St. Paul's Collection for the Poor in Jerusalem
Here's a paper I wrote some time ago on St. Paul's great collection for the saints suffering in Jerusalem. It needs some revision, but that'll have to wait for a time. The study of this topic has probably been the most formative theological endeavor for me in the past 8 years at LCMS World Relief. I need to add a section discussing Barnabas, whom I believe was probably the driving force behind the "proto-collection" in Antioch.
It's the kind of paper that people who like these kind of papers will like. Click HERE.
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Guess what the main purpose of giving is in the New Testament?
Answer: STEWARDSHIP
Which depends on the Spirit, which is about provoking and stimulating one another to embrace and express the shared values of Christ.
From the essay, I'd answer "fellowship."
Close grasshoppers.... but no cigar.
Guess what the main purpose of giving is in the New Testament?
Answer: SERVICE
Diakonia (diakonia) is the ministry of service (giving) to those in need and is carried out by the church and its members.
*Diakonic life in the church is as much central and important today as it was in the first century as stated by a fellow grasshopper.
Hmm. I suppose one could argue from the essay that the main purpose of giving in the NT is to glorify God, or to stimulate others to glorify God, or to confess the Gospel, or as an expression of fellowship.
Here's the passage that seems to me key to answering the question:
"'By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the Gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, “By their confirmation (dokimes) of the diakonia” that is, knowing exactly from whom it comes and why it was given, they will glorify God. Why has it come? It is a submission produced by the Corinthians confession (homologias) of the Gospel. The very gift is itself a confession of the Gospel. 'Contribution'
is koinonias, a 'sharing' or 'fellowship.' So 'fellowship' in the church is not merely doctrinal assent. It is mutual participation in Christ’s gifts of Word and Sacrament, but also sharing in the goods and material challenges of life."
Or maybe it's a trick question, and the essay doesn't answer to the question.
The main purpose of giving in the New Testament is to respond to specific human needs, which God allows us the privilege of doing. God provides us with many opportunities to give. Through them we continue to recognize His goodness.
Come on. Post the correct answer! :-)
Guess what the main purpose of giving is in the New Testament?
"To whom much is given, much will be required."
Guess what the main purpose of giving is in the New Testament?
What I see demonstrated in the New Testament is giving to the poor, helping other ministries that help the poor in their formation and organization, and supporting those that teach us the Word of God who are also in need. Clearly the common thread is giving help to those in need. (Acts 2:25; 4:35; 11:29)
Can I have the cigar?
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Matt. 5-16
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