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NewTestament Giving
 “Howwere financial collections in the Early Church distributed?” 
The followingis a listof New Testament Scriptures that revealwhere money went in the EarlyChurch. The focus of this study is on howcollections were distributed and not the validity of tithingfor the New Testament Church. Determining whether tithing is commanded for the NewTestament Church is beyond thecurrent scope of study. As you study the following passages,allowScripture to interpret Scripture. Take time to honestly evaluate each Scripture passageandprayerfully drawconclusions concerning wherefinancial contributions should be distributed.Afteryou have finished studying these passages ask yourself this very important question, “
How doesGod want me to distributemy offerings to Him?
” The second section of this study focuses on thevalidity of financially supporting pastors, elders, orany other leaders associated with today’s localchurches.
Acts 2:44-45
And all who believed were together andhad all things in common.Andthey were sellingtheir possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
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Acts 4:32-37
Now the full number of those who believed were ofone heart andsoul, and no one saidthat any of the things that belonged to him was his own, butthey had everything incommon.And with greatpower the apostles were giving their testimony to theresurrection of the Lord Jesus, andgreat grace was upon them all.There was not a needyperson among them, foras many as were owners of lands or houses sold them andbrought the proceeds of what was soldandlaid it at the apostles’ feet, andit wasdistributed to each as any had need.Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostlesBarnabas (which meansson of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,sold a fieldthat belonged to him and brought the money andlaid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 11:27-30
Now in these daysprophets came downfrom Jerusalem to Antioch.And one of themnamedAgabus stood up and foretoldby the Spirit that there would be a greatfamine overall the world (this took place in the days ofClaudius).So the disciples determined,everyone according to his ability,tosend relief tothe brothersliving in Judea.And theydid so, sending it tothe elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 20:33-35
I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.You yourselves know thatthese handsministered to my necessities andto those who were with me.In all thingsI have shownyou thatby working hard in this way we musthelp the weak andremember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said,'It is more blessedto give than to receive.'"
Romans 12:13
Contribute to the needs of the saints andseek to show hospitality.
 
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Unless noted, all Scripture quotations are from the
 English Standard Version
 
Romans 15:22-28
This is the reason whyI have so often been hindered from coming to you.But now, since Ino longer have any room for work in these regions, andsince I have longed for manyyears to come to you,I hope to see you in passing as I goto Spain, andto be helped onmy journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. At present,however,I am going to Jerusalembringing aid to the saints.ForMacedonia and Achaiahave been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints atJerusalem.For they were pleased to do it, and indeedthey owe it to them. For if theGentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service tothem in material blessings.When therefore I have completed this and have delivered tothem what has been collected,I will leavefor Spain by way of you.
1 Corinthians 16:1-4
Now concerningthe collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so youalso are to do.Onthe first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside andstoreit up,as he may prosper,so that there will be no collecting when I come.And when Iarrive, I will sendthose whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.If itseems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.
2 Corinthians 8:1-7
We want you to know, brothers,about the grace of God that has beengiven among thechurches of Macedonia,for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy andtheirextreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.For they gaveaccording to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,begging us earnestlyfor the favorof taking part inthe relief of the saints—and this, notas we expected, but theygave themselves first to the Lordand then by the will of God tous.Accordingly,we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete amongyouthis act of grace.But asyou excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, inall earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.
2 Corinthians 8:13-15
For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairnessyourabundance at the present time should supplytheir need, so that theirabundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.As it is written,"Whoevergathered much had nothing left overand whoever gathered little had no lack."
2 Corinthians 9:6-9
The point is this:whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sowsbountifullywill also reap bountifully.Each one must give as he has decided in hisheart,not reluctantly or under compulsion, forGod loves a cheerful giver.AndGod is ableto make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiencyin all things at all times, youmay abound in every good work.As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has givento the poor;his righteousness endures forever.
2 Corinthians 9:12-15
For the ministry of this service is not only supplyingthe needs of the saints but is alsooverflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service,theywillglorify God because of your submission flowing from yourconfession of the gospel of 
 
Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,while they longfor you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.Thanks be toGod for his inexpressible gift!
2 Corinthians 11:7-9
Ordid I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, becauseI preachedGod’sgospel to you free of charge?I robbed other churches by accepting support fromthem in order to serve you.And when I was with you and wasin need,I did not burdenanyone, for the brothers who came from Macedoniasupplied my need. So I refrained andwill refrainfrom burdening you in any way.
Galatians 2:9-10
And when James and Cephas and John,who seemed to bepillars, perceived thegrace thatwas given to me, theygave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that weshould go to the Gentilesand they to the circumcised.Only, they asked us to rememberthe poor,the very thing I was eager to do.
Ephesians 4:28
Let the thief no longer steal, but ratherlet him labor,doing honest work with his ownhands, sothat he may have something to share with anyone in need.
Philippians 4:10-20
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at lengthyou have revived your concern for me.You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to becontent.I know how tobe brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learnedthe secret of facing plenty andhunger, abundance andneed.I can do all thingsthroughhim who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of youto sharemy trouble.And you Philippiansyourselves know thatin the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia,no churchentered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.Even inThessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.Not that I seek the gift, but Iseekthe fruit that increases to your credit.I have received full payment, and more. I amwell supplied,having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent,a fragrant offering,asacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.And my Godwill supply every need of yoursaccording to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.Toour God and Father begloryforever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 5:16
If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the churchnot be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.
Titus 3:14
And let our people learnto devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgentneed, and notbe unfruitful.
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