Biblical Giving to Kingdom Ministry

BIBLICAL GIVING TO KINGDOM MINISTRY

FOUNDATIONAL TRUTHS:

JESUS OUR EXAMPLE IN GIVING

Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Luke 22:19 “And Jesus took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.”

John 3:16 “For God so love the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

II Corinthians 8:9 “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

TRUST GOD AS OUR RESOURCE

Matthew 6:31-34; Luke 12:29-34 “Therefore take no thought (merimnao = to be anxious about, have care, worry, take no thought), saying, What shall we eat? Or, what shall we drink? Or, wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek (zeteo = desire, seek after, for) ye first (proton = firstly, before, first of all) the kingdom (basileia = rule, realm, kingdom, reign) of God (theos = deity, supreme divinity, God), and his righteousness (dikaiosune = equity, justification, righteousness); and all these things (tauta = things, thus, such) shall be added (prostithemi = to place additionally, add, increase) unto you. Take therefore no thought (Same as above) for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Philippians 4:19 “But my God (theos = deity, supreme divinity, God) shall supply (pleroo = furnish, satisfy, finish, accomplish, complete, make full, perfect, supply) all (pas = every, the whole, thoroughly, all) your need (chreia = lack, necessity, need, want) according to (kata = according to) his riches (ploutos = wealth, possessions, riches) in glory (doxa = glory, honor, praise, worship) by Christ (Christos = anointed, Messiah, Christ) Jesus (Iesous = Jehoshua, Joshua, Jesus).”

GET OUR FINANCIAL HOUSE IN ORDER

Romans 13:8 “Owe (opheilo opheileo = to owe, to be under obligation, be bound, debtor, indebted) no man anything (medeis medemia meden = not even one, none at all, no man, no one), but to love (agapao = verb for a God kind of love, fruit of His Spirit) one another: for he that loveth (agapao = same as above) another hath fulfilled the law.”

Ephesians 4:28 “Let him labor (kopiao = to feel fatigue, work hard, toil, be wearied), working (ergazomai = to toil, as a task or occupation, be engaged in, commit to, work, minister about) with his hands (cheir = gand, grasping, as a means or instrument) the thing which is good (agathos = good, benefit), that he may have to give (metadidomi = to give over, share, give, impart) to him that needeth (chereia = requirement, destitution, lack, necessity, want).”

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF GIVING

WIDOW’S MITE TYPE GIVING

Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4 “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor (ptochos = a beggar, pauper, poor, distressed) widow (chera = lacking a husband, a widow), and she threw in two mites (lepton the smallest Jewish coin, 1/10 of a penny), which make a farthing (kodrantes = ¼ of the Roman coin as). And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast (ballo = to throw, cast, lay, put) more in (pleion pleion pleon = more, quantity or quality), than all (pas = all, every one) they which have cast into the treasury: for all (pas = same as above ) they did cast in of their abundance (perisseuo = super abound, quantity, ); but she of her want (husteresis = a falling short, penury, want) did cast in all (pas = same as above) that (hosos = much, great, all that, the more) she had (echo = had, possession) , even all (holos = whole, all, complete, every whit, altogether) her living (bios = life, existence, livelihood, living).”

BAG/PURSE TYPE GIVING

Matthew 10:8-10 (Twelve Disciples) “Jesus: Freely (dorean = gratuitously, freely) ye have received (lambano = to take, to get hold of, have offered, obtain, receive), freely (same as above) give (didomi = to give, bestow, commit, deliver up, grant, minister, offer). Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses (zone = a belt, girdle, purse, a pocket), nor scrip (pera = a leather pouch for food) for your journey, neither two coats (chiton = a tunic or shirt, clothes, coat, garment), neither shoes (hupodema = shoe, sandal, something bound under the feet), nor yet staves (rhabdos = a stick, cane, rod, staff): for the workman is worthy of his meat.”

Mark 6:8-9 (Twelve Disciples) “And Jesus commanded them that they should take nothing (medeis medemia meden = not even one thing, none at all, nothing) for their journey, save a staff (same as above) only; no scrip (same as above), no bread (artos = bread, loaf), no money (chalkos = money, coins made of copper or brass) in their purse (same as above): but be shod with sandals (sandalion = a slipper, sole pad, sandal); and not put on two coats (same as above.”

Luke 10:4 (Seventy Disciples) “Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.” (All same definitions as above)

Luke 22:35-36 (Twelve Disciples) “And Jesus said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked (hustereo = to fall short, deficient, come behind, destitute, lack, suffer need, want, deficient) ye anything (tis = anything, whatsoever)? And they said, Nothing (oudeis = not even one thing, none of these things, not at all). Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword (machaira = knife, sword), let him sell (poleo = trade, barter, sell) his garment (himation = apparel, cloke, clothes, robe, vesture, raiment), and buy one (agorazo = to go to market, purchase, buy, redeem).”

BARNABUS TYPE GIVING

Acts 2:44 “And all (pas = all, every, the whole, every one, whosoever) that believed (pisteuo = to have faith, trust, entrust, believe, commit to) were together (autos = together), and had all things (hapas = absolutely all, everything, whole) common (koinos = common, shared by all); and sold (piprasko prao = to dispose of merchandise, sell) their possessions (ktema = estate, acquirement, possession) and goods (huparxis = property, wealth, goods, substance), and parted them (diamerizo = divide, part, partition thoroughly, distribution) to all men (pas = all, every, the whole, whosoever), as every man (tis = any person, any, every, whosoever) had need (chreia = requirement, destitution, lack, necessity, need, want).”

Acts 4:34-35 “Neither (oude = neither, not even, never) was there any among them (tis = any person)that lacked (endees = deficient in, lacking): for as many as were possessors (ktetor = an owner, possessor) of lands (chorion = plot of ground, field, parcel of ground, land) or houses (oikia residence, abode, home, house) sold them (poleo = to sell, barter, trade), and brought (phero =to carry, bear, bring) the prices (time = money collected, price) of the things that were sold (pipraski prao = dispose, sell), and laid them down (tithemi = to place, commit, lay down, put) at the apostles’ (apostolos = ambassador, messenger, he that is sent) feet (pous = foot, foot-stool): and distribution (diadidomi = to give throughout, deal out, deliver over, distribute, divide, give) was made unto every man (hekastos = each, every, everyone) according (kathoti = according to, as far as, inasmuch, because) as he had need (chreia = requirement, destitution, lack, need, want) .”

Acts 4:36-37 “And Joses (Ioses = Joseph), who by the apostles (apostolos = ambassador, apostle, messenger, he that is sent) was surnamed (epikaleomai = called, surname) Barnabas (Barnabas = son of Nabos, that is, prophecy), which is, being interpreted (methermeneuo = to explain over, that is translate, interpret, the son of consolation (uihos = son; paraklesis = implore, solace, comfort, consolation, exhortation, entreaty), a Levite (Leuites a descendant of Levi), and of the country of Cyprus (Kuprios = inhabitant of Cyprus, Cypriot), having land (agros = field, farm, hamlet, piece of ground, land), sold it (poleo = whatever is sold, barter, sell), and brought (phero = to bear, carry, bring) the money (chrema = wealth, price, money, riches), and laid it at (tithemi = to place, give, commit, lay down, set forth) the apostles’ (apostolos = same as above) feet. (same as above)”

LYDIA TYPE GIVING

Acts 16:12-15, 40 “And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the Sabbath, we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple (porphuropolis = a female trader in purple cloth), of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.”

“And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house (oikos = dwelling, home, house), and abide (meno = dwell, remain, continue, tarry) there. And she constrained (parabiazomai = compel, entreat, constrain) us…And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house (oikos = same as above) of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.”

INDIVIDUAL TYPE GIVING (Business/Marketplace)

Matthew 9:9-12

MATTHEW: “And Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom (telonion = a tax gatherer’s place of business): and saith unto him, follow me (akoloutheo = a road, to be in the same way as, accompany). And he arose (anistemi = to stand up, arise), and followed him (same as above). And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat (anakemimai = to recline, at a meal, lean, sit down at meat, at the table) in the house (oikia = residence, abode, home, house), behold, many publicans (telones = collector of public revenue, a tax farmer) and sinners (hamartolos = sinful, a sinner) came and sat down (sunanakemimai = to recline in company with, to sit down at the table together, at a meal, at meat) with him and his disciples (mathetes = a learner, pupil, disciple). And when the Pharisees (a separatist, exclusively religious, Jewish sectary, Pharisee) saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth (esthio = to eat) your master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he saith unto them, They that be whole (ischuo = be of strength, be whole) need not a physician (iatros = physcian), but they that are sick (kakos = diseased, sick, sore, badly physically or morally).”

Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:50-53

JOSEPH OF ARIMATHAEA: “When the even was come, there came a rich man (plousios = wealthy, abounding with, rich) of Arimathaia (Arimathaia = a place in Palestine named Ramah or Arimatha), named Joseph (Ioseph), who also himself was Jesus’ (Iesous Jesus, Jehoshua) disciple (matheteuo = to become a pupil, instruct, teach, be disciple): He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out of the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulcher, and departed.”

Mark 15:40-41

WOMEN (Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James and many other women): “There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered (diakoneo = to be an attendant, wait upon, serve, minister) unto him;and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.”

Luke 8:2-3

WOMEN (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna and many others):“And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary Magdalene, out of whom went seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered (diakoneo = to be an attendant, wait upon, serve, minister) unto him of their substance (huparchonta = possessions, goods, property, things which one possess, substance).”

Luke 19:1-10

ZACHAEUS: “And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zachaeus, which was the chief among the publicans (architelones = a principal tax gatherer, chief), and he was rich (plousios = wealthy abounding with, rich). And he sought (zeteo = to seek, desire, endeavor) to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press (ochlos a throng, company, multitude, press, number of people), because he was little of stature (mikros mikroteros = small, little; helikia = size, stature). And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.”

“And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zachaeus, make haste (pseudo = speed, urge on, make haste), and come down (katabaino = descend, get down); for today (semeron = this day, now, present, hitherto) I must abide (dei = it is necessary, binding, must needs, needful) at thy house (oikos = dwelling, home, house). And he made haste, and came down, and received him (hupodechomai = to admit under one’s roof, entertain hospitably, receive) joyfully (chairo = with joy, rejoice, full of cheer, glad).”

“And when they saw it, they all murmured (diagogguzo = complain throughout a crowd, murmur), saying, That he was gone to be guest (kataluo = be guest, lodge) with a man that is a sinner (hamartolos = sinful, sinner). And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord (kurios = supreme in authority, controller, God, Lord, Master); Behold, Lord (same), the half of my goods (hemisu = partition, half; huparchonta = property, possessions, goods, that which one has, things which one possesses, substance) I give (didomi = to give, bestow, offer) to the poor (ptochos a beggar, pauper, poor); and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation (sukophanteo = defraud, exact unlawfully, extort, false accusation), I restore him (apodidomi to give back, deliver again, give again, recompense,) fourfold (tetraloos = quadruple, fourfold). And Jesus said unto him, This day (semeron = on this day, now, present, today) is salvation come (soteria = rescue, safety, deliver, salvation) to this house (oikos = home, house, household), for so much as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

John 3:1-3 (Larger Passage 3:1-21); John 19:39 (Larger Passage 19:39-42)

NICODEMUS “There was a man of the Pharisees (Pharisaios a separatist, exclusively religious, a Pharisaean), named Nicodemus (Nikodemos = victorious among his people) a ruler (archon = first in rank, chief, ruler), of the Jews (Ioudaios = belonging to Jehudah, Judah, Jew): The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

“And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight (indication of his wealth).”

Acts 4:34-37

POSSESSORS OF LANDS OR HOUSES

“Neither was there any among them that lacked (endees = deficient in, lacking): for as many as were possessors (ktetor = owner, possessor) of lands (chorion = plot of land, field, parcel of ground) or houses (oikia = residence, abode, home, house) sold them (poleo = to trade, barter, to sell), and brought (phero = to bear, carry) the prices (time = money, value, price) of the things that were sold (piprasko prao = dispose of as merchandise, sell ), and laid them down (tithemi = to place, commit, put) at the apostles’ (apostolos = ambassador, messenger, he that is sent) feet (pous = foot, footstool): and distribution (diadidomi = to give throughout a crowd, deal out, deliver over, distribute, divide, give) was made unto every man (hekastos each and every, every one) according (kathoti = as far as, according to which certain thing) as he had need (chreia = requirement, destitution, lack, need, want).”

Acts 4:36-37

BARNABAS

“And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, which is being interpreted, The son of consolation (paraklesis = comfort, sonsolation, exhortation, entreaty), a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Acts 12:12 “

MARY THE MOTHER OF JOHN MARK

“And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.”

Acts 17:4, 12

CHIEF & HONORABLE WOMEN

“And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few… Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.”

Romans 16:1-2

PHEBE

“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant (diakonos = to run errands, an attendant, a waiter, servant) of the church which is at Cenchrea: that ye receive (prosdechomai = to admit, hospitality, credence, to await with confidence and patience, accept) her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist (paristemi paristano = aid, assist, provide, stand by or with) her in whatsoever business (pragma = deed, business, matter, thing, work) she hath need (chrezo = have necessity, be in want of, need) of you: for she hath been a succourer (prostatis = assistant, a patroness, succourer, practice, maintain) of many, and of myself also.”

PHILIPPIAN CHURCH TYPE GIVING

Philippians 2:25-30 “

Philippians 4:10-19 “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care (phroneo = have a sentiment, concern, affection, sympathy, feelings, understanding) of me hath flourished (anathallo = to revive, flourish) again; wherein ye were also careful (phroneo same as above), but ye lacked opportunity (akaireomai = unseasonable, to be inopportune, lack opportunity). Not that I speak in respect of want (husteresis = a falling short, want, come behind, lack, suffer need): for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate (sugkoinoneo = to share in company with, co-participate in, have fellowship, share with others, be partaker of, communicate) with my affliction (thlipsis = pressure, anguish, burden, persecution, tribulation, trouble, affliction).”

“Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated (koinoneo = to share with others, distribute, communicate) with me as concerning giving (dosis = giving, a gift) and receiving (lepsis = the act of receiving, to have offered to one), but ye only. Even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity (chreia = affair, requirement, destitution, lack, necessity, need). Not because I desire (epizeteo = to search, inquire for, demand, crave, seek after) a gift (doma = a present, gift): but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of sweet smell, and a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

LOCAL CHURCH TYPE GIVING

I Corinthians 9:1-19 “Have we not power (exousia = ability, privilege, freedom, liberty, right, power) to lead about (periago = to take around as a companion, to walk around, lead about) a sister (adelphe = sister, natural), a wife (gune = a woman, specifically a wife), as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power (exousia = ability, privilege, freedom, authority, right) to forbear (me = negation, denial, negative answer) working (ergazomai = to toil, task, occupation, labor, trade, work, minister about)? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? Or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the Law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care of oxen?”

“Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers (metecho to share or participate, eat or drink, take part, be partaker) of this power (exousia = control, influence, power, right) over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.”

“Do ye not know that they which minister (ergazomai = to toil, tasks, engaged in, minister about, occupation, work, trade) about holy things (hieros sacred, holy) live of the things of the temple? And they which wait (prosedreuo to sit near, attend as a servant) at the altar are partakers (Same as above) with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained (diatasso = to arrange thoroughly, institute, prescribe, appoint, command, order, ordain) that they which preach (kataggello = proclaim, declare, preach, teach) the gospel (euaggelion = good news) should live (zao = to live) of the gospel (ek ex = origin, from, out of). But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.”

“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge (adapanos = costless, gratuitous, without expense), that I abuse not my power in the gospel. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.”

I Thessalonians 5:12-13 “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them (eido = to know, be aware, consider, perceive, look on, understand) which labor (kopiao = to feel fatigue, to work hard, labor, toil, be wearied) among you (en = fixed position, a relationship of rest, between, among, to give self wholly to, and are over you (proistemi = to stand before) in the Lord, and admonish (noutheteo = to put in mind, caution, reprove gently, admonish, warn) you; and to esteem (hegeomai = consider, account) them very highly (perissos = beyond measure, very highly, super abundant) in love (agape = affection, dear, love) for their work’s (ergon = work, toil, effort, occupation, act, deed, labor, work) sake (dia = for sake, because of, by reason of). And be at peace among yourselves.”

I Timothy 5:17-18 “Let the elders (presbuteros = elderly, older, mature) that rule (proistemi stand before) well (kalos = well, good, honestly) be counted worthy (axioo = to deem, think good, count or think worthy) of double honor (time = value, money paid, price, honor, precious), especially (malista = very, most, particularly, most of all) they who labor (kopiao to feel fatigue, to work hard, labor , toil, be wearied) in the word (logos = something said, discourse, reasoning, communication, utterance, word ) and doctrine (didaskalia = instruction, information, teaching, doctrine). For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, the laborer is worthy of his reward.”

COLLECTIVE CHURCHES TYPE GIVING

Acts 2:44-45 “And all (pas = every, the whole, all, every one, as many as, whole) that believed (pisteuo = to have faith in, entrust, commit, trust, put trust in) were together (autos = together, root epi = a relationship ), and had all things (hapas = union, absolutely all, all things, whole) common (koinos = common, shared by all); and sold (piprasko prao = dispose, sell) their possessions (ktema = estate, possessions) and goods (huparxis = property, wealth, goods, substance), and parted them (diamerizo = partition thoroughly, distribution, divide, part) to all men (pas all, every, the whole, as many as), as every man (tis = any person, whomsoever) had need (chreia = requirement, destitution, lack, need, want).”

Acts 4:32-37 “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things (hapas = absolutely all, all things, whole) common (koinos = shared by all, common; sun = union, with or together, completeness). And great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked (endees = lacking, deficient in): for as many as were possessors (ktetor = an owner, possessor) of lands (chorion = a parcel of ground, field, a possession ) or houses (oikia = residence, an abode, house, home) sold them (poleo = to trade, barter, sell), and brought (phero = bear, carry) the prices (time = money paid, value, price ) of the things that were sold (piprasko prao = sold, disposed of, to traverse, to traffic by travelling), and laid them down (tithemi = lay down, set forth, give) at the apostles’ (apostolos = delegate, ambassador, commissioner, messenger, he that is sent) feet ( pous = foot stool, feet): and distribution (diadidomi = to give throughout a crowd, deal out, deliver over, give) was made unto every man (hekastos = each or everyone) according (kathoti = according to which, inasmuch as) as he had need (chreia = employment, affair, demand, requirement, destitution, lack, want).”

“And Joses (Joseph), who by the apostles was surnamed (epikaleomai = entitle, surname) Barnabas, (Barnabas son of Nabas, that is prophecy) which is, being interpreted (methermeneuo = to explain over, translate, interpret), the son of consolation. (paraklesis = solace, comfort, consolation, exhortation, entreaty) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, having land (agros =a field, farm, hamlet, piece of ground), sold it (poleo = to trade, barter, sell), and brought (phero =to bear, carry, bring forth) the money (chrema = useful, needed, wealth, price, money, riches), and laid it (tithemi = lay down, put, set forth) at the apostles’ feet (same as above).”

Acts 11:27-30 “And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth (limos = destitution, a scarcity of food, dearth, famine, hunger) throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to (kathos = according to, inasmuch) his ability (euporeo = ability), determined (horizo = to mark out, specify, determine) to send (pempo = dispatch, transmit, send) relief (diakonia = attendance as a servant, aid, relief) unto the brethren (adelphos a brother) which dwelt in Judea: which also they did, and sent it (apostello = set apart, to send out, send forth) to the elders (same as above) by the hands of (cheir = the hand, as a means or instrument) Barnabas and Saul.”

Romans 15:25-27 “But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister (diakoneo = to be an attendant, wait upon, serve) unto the saints (hagios = consecrated, holy, saint). For it hath pleased them (eudokeo to think well of, approve, think good, please, pleasure) of Macedonia and Achaia to make (poieo = to make or do) a certain (tis = certain) contribution (koinonia = partnership, participation, distribution) for the poor (ptochos = beggar, pauper, poor) saints (same as above) which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased (eudokeo = to think well of, approve, think good, please, pleasure) them verily (gar = because that, indeed, verily); and their debtors (opheiletes = indebted, delinquent, owed) they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers (koinoneo = to share with, distribute, partaker) of their spiritual things (pneumatikos = supernatural, regenerate, spiritual), their duty (opheilo opheileo = owe, accruing, under obligation, bound) is also to minister (leitourgeo = public servant, perform charitable functions, minister) unto them in carnal things (sarkikos = pertaining to flesh, temporal, carnal).”

I Corinthians 16:1-4, 17 “Now concerning the collection (logia = to collect, collection, gathering, a contribution) for the saints (hagios = sacred, consecrated, holy, saint), as I have given order (diatasso = to arrange thoroughly, prescribe, to set in order) to the churches (ekklesia = a calling out, assembly, community of believers) of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day (mia = one or first; day one, the one day of the week, every first day, on the first day of every week, every Sunday) of the week (sabbaton = the Sabbath; See also Luke 24:1, Acts 20:7; The noun Sabbath is often used after numerals in the signification of a week.) let everyone (hekastos = every, each, everyone) of you lay by (tithemi = to place, lay up, lay by; by himself in his own home) him in store (thesaurizo = reserve, keep in store, amass), as (God) hath prospered him (euodoo = succeed in business affairs, prosper), that there be no gatherings (logia = collection) when I come.”

“And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve (dokimazo = try, examine, prove, approve) by your letters (epistole a written message, letter, epistle), them will I send (pempo = to dispatch, send) to bring (apophero = to bear off, carry, bring) your liberality (charis = favor, gift) unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking (husterema = a deficit, poverty, what which is behind, want, lacking) on your part (humon = from you, or concerning you) they have supplied (anapleroo = to complete, supply, accomplish, fulfill).”

II Corinthians 8:1-24 “Moreover, brethren we do you to wit of the grace (charis = benefit, favor, gift, liberality) of God bestowed (didomi = to give, bestow, commit, grant, minister) on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial (polus polos = much, many, abundant) of affliction (thlipsis = afflicted, anguish, burdened, persecution, trouble, tribulation) the abundance (perisseia = abundance, super abundance) of their joy (chara = delight, gladness, cheerfulness) and their deep (bathos = depth, extent) poverty (ptocheia = beggary, indigence, poverty) abounded (perisseuo = be in excess, excel exceed, increase) unto the riches (ploutos = wealth, money, possessions, abundance) of their liberality (haplotes = sincerity, without self-seeking, generosity, liberal).”

“For to their power (dunamis = force, miraculous power, ability, abundance, might, mighty work), I bear record (martureo = witness, testify, bear record, give honest report, testify, testimony), yea, and beyond (huper = over, above, beyond, ) their power (dunamis same as above) they were willing of themselves (authairetos = self-chosen, voluntary, of own accord); praying us (deomai = to beg, petition, beseech, make request, pray; (hemon = us, our company) with much entreaty (polus polos = much, often; paraklesis = implore exhort, entreat, ) that we would receive (dechomai = to receive, accept, take) the gift (charis = graciousness, gift, liberality), and take upon us the fellowship (koinonia = partnership, participation, fellowship) of the ministering (diakonia = attendance as a servant, aid, service, minister) to the saints (hagios = sacred, consecrated, holy, saint).”

“And this they did, not as we hoped (elpizo = expect, hope), but first (proton = firstly, before, first of all) gave (didomi = to give, bestow, offer, yield) their own selves (heautou = themselves, ) to the Lord (kurios = Lord, God, master, supreme authority), and unto us by the will (thelema = determination, choice, desire, pleasure, will) of God (theos = deity, supreme divinity, God). Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace (charis = gift, joy liberality, gratitude, favor, grace) also. Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace (same as above) also.”

“I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace (same as above) of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich (plousios = wealthy, abounding with, rich), yet for your sakes he became poor (ptocheuo = beggar, indigent, poor), that ye through his poverty (procheia = beggar, indigent, poor) might be rich (plouteo = to become wealthy, increased with goods, be made rich). And herein I give my advice (gnome = opinion, counsel, advice): for this is expedient (sumphero = to bear together, advantage, good, profitable, expedient) for you, who have begun before (proenarchomai = to commence already, begin before), not only to do (poieo = to make or do, commit, without delay, fulfil), but also to be forward (thelo ethelo = to determine, choose, to be about to, delight in, intend) a year ago (peruse = last year).”

“Now therefore perform (epiteleo = to fulfill further or completely, execute, accomplish, finish) the doing of it (poieo = to make or do, bring forth, without delay, perform); that as there was a readiness (prothumia = ready, willing mind, readiness of mind) to will (thelo ethelo = to determine, delight in, to be about to), so there may be a performance (epiteleo = to fulfill further, completely, execute, accomplish, finish) also (kai = also, then, indeed, likewise, moreover, therefore) out of (ek ex = from, out of, heartily, by reason, completion) that which ye have (echo = to hold, possession).”

“For if (ei = whether, if, forasmuch as) there be first (prokeimai = to be present, to stand forth, be first, set forth) a willing mind (prothumia = readiness of mind, willing mind), it is accepted (eprosdektos = well received, approved, favorable) according to that (katho = in proportion as, according to that) a man hath (tis = any person, every man; echo = to hold, possession, ability), and not according to (ou = not) that he hath not (katho = in proportion as, according to which thing, inasmuch as; echo = to hold, possession, ability; ou = not).”

“For I mean not that other men be eased (anesis = relaxation, relief, rest), and ye burdened (thlipsis = pressure, anguish, burdened, trouble): But by an equality (isotes = equity, equal, proportion), that now at this time (nun = now at this present time, present, immediate; kairos = an occasion, set or proper time, short time) your abundance (perisseuma = over and above, surplus, superabundance) may be a supply for (eis = to, purpose, concerning) their want (husterema = deficit, poverty, that which is behind, lacking, want), that their abundance (perisseuma = surplus, abundance, over and above, superabundance) also may be a supply for your want (husterema = poverty, that which is behind, lacking, want): that there may be equality (isotes = likeness in proportion, equal, equity): As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and the that had gathered little had no lack.”

“But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care (spoude = speed, dispatch, eagerness, earnestness, diligence, haste) into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted (dechomai = to receive, accept, take) the exhortation (paraklesis = implore, comfort, exhortation, entreaty); but being more forward (spoudaioteros = more prompt, more earnest, more diligent), of his own accord (authairetos = self-chosen, voluntary, willing of self) he went unto you. And we have sent with the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace (charis = favor, gift), which is administered (diakoneo = to be an attendant, wait upon, serve) by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind (prothumia = readiness of mind, willing mind): Avoiding this (stello = avoid, withdraw self, abstain), that no man should blame (momaomai = censure, discredit, blame) us in this abundance (hadrotes = liberality, abundance) which is administered (diakoneo = be an attendant, wait upon, serve, minister) by us:”

“Providing for (proneo = to consider in advance, look out for beforehand, provide for) honest things (kalos = good, valuable, worthy, virtuous), not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow-helper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.”

II Corinthians 9:1-15 “For as touching the ministering (diakonia attendance, service, aid) to the saints (hagios = sacred, consecrated, holy), it is superfluous (perissos = beyond, excessive) for me to write to you: for I know the forwardness of your mind (prothumia = predisposition, readiness, ready, willing), for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready (paraskeuazo = to furnish aside, get ready, prepare self, make ready) a year ago; and your zeal (zelos = fervent mind, zeal) hath provoked (erethizo = stimulate) very many. Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready (paraskeuazo same as above): lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared (aparaskeuastos = unready, unprepared), we (that we say unto, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.”

“Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand (prokatarizo = prepare in advance) your bounty (eulogia = commendation, blessing), whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty (same as above), and not as of covetousness (pleonexia = fraudulent, extortion, greediness). But this I say, He which soweth (speiro = scatter, sow) sparingly (pheidomenos = stingily, sparingly) shall reap (therido to harvest a crop) also sparingly (same as above); and he which soweth (same as above) bountifully (eulogia = commendation, blessing) shall reap (same as above) also bountifully (same as above). Every man according as he purposeth (proaireomai = to choose, intend) in his heart (kardia = thoughts, feelings, mind hear, inner being), so let him give; not grudgingly (lupe = grief, sadness, heaviness, sorrow), or of necessity (anagke = constraint, distress, must needs): for God (theos = supreme Divinity, God) loveth (agapao = same as above) a cheerful giver (hilaros = merry, hilarious, prompt, willing; dotes = giver).”

“And God (theos = deity, supreme Divinity, God) is able (dunatos = powerful, capable, mighty, power strong) to make all grace (charis = favor, gift, grace) abound toward you (perisseuo = superabound, excel, abundance, exceed, over and above); that ye always having all sufficiency in all things (autarkeia = sufficiency), may abound (perisseuo = super abound, excess, excel, exceed, over and above) to every good (agathos = good, benefit) work (ergon = toil, act, deed, labor, work) : (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad (skorpizo = penetrating, dissipate, scatter); he hath given (didomi = to give, granted) to the poor (penes = starvng, indigent, poor, to toil for daily subsistence): his righteousness (dikaiosune = character of character and acts, just, righteous) remaineth (meno = to stay, abide, continue, endure, remain) forever (perpetuity, eternal, without end, evermore).”

“Now he that ministereth (epichoregeo = to furnish besides, fully supply, aid, contribute, minister) seed (sperma = something sown) to the sower (speiro = to scatter, sow, extending) both minister (choregeo = furnish, give, minister) bread (artos = bread, loaf) for your food (brosis = eating, food, meat), and multiply (plethuno = increase, abound, multiply) your seed sown (sporos = scattering of seed, sown), and increase (auxano = to grow, enlarge, grow, increase) the fruits (gennema = produce, fruit, offspring, generation) of your righteousness;(didaiosune = equity of character and action, just, righteous) being enriched (ploutizo = to make wealthy, make rich) in everything (pas = the whole, every, whatsoever) to all bountifulness (haplotes = liberal, generosity, sincerity without self-seeking), which causeth (katergazomai = to work fully, accomplish, finish, perform, work out) through (dia = the channel of an act, through) us (hemon = from us, we, our) thanksgiving (eucharistia = gratitude, grateful, thankfulness, giving thanks) to God (theos = deity, supreme Divinity, God).”

“Whiles by the experiment (dokime = test, experience, proof, trial) of this ministration (diakonia = aid, service, ministering, service, relief) they glorify (doxazo = to render, to esteem, glory, honor, magnify) God for your professed (homologia = acknowledgment, profession) subjection (hupotage = subordination, subjection) unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal (haplotes = singleness, sincerity, without self-seeking, generosity, simplicity) distribution (koinonia = partnership, participation, communicate, fellowship) unto them, and unto all men; and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable (anekdiegetos = indescribable, unspeakable, not expounded in full) gift (dorea = gratuity, gift).”

II Corinthians 11:7-12 “Have I committed (poieo = to make, caused, ) an offence (hamartia = sin, offence) in abasing myself (tapeinoo = humiliate, bring low, humble self) that ye might be exalted (hupsoo = elevate, exalt lift up), because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely (dorean = gratuitously, freely)? I robbed (sulao = to strip, despoil, rob) other churches (ekklesia = a calling out, gathering, assembly, congregation), taking wages (opsonion = rations for a soldier, stipend, pay, wages) of them, to do you service (diakonia = aid, service, ministering).”

“And when I was present with you, and wanted (hustereo = fall short, be deficient, come behind, short, destitute, suffer need, want), I was chargeable (katanarkao = burdensome, slothful) to no man: for that which was lacking (husterema = deficit, poverty, that which is behind, want) to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied (prosanapleroo = to fill up further, furnish fully, supply): and in all things I have kept myself (tereo to guard, prevent, withhold) from being burdensome (abares = a burden, weightless, not burdensome) unto you, and so will I keep myself (tereo = to guard from injury, keep an eye upon, prevent, watch ).”

“As the truth (aletheia = truth) of Christ is in me, no man shall stop (sphragizo = stop) me of this boasting (kauchesis = boasting, rejoicing, glorifying) in the regions of Achaia. Wherefore? Because I love you not? God knoweth. But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off (ekkopto = hinder, frustrate, cut out) occasion (aphorme = opportunity) from them which desire occasion (same as above); that wherein they glory (kauchaomai = boast, vaunt), they may be found even as we (heurisko = to find, get, obtain, perceive, see).”

TENTMAKING-WORK TYPE GIVING

Acts 18:1-3 “After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; and found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome and came unto them. And because he was of the same craft (homotechnos = of the same craft, a fellow artificer), he abode (meno = to stay, abide, continue, dwell) with them, and wrought (ergazomai = to toil, as a task, occupation, engaged in, labor for, trade, work): for by their occupation (techne = art, trade, skill, craft, occupation) they were tentmakers (skenopoios = manufacturer of tents, tentmaker).”

Acts 18:18, 26 “And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. And he (Apollos) began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla and heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”

Acts 20:33-35 “I have coveted (epithumeo = to set the heart upon, that is long for, covet, desire, lust after) no man’s silver (argurion = cash, money), or gold (chrusion = a golden article or coin), or apparel (himatismos = clothing, raiment). Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands (cheir = the hands as a means or instrument) have ministered (hupereteo to be a subordinate, sub-serve, serve) unto my necessities (chreia = requirement, lack, need, want), and (kai = and, also) to them (on ousa on = being) that were with (meta = together with) me (emou = mine) .”

“I have shewed (hupodeiknumi = to exhibit under the eyes, exemplify, instruct) you all things (pas = all every, the whole), how that so laboring (kopiao = to feel fatigue, to work hard, toil, labor, be wearied) ye ought (dei = necessary, binding, must, ought, needful) to support (antilambanomai = to take hold of, succor, participate, help, partaker support) the weak (astheneo = feeble, diseased, impotent, sick, weak), and to remember (mnemoneuo = to exercise memory, recollect, mindful, remember) the words (logos = something said, account, communication, utterance, word) of the Lord Jesus (kurios = supreme authority, controller, master, God, Lord; Iesous = Jesus, Jehoshua), how he said, It is more (mallon = more, in a greater degree) blessed (makarios = well off, supremely blest, blessed, happy) to give (didomi = to give, bestow, commit, grant, minister, yield) than to receive (lambano = to get hold of, to have offered to one, accept, obtain, receive, take).”

Romans 16:3 “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.”

I Corinthians 9:6 “Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power (exousia = ability, privilege, freedom, right, power) to forbear (me = not, without) working (ergazomai = to toil as a task or occupation, engaged in, labor, minister about, by trade, work)?”

I Corinthians 16:19 “The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.”

Ephesians 4:28 “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor (kopiao to feel fatigue, by implication to work hard, labor, toil, be wearied), working (ergazomai = to toil, occupation, labor, trade, work) with his hands (cheir = the hands as a means, instrument) the thing which is good (agathos good, benefit, well), that he may have (hina = in order that) to give (metadidomi = to give over, share, give, impart) to him that needeth (echo = need, necessity, lack).”

II Timothy 4:19 “Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.”

CHALLENGE:

Jesus’ challenge to “go” without even taking a “purse” (human provision) totally trusting God as our Resource for our resources (God’s provision)!

Illustration - Jesus sending out the Twelve according to Matthew 10:1-13 “Freely ye have received, freely give…provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor script for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat…”

CONCLUSION:

Matthew 9:37-38 “Then saith Jesus unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.”