Benevolence
Work of the Congregation (Church)

Preliminary

Let it be noted that the scriptures and the surrounding context determines whether the text applies to congregational action or individual action. Matthew 18:15-17 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.”
- There is a difference between individual and congregational action. As we study the scriptures let us always remember this principle.

FIRST
The Benvolent Work of the Church - Every Congregation
(Individual Responsibility Is Not Under Consideration)

Let us look at the applicable scriptures…

Acts 2:44-45 “And all that believed were together, and had all things common and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need.”
The local church (believers) provided for all that believed.
The benevolence was for believers in need.
The local church administered this benevolence.
Note: There was no sponsoring church and no benevolent society.

Acts 4:31-35 “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul, and not one of them said that aught of the things which possessed was his own; but they had all things common…, For neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possesses of lands or horses sold the, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles feet: and distribution was made unto such, according as any one had need.”
- The church provided for believers. The believers lacked nothing.
- The works were under the control of the apostles, not any other institution.

Acts 6:1-6 “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, “It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables. Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will continue steadfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.”
- Preaching the gospel had preeminence over benevolence.
- In its entirety under discussion is disciples (Christians).
- The local church administered the benevolence– no outside organization, society or institution.

Acts 11:27-30 “Now in these days there came down prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch…And the disciples every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judea…”
One church sends relief to other churches to care for their brethren.
The relief was sent to the elders of those who were needy.
- Again the work was not turned over to an outside organization, society or institution.

Romans 15:25 “But now, I say, I go unto Jerusalem, ministering unto the saints. For it hath been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints that are at Jerusalem…my ministration which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints.”
Note “ministering unto the saints”, “the poor among the saints” , and
“may be acceptable to the saints”.
- Benevolence is the fruit of Christianity and not the means to produce it.

1 Corinthians 16:1-4 “NOW concerning the collection for the saints,…”
- This collection was for saints
- This collection was obtained by the saints.
Collection on the first day of the week - not from other solicitations.

2 Corinthians 8;1-4, 13-14 “Moreover….”
- Again note “ministering to the saints.”

2 Corinthians 9:1, 12-14 “For as touching the ministering to the saints…”
The last time the subject is mentioned in the New Testament is in 1 Timothy 5:16 “If any woman that believeth hath widow, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.”

Conclusion Relative to Congregational Responsibilites

Your honest answer to the following questions will constitute the conclusion relative to every church’s (congregation’s) responsibilities toward benevolence…

According to the text who is to receive benevolence? (check all that apply)
___ Saints
___ Non Christians
___ Orphans

According to the text who is authorized to administer benevolence? (check all that apply)
___ Local Church
___ Sponsoring Church
___ Benevolent Society

SECOND
Individual Christians' Benevolent Responsibilities

The bible places almost no limits on the Christian’s responsibility, within his or her ability, to those needing benevolence including saints, non-Christians and orphans. “DO GOOD TO ALL MEN.”