevolence became more convinced of their cause. God supplied them with the power to their cause. God supplied them with the power to do good and the ability to convince as they do good and the ability to convince as they preached the resurrected Jesus.preached the resurrected Jesus.

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(4) “And great grace was upon them all” (4) “And great grace was upon them all” (4:33b). “The word (4:33b). “The word gracegrace means means favourfavour (John 1:16). And the expression here may (John 1:16). And the expression here may mean either that the favour mean either that the favour of Godof God was was remarkably shown to them, or that they had remarkably shown to them, or that they had great favour in the sight of the people” great favour in the sight of the people” (Barnes).(Barnes).

(5) “For neither was there among them any (5) “For neither was there among them any that lacked” (4:34a) “There was no one in that lacked” (4:34a) “There was no one in want; or there was no one whose wants want; or there was no one whose wants were not supplied by the others” (Ibid.).were not supplied by the others” (Ibid.).

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(6) “For as many as were possessors (6) “For as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that brought the prices of the things that were sold” (4:34b). “It was… a new were sold” (4:34b). “It was… a new thing under the sun, to see a large thing under the sun, to see a large community selling houses and lands community selling houses and lands to supply the wants of the poor. It to supply the wants of the poor. It could but give additional weight to all could but give additional weight to all that was said [and preached] by the that was said [and preached] by the apostles” (McGarvey).apostles” (McGarvey).

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““For as many as were possessors of lands or For as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them” (4:34b).“The word used houses sold them” (4:34b).“The word used here is employed in a large, indefinite sense; here is employed in a large, indefinite sense; but it would be improper to press it so as to but it would be improper to press it so as to suppose that every individual that became a suppose that every individual that became a Christian sold at once all his property. The Christian sold at once all his property. The sense doubtless is, that this was done sense doubtless is, that this was done when when it wasit was necessarynecessary; they parted with whatever ; they parted with whatever property was needful to supply the wants of property was needful to supply the wants of their poor brethren. That it was by no means their poor brethren. That it was by no means considered a matter of considered a matter of obligationobligation, or , or enjoined by the apostles, is apparent from enjoined by the apostles, is apparent from the case of the case of AnaniasAnanias, Acts 5:4” (Barnes)., Acts 5:4” (Barnes).

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(7) “And laid them at the apostles' feet: and (7) “And laid them at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto each, according distribution was made unto each, according as any one had need” (4:35). “They as any one had need” (4:35). “They committed the money received for their committed the money received for their property to the disposal of the apostles, to property to the disposal of the apostles, to distribute it as was necessary among the distribute it as was necessary among the poor” (Barnes). poor” (Barnes).

““The fact that distribution was made to each The fact that distribution was made to each as he had need, shows that it was only the as he had need, shows that it was only the needy who received any thing, and that there needy who received any thing, and that there was no equalization of property” (McGarvey).was no equalization of property” (McGarvey).

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(8) “And Joseph, who by the apostles was (8) “And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race (4:36). Barnabas, son of race (4:36). Barnabas, son of para’klesispara’klesis, was , was the surname attached to Joseph on account of his the surname attached to Joseph on account of his excellent trait. “The original term excellent trait. “The original term para’klesis,para’klesis, rendered rendered consolationconsolation in the common version, is a in the common version, is a verbal noun used to express both the verbal noun used to express both the actact of the of the verb verb parakaleinparakalein and the and the effecteffect produced by it. We produced by it. We have no one word in English to represent it in have no one word in English to represent it in these two senses; but these two senses; but exhortationexhortation expresses the expresses the act, and act, and consolationconsolation the effect” of the act the effect” of the act (McGarvey). (McGarvey).

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(9) “Having a field, sold it, and brought the (9) “Having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet” (4:37). money and laid it at the apostles' feet” (4:37). “The reasons why this individual is selected “The reasons why this individual is selected and specified particularly were, doubtless, [a] and specified particularly were, doubtless, [a] because he was a foreigner; [b] because it was because he was a foreigner; [b] because it was a remarkable instance of liberality; and [c] a remarkable instance of liberality; and [c] because he subsequently distinguished himself because he subsequently distinguished himself in the work of the ministry. He gave himself, in the work of the ministry. He gave himself, his property, his all, to the service of the Lord his property, his all, to the service of the Lord Jesus, and went forth to the self-denying labors Jesus, and went forth to the self-denying labors of the gospel” (Barnes). “The sale of property of the gospel” (Barnes). “The sale of property and consecration of the proceeds was voluntary and consecration of the proceeds was voluntary with each individual, and not an established with each individual, and not an established law of the Church” (McGarvey). law of the Church” (McGarvey).

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Acts 11:27-30Acts 11:27-30 (1) “Now in these days there came down (1) “Now in these days there came down

prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch” prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch” (11:27). The word prophet denotes, properly, (11:27). The word prophet denotes, properly, one who foretells future events (Matt. 7:16). It one who foretells future events (Matt. 7:16). It is also used to denote simply religious is also used to denote simply religious teachers, instructors sent from God, without teachers, instructors sent from God, without particular reference to future events (Barnes). particular reference to future events (Barnes).

(2) “And there stood up one of them named (2) “And there stood up one of them named Agabus” (11:28a). One of these prophets, Agabus” (11:28a). One of these prophets, coming from Jerusalem, seem to have been coming from Jerusalem, seem to have been endowed in a remarkable manner with the endowed in a remarkable manner with the knowledge of future events (Ibid).knowledge of future events (Ibid).

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(3) “and signified by the Spirit” (11:28b). (3) “and signified by the Spirit” (11:28b). εσημαινεν δια του πνευματος, εσημαινεν δια του πνευματος, ese’mainen dia tou ese’mainen dia tou pneu’matos. pneu’matos. εσημαινεν isεσημαινεν is imperfect indicative imperfect indicative active of σημαινω, active of σημαινω, semai’no,semai’no, “to make known, to “to make known, to signify” (Rogers & Rogers, 256); also means “to signify” (Rogers & Rogers, 256); also means “to report, to communicate,” or in relation to the report, to communicate,” or in relation to the future, “to indicate (beforehand), to foretell” future, “to indicate (beforehand), to foretell” (BAGD, 747). δια του πνευματος, (BAGD, 747). δια του πνευματος, dia tou dia tou pneu’matos,pneu’matos, speaks of the Spirit as instrument or speaks of the Spirit as instrument or agency. agency. This is the first account we have of the This is the first account we have of the gift of prophecy among the disciples; previously, gift of prophecy among the disciples; previously, the apostles alone were known to possess this the apostles alone were known to possess this gift. Agabus must have received it by the laying gift. Agabus must have received it by the laying on of the apostles’ hand.on of the apostles’ hand.

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(4) “that there should be a great famine” (4) “that there should be a great famine” (11:28c). Famine in the ancient world (11:28c). Famine in the ancient world means not only that there is a shortage of means not only that there is a shortage of food but that there is inability to transport food but that there is inability to transport food, as well as appealing for help to those food, as well as appealing for help to those with money (Rogers & Rogers, 256).with money (Rogers & Rogers, 256).

(5) “over all the world” (11:28d). Literally, (5) “over all the world” (11:28d). Literally, “over all the inhabited earth” (Marshall). “over all the inhabited earth” (Marshall). “The word here used, “The word here used, οικουμενην, usually οικουμενην, usually denotes … the parts of the earthdenotes … the parts of the earth which are which are cultivated and occupied” (Barnes). cultivated and occupied” (Barnes).

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That prophecy “came to pass in the reign of That prophecy “came to pass in the reign of Roman emperor Claudius” Roman emperor Claudius” (11:28e), who reigned from AD 41-54. He was poisoned by Agrippina, his niece and one of his wives, who wished to raise her son Nero to the throne. Claudius was Agrippina’s 3rd husband; she was Claudius’ 4th wife. Agrippina was the great granddaughter of emperor Augustus, great niece of emperor Tiberius, sister of emperor Caligula, and mother of emperor Nero. After Nero became emperor, he also put Agrippina to death.

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(6) “And the disciples” (11:29a), that is, (6) “And the disciples” (11:29a), that is, the members of the church in Antioch. the members of the church in Antioch. This congregation was perhaps This congregation was perhaps predominantly Greek, established by the predominantly Greek, established by the Jews who loved all men regardless of race, Jews who loved all men regardless of race, who fled Jerusalem after the tribulation who fled Jerusalem after the tribulation over Stephen. The church of Antioch is over Stephen. The church of Antioch is notable for three things: notable for three things:

(a) They were the first group to be called (a) They were the first group to be called “Christians” (11:26), in honor of the Lord “Christians” (11:26), in honor of the Lord who overlooked their sins and saved them.who overlooked their sins and saved them.

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(b) They were the first predominantly Gentile (b) They were the first predominantly Gentile congregation to express a genuine concern congregation to express a genuine concern for the predominantly Jewish churches in for the predominantly Jewish churches in Judea. Their benevolent heart had overlooked Judea. Their benevolent heart had overlooked skin color, peculiar customs and skin color, peculiar customs and discriminatory attitudes of the Jews in discriminatory attitudes of the Jews in general.general.

(c) The first organized missionary program (c) The first organized missionary program that penetrated the whole Gentile heartland that penetrated the whole Gentile heartland began from Antioch. They repaid the kindness began from Antioch. They repaid the kindness of the Lord to them by extending that of the Lord to them by extending that kindness to others also.kindness to others also.

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(7) “every man according to his ability (11:29b). (7) “every man according to his ability (11:29b). “According as they had prospered. It does not “According as they had prospered. It does not imply that they were rich, but that they imply that they were rich, but that they rendered aid as they could afford it” (Barnes).rendered aid as they could afford it” (Barnes).

(8) “determined to send relief unto the brethren (8) “determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judea” (11:29c). “This arose not that dwelt in Judea” (11:29c). “This arose not merely from their general sense of their merely from their general sense of their obligation to aid the poor, but they felt obligation to aid the poor, but they felt themselves particularly bound to aid their themselves particularly bound to aid their Jewish brethren. The obligation to aid the Jewish brethren. The obligation to aid the temporal wants of those from whom they had temporal wants of those from whom they had received so important spiritual mercies, is received so important spiritual mercies, is repeatedly enforced in the New Testament” repeatedly enforced in the New Testament” (Barnes).(Barnes).

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(9) “which also they did, sending it to the (9) “which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul” elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul” (11:30). This is the first mention which we have (11:30). This is the first mention which we have in the New Testament of in the New Testament of elderselders, or , or presbyterspresbyters, , in the church of Christ. The word literally in the church of Christ. The word literally means means aged menaged men, but it was a name of office , but it was a name of office found only in the Jewish synagogue. It must be found only in the Jewish synagogue. It must be understood that the elders of the Jewish understood that the elders of the Jewish synagogue are not contemplated in this synagogue are not contemplated in this passage, for the relief was intended for the passage, for the relief was intended for the “brethren” (Acts 11:29), the Christians at “brethren” (Acts 11:29), the Christians at Jerusalem. Charity like this was to be entrusted Jerusalem. Charity like this was to be entrusted to the hands of elders of the church for to the hands of elders of the church for distribution among the members. distribution among the members.

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THE EARLY CHURCH’S THE EARLY CHURCH’S BENEVOLENCE PROGRAM: BENEVOLENCE PROGRAM:

LESSON SUMMARYLESSON SUMMARY

We’ll now talk about the logic behind this We’ll now talk about the logic behind this benevolence program. When we talk about benevolence program. When we talk about logic, we mean the reason why the thing was logic, we mean the reason why the thing was done.done.

The impact of this benevolence program on The impact of this benevolence program on them. When we talk about impact, we mean the them. When we talk about impact, we mean the way to connect the program with results: on way to connect the program with results: on the Christians themselves, and on the people the Christians themselves, and on the people around them.around them.

The implications of this benevolence program The implications of this benevolence program on us. When we talk about implications, we ask on us. When we talk about implications, we ask the question: Are there any lessons here for us the question: Are there any lessons here for us to follow? What do these lessons mean to us? to follow? What do these lessons mean to us?

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The logic behind their benevolence The logic behind their benevolence program: (1) To show the people of program: (1) To show the people of the world that they were a people of the world that they were a people of God!God!

They were a people of God, and they must They were a people of God, and they must show they were not just peculiar: They were show they were not just peculiar: They were different! Different from the heathen nations different! Different from the heathen nations around them, who never showed any love to around them, who never showed any love to the poor. Different from the Jewish the poor. Different from the Jewish religionists around them, who, for example, religionists around them, who, for example, would rather hide behind the insensitivity of would rather hide behind the insensitivity of the Mishnaic interpretation called the the Mishnaic interpretation called the “Corban,” not supporting a poor parent “Corban,” not supporting a poor parent because the resources he had had already because the resources he had had already been promised to God! (Cf. Mark 7:10-13); been promised to God! (Cf. Mark 7:10-13);

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Later in his epistle, Peter Later in his epistle, Peter elaborated on this concept of elaborated on this concept of

the Christians being a different the Christians being a different race.race.

1 Peter 2:9-12,1 Peter 2:9-12, “But ye are a elect race, a royal “But ye are a elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God'sGod's own own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: 10 who in time past were no people, marvelous light: 10 who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Beloved, I mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul; from fleshly lust, which war against the soul; 12 having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; 12 having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (ASV).glorify God in the day of visitation” (ASV).

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Their benevolence showed the Their benevolence showed the people of the world that they were people of the world that they were indeed a new kind of people!indeed a new kind of people!

““It was… a new thing under the sun, to see a It was… a new thing under the sun, to see a large community selling houses and lands to large community selling houses and lands to supply the wants of the poor” (McGarvey). It supply the wants of the poor” (McGarvey). It showed the world they were a renewed group of showed the world they were a renewed group of men and women, not the kind the world meets on men and women, not the kind the world meets on the streets on any ordinary day (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17; the streets on any ordinary day (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15). What better way to impart this Gal. 6:15). What better way to impart this principle than to do something the world had principle than to do something the world had never done before: selling their properties to never done before: selling their properties to supply the needs of God’s children. In doing so, supply the needs of God’s children. In doing so, their mediocrity gave way to greatness, their their mediocrity gave way to greatness, their selfishness to selflessness, their passion for their selfishness to selflessness, their passion for their own to passion for God’s own. own to passion for God’s own.

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New approach to the problem of New approach to the problem of relieving the poor/ Jerusalem: relieving the poor/ Jerusalem:

Selling propertiesSelling properties

Selling properties to support the poor Selling properties to support the poor was a new thing for the Jewish church was a new thing for the Jewish church (Acts 2:42-45; 4:32-37; 5:1-4). But it (Acts 2:42-45; 4:32-37; 5:1-4). But it does not appear that it was done even does not appear that it was done even by all who were afterwards converted by all who were afterwards converted in Judea; and there is no evidence in Judea; and there is no evidence that it was done in Antioch, Ephesus, that it was done in Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, Philippi, Rome, Galatia, Corinth, Philippi, Rome, Galatia, Thessalonica, Berea, and other places. Thessalonica, Berea, and other places. It had not been a church legislation. It had not been a church legislation.

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New approach to the problem of New approach to the problem of relieving the poor/ Antioch: relieving the poor/ Antioch: Freewill offeringsFreewill offerings

Antioch however supplied us with Antioch however supplied us with another option on raising money to another option on raising money to help the poor: “Every man according help the poor: “Every man according to his ability determined to send relief to his ability determined to send relief to the brethren” (Acts 11:29). to the brethren” (Acts 11:29).

That the effect of religion was to make That the effect of religion was to make men liberal, and willing to provide for men liberal, and willing to provide for the poor, there can be no doubt.the poor, there can be no doubt.

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A definitely new way to A definitely new way to treat properties!treat properties!

To say they had all things common, and no man To say they had all things common, and no man thought that what was his was his alone, is thought that what was his was his alone, is definitely a way to loosen up mundane definitely a way to loosen up mundane relationships with things. relationships with things.

““We will, hereafter, see that the Church in We will, hereafter, see that the Church in Jerusalem was not the only one which engaged in Jerusalem was not the only one which engaged in this species of benevolence. This conduct was in this species of benevolence. This conduct was in marked contrast with the neglect of the poor marked contrast with the neglect of the poor which was then common among the Jews, even in which was then common among the Jews, even in violation of their own law, and which was violation of their own law, and which was universal among the Gentiles. Nothing of this kind universal among the Gentiles. Nothing of this kind had ever been seen on earth before” (McGarvey, had ever been seen on earth before” (McGarvey, Ibid.).Ibid.).

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Next, (2) To show the people of Next, (2) To show the people of the world the great things the the world the great things the gospel had wrought in their lives!gospel had wrought in their lives!

““The most signal proof of the power of the gospel The most signal proof of the power of the gospel among them was the almost entire subsidence of among them was the almost entire subsidence of selfishness. Among the heathen nations of selfishness. Among the heathen nations of antiquity, systematic provision of the wants of antiquity, systematic provision of the wants of the poor was unknown and even among the Jews, the poor was unknown and even among the Jews, whose law was watchful for the welfare of the whose law was watchful for the welfare of the poor in many respects, those who became poor in many respects, those who became insolvent were sold into temporary bondage to insolvent were sold into temporary bondage to pay their debts” (McGarvey, Ibid.). The gospel the pay their debts” (McGarvey, Ibid.). The gospel the Christians heard grew in them the love of God Christians heard grew in them the love of God that could only be perfected or made to bloom by that could only be perfected or made to bloom by becoming unselfish and loving their fellow becoming unselfish and loving their fellow Christians (1 John 4:12-13). Christians (1 John 4:12-13).

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1 John 4:12-131 John 4:12-13 1 John 4:12-13, 1 John 4:12-13, “Beloved, if God “Beloved, if God

so loved us, we ought also to so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his because he hath given us of his Spirit”Spirit” (KJV). (KJV).

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God’s extraordinary gospel God’s extraordinary gospel always does extraordinary always does extraordinary

things in ordinary lives!things in ordinary lives! ““There is not [any] proof that it was There is not [any] proof that it was commoncommon [for [for

Christians] to part with their possessions, and to Christians] to part with their possessions, and to lay it at the feet of the apostles. Religion does not lay it at the feet of the apostles. Religion does not contemplate, evidently, that men contemplate, evidently, that men should break should break up all the arrangements in society; but it up all the arrangements in society; but it contemplates that those who contemplates that those who havehave property property should be ready and willing to part with it for should be ready and willing to part with it for the help of the poor and needy” (Barnes, Ibid.).the help of the poor and needy” (Barnes, Ibid.).

It can be said that freedom is one of those great It can be said that freedom is one of those great things the gospel had wrought in their lives: things the gospel had wrought in their lives: freedom from sin, from the rule of Mosaic Law, freedom from sin, from the rule of Mosaic Law, from worries of present-day living, from from worries of present-day living, from anxieties of the future, from memories of pain anxieties of the future, from memories of pain and hurts. and hurts.

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The beauty of the gospel lies in its The beauty of the gospel lies in its power to empower man, to power to empower man, to abundantly supply harmony and abundantly supply harmony and music to his soul, freeing him from music to his soul, freeing him from the drabness of human living!the drabness of human living!

Christian freedom does not mean the absence Christian freedom does not mean the absence of war and conflicts around us and in the the of war and conflicts around us and in the the soul of each one of us. It means the absence soul of each one of us. It means the absence of discomforting shackle that seeks to bind of discomforting shackle that seeks to bind the soul from molding great visions and doing the soul from molding great visions and doing great things for his God. Christians are now great things for his God. Christians are now free, not to do wrong but to do right. Selling free, not to do wrong but to do right. Selling properties was never a legal demand but properties was never a legal demand but Christians who showed their love to the Lord Christians who showed their love to the Lord did overmuch, and over and above, what the did overmuch, and over and above, what the Lord has demanded.Lord has demanded.

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Next, (3) To show what a wonder Next, (3) To show what a wonder a church can do if they are united a church can do if they are united in the work of the Lord!in the work of the Lord!

Show me a divided church and you will Show me a divided church and you will see a work haphazardly done, poorly see a work haphazardly done, poorly done, or undone!done, or undone!

We either have very few rich men in the We either have very few rich men in the congregation, or none at all. But should congregation, or none at all. But should you do some investigating on the status you do some investigating on the status of the givers in most churches, you will of the givers in most churches, you will find that the best organized work has find that the best organized work has been done, not by the few who are rich been done, not by the few who are rich but by the many who are not rich, who are but by the many who are not rich, who are loving and are able to give. loving and are able to give.

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Next, (4) Benevolence builds a Next, (4) Benevolence builds a highway over the wall that has been highway over the wall that has been torn down, and transports goodwill.torn down, and transports goodwill.

The “dividing wall” between Jews and Gentiles The “dividing wall” between Jews and Gentiles was the “law of commandments contained in the was the “law of commandments contained in the ordinances.” ordinances.”

Eph. 2:14-17, “For He is our peace, who made both Eph. 2:14-17, “For He is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition, one, and brake down the middle wall of partition, 15 having abolished in the flesh the enmity, 15 having abolished in the flesh the enmity, eveneven the law of commandments the law of commandments containedcontained in in ordinances; that He might create in Himself of the ordinances; that He might create in Himself of the two one new man, two one new man, soso making peace; 16 and might making peace; 16 and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 and the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 and He came and preached peace to you that were far He came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh” (ASV).off, and peace to them that were nigh” (ASV).

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In Christ neither walls nor In Christ neither walls nor fortifications should come fortifications should come between brethren who are Jews between brethren who are Jews and Gentiles!and Gentiles!

The Jews added their own fortifications to The Jews added their own fortifications to that “dividing wall” (David Roper, Acts, 4, that “dividing wall” (David Roper, Acts, 4, Truth for Today,Truth for Today, p. 34). As examples: p. 34). As examples:

The law taught the Jews they were God’s The law taught the Jews they were God’s chosen people, and they decided they were chosen people, and they decided they were better than the Gentiles (Ibid.).better than the Gentiles (Ibid.).

The law taught them to be separate, and the The law taught them to be separate, and the Jews decided they should despise the Jews decided they should despise the Gentiles (Ibid.).Gentiles (Ibid.).

Christ needed to come to tear down that wall!Christ needed to come to tear down that wall!

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The wall that divided Jews and The wall that divided Jews and Gentiles came down at Calvary, then Gentiles came down at Calvary, then at Ceasarea, then at Antioch!at Ceasarea, then at Antioch!

In theory, that wall came down at Calvary. “And In theory, that wall came down at Calvary. “And [that he] might reconcile them both [both Jews [that he] might reconcile them both [both Jews and Gentiles] in one body unto God through the and Gentiles] in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Eph. cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Eph. 2:16).2:16).

In practice, that wall came down at Ceasarea In practice, that wall came down at Ceasarea (Acts 10), when Cornelius, his household, and his (Acts 10), when Cornelius, his household, and his friends, the first Gentile converts, were admitted friends, the first Gentile converts, were admitted into the church.into the church.

Some Jews, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, walked Some Jews, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, walked over that fallen wall and extended the blessings over that fallen wall and extended the blessings of Jesus to the Greeks in Antioch (Acts 11:19-20).of Jesus to the Greeks in Antioch (Acts 11:19-20).

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Acts 11:19-21Acts 11:19-21 ““They therefore that were scattered abroad They therefore that were scattered abroad

upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none save only Antioch, speaking the word to none save only to Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men to Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they were of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Greeks also, come to Antioch, spake unto the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number the Lord was with them: and a great number that believed turned unto the Lord”that believed turned unto the Lord” (ASV). (ASV).

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The Jewish church in Jerusalem The Jewish church in Jerusalem walked across that fallen wall and walked across that fallen wall and began nurturing the Gentile church in began nurturing the Gentile church in Antioch.Antioch.

Jerusalem began the ministry of edifying its Jerusalem began the ministry of edifying its sister congregation in Antioch by sending sister congregation in Antioch by sending Barnabas, a man with a heart so big, who Barnabas, a man with a heart so big, who cared more about love for the unreached than cared more about love for the unreached than orthodoxy, who saw what’s good in every man orthodoxy, who saw what’s good in every man and in every situation, and as a result much and in every situation, and as a result much people were added to the Lord (Acts 11:24).people were added to the Lord (Acts 11:24).

Barnabas sought Paul, whom God had Barnabas sought Paul, whom God had destined to be His apostle to the Gentiles. destined to be His apostle to the Gentiles. Together these two apostles nurtured the Together these two apostles nurtured the Gentile church and taught much people. More Gentile church and taught much people. More and more souls were added to the Lord in and more souls were added to the Lord in Antioch (vv. 25-26).Antioch (vv. 25-26).

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The Gentile church now The Gentile church now transported the gift of goodwill transported the gift of goodwill to the Jewish church.to the Jewish church.

Acts 11:29-30, “And the disciples [at Antioch], Acts 11:29-30, “And the disciples [at Antioch], every man according to his ability, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judea: 30 which also they did, that dwelt in Judea: 30 which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul” (ASV).Barnabas and Saul” (ASV).

As a result of the benevolent collection from As a result of the benevolent collection from chiefly Gentile churches, the needs of the chiefly Gentile churches, the needs of the saints in Judea had been supplied, alienated saints in Judea had been supplied, alienated affections had been won back, thanksgiving affections had been won back, thanksgiving had been expressed, and God had been had been expressed, and God had been glorified! (2 Corinthians 9:12-13).glorified! (2 Corinthians 9:12-13).

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2 Corinthians 9:12-152 Corinthians 9:12-15 ““For the ministration of this service [talking For the ministration of this service [talking

about the ministration of benevolence] not only about the ministration of benevolence] not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God; 13 seeing that through the proving of unto God; 13 seeing that through the proving of you by this ministration they glorify God for the you by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all; 14 while they themselves unto them and unto all; 14 while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, long after also, with supplication on your behalf, long after you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for his unspeakable you. 15 Thanks be to God for his unspeakable giftgift”” (ASV). (ASV).

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What about the impact of the What about the impact of the early church’s benevolence early church’s benevolence program on the members?program on the members?

Firstly, we see the effect of religion on the ones Firstly, we see the effect of religion on the ones converted. Selfishness and love of property are converted. Selfishness and love of property are two of the strongest affections which mankind two of the strongest affections which mankind has, and these can become its blight, its has, and these can become its blight, its damnation. “There is nothing that will overcome damnation. “There is nothing that will overcome it but religion. That will; and one of the it but religion. That will; and one of the firstfirst effects of the gospel was to loosen the hold of effects of the gospel was to loosen the hold of Christians on property” (Barnes). By loosening his Christians on property” (Barnes). By loosening his hold on property, by being unselfish, man hold on property, by being unselfish, man becomes like his Maker, who left the bounties of becomes like his Maker, who left the bounties of heaven, becoming poor in order to make us rich, heaven, becoming poor in order to make us rich, treading the loveless path to guide us to the way treading the loveless path to guide us to the way of love.of love.

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The impact of the early church’s The impact of the early church’s benevolence program on the benevolence program on the outsiders.outsiders.

Secondly, “With great power the apostles gave Secondly, “With great power the apostles gave testimony concerning the resurrection of the Lord testimony concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was among all.” This Jesus, and great favor was among all.” This remark does not mean that the testimony of the remark does not mean that the testimony of the apostles was more distinct or positive, or that it apostles was more distinct or positive, or that it was sustained by more signal miracles than was sustained by more signal miracles than before; for neither of these is possible. But it before; for neither of these is possible. But it means that their testimony had more power with means that their testimony had more power with the people; and this is attributed to the harmony the people; and this is attributed to the harmony observed within the Church, together with their observed within the Church, together with their unheard-of benevolence, which combined to give unheard-of benevolence, which combined to give them “great favor” with the people” (McGarvey, them “great favor” with the people” (McGarvey, Acts of the Apostles). Acts of the Apostles).

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The implications of the early The implications of the early church’s benevolence church’s benevolence program on us.program on us.

What does this suggest to us?What does this suggest to us? (1) It is the way to act out love, flushing (1) It is the way to act out love, flushing

human selfishness down the drain. human selfishness down the drain. (2) It not only supplies the needs of the (2) It not only supplies the needs of the

creatures of God but also glorifies the creatures of God but also glorifies the Creator who poured out all these blessings Creator who poured out all these blessings for all of us to enjoy.for all of us to enjoy.

(3) It provides a good testimony about the (3) It provides a good testimony about the church and creates a favorable impression church and creates a favorable impression on the recipients of the favors, thereby on the recipients of the favors, thereby paving the way for evangelism.paving the way for evangelism.

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The church of The church of ChristChristis precisely members working is precisely members working

together as a collective body, together as a collective body, preaching the gospel of its Head preaching the gospel of its Head who died that all may live, who died that all may live, who was buried, was made alive who was buried, was made alive

and is now enthroned in the and is now enthroned in the heavens. heavens.

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As proclaimers,As proclaimers,they also bring the gifts of riches they also bring the gifts of riches

that their King has wanted the that their King has wanted the world in its dire poverty to own, world in its dire poverty to own,

who as teachers keep building up who as teachers keep building up the body by nourishing its the body by nourishing its members with the food of members with the food of heavenheaven

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In order thatIn order thatthe weak in it may become the weak in it may become strong, strong,

that the wayward in it may that the wayward in it may go back to the path of go back to the path of righteousness, righteousness,

that the hopeless in it may that the hopeless in it may become hopeful. become hopeful.

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Not being Not being faultlessfaultlessits members never make its members never make the church a court of the church a court of judgment judgment

but an emergency ward but an emergency ward

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where everyone who where everyone who enters it doorsenters it doorsbe they of the faith or not of the be they of the faith or not of the

faith, faith, may feel welcome may feel welcome and may have the wounds of and may have the wounds of

their persons and their souls their persons and their souls doctored by the Great doctored by the Great Physician…Physician…

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who, since the time His who, since the time His duty began,duty began,has never left the ward has never left the ward in order that He may also keep in order that He may also keep

an eye on the inner workings of an eye on the inner workings of it, it,

making sure that everyone in the making sure that everyone in the hospital is properly fit for the hospital is properly fit for the final trip to the world beyond…final trip to the world beyond…

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FINISFINISTHANKS!THANKS!

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REFERENCESREFERENCES Barnes, Albert.Barnes, Albert. Barnes Notes on the New Barnes Notes on the New

TestamentTestament. By WORDSearch.. By WORDSearch. Bauer, Walter, et al.Bauer, Walter, et al. A Greek-English A Greek-English

Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature.Early Christian Literature. The University of The University of Chicago Press, 1979. Chicago Press, 1979.

Jamieson, et. al.Jamieson, et. al. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary.Bible Commentary.

Marshall, Alfred.Marshall, Alfred. The Interlinear Greek-The Interlinear Greek-English New Testament.English New Testament. First Zondervan First Zondervan printing 1975. printing 1975.

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REFERENCESREFERENCES Microsoft Encarta Premium Suite 2005Microsoft Encarta Premium Suite 2005..

Microsoft Corporation.Microsoft Corporation. Rogers, Cleon Jr. & Cleon Rogers III.Rogers, Cleon Jr. & Cleon Rogers III. The New The New

Linguistic & Exegetical Key to the Greek New Linguistic & Exegetical Key to the Greek New TestamentTestament. . Published by Zondervan Published by Zondervan Publishing House, 1998.Publishing House, 1998.

Vine, W. E.Vine, W. E. An Expository Dictionary of New An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words with their Precise Meanings Testament Words with their Precise Meanings for English Readers.for English Readers. Published by Fleming H. Published by Fleming H. Revell Company, 17Revell Company, 17thth impression, 1966. impression, 1966.

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REFERENCESREFERENCESAnswers.comAnswers.com