letters to surfers

Based on 2 Thessalonians shouldn't preachers work to support themselves as Paul did?

Answer by Robert Brow August 1999   (Web site - www.brow.on.ca)


Paul does say "Anyone unwilling to work should not eat" (2 Thess. 3:10). But presumably work should not be defined as working for wages or a salary. Most women I know who raise four children (as my wife did) work harder for nothing than many overpaid men. Paul worked with his hands as a tentmaker when he needed to, but he accepted support from churches for periods when he had to be in ministry full time (Phil. 4:15-16).

I suppose the leader of your group functions as a preacher/pastor/teacher. Many who do that often work sixty hours a week, and they deserve to be supported (Luke 10:7, Ephesians 6:6). But if a preacher or church leader was bone idle, or unsuited to Christian ministry I wouldn't give a penny for poor work.(Phil. 4:15-16).


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