Question Corner by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 23, 1914

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 24.

Question Corner

By Editor

WE can not answer repeatedly in the same volume questions upon the same scripture. The name and address must accompany question. It is well always to enclose stamp for reply.

4320 — PASTORAL SUPPORT

What is the Scriptural teaching in regard to pastoral support? Should ministers of the gospel receive wages? Some claim that because Christ did not accept pay in the form of money, therefore ministers now should not. H. T.

According to the apostle Paul, in 1 Cor. 9:7-14, the ministers should be supported by the believers in the gospel. "What soldier ever serveth at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?" R. V. The minister is spiritually a soldier (2 Tim. 2:3), a vine-dresser (1 Cor. 3:6-8), and a shepherd (1 Peter 5:2, 4), and as such, has a right to remuneration.

In 2 Cor. 12:13 Paul shows that he had not allowed himself to be a burden to the church in Corinth; and from his admission that he had done wrong in refusing the same support from the Corinthian brethren that the others had given, we see that he considered it the legitimate means of sustenance. The Levitical system of support by tithe was instituted by God Himself. Lev. 27:30-32; Num. 18:21, 24.

While we have no record of Christ's receiving remuneration for His ministry, we know that He received entertainment at the hands of those who had accepted Him. In the nature of things, He could not receive direct pay, because there was as yet no organization from whom to receive this. Nevertheless, the fact that Judas, the treasurer for the group of the twelve disciples and Christ, carried a money-bag from which he drew for their necessities, shows that they received help from some source.