Is it biblical to have paid preachers? “Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.” ~ 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 Some say that preachers should not receive any compensation at all, and that they should follow the admonition of Jesus who said freely you received, freely give, (Matt. 10:8). Furthermore, people also say that preachers who are truly spiritual should decline being paid. However, the context of Jesus saying freely you received, freely give, is dealing with healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers, and casting out demons. What is interesting is that in the next two verses Jesus said take along no money ~ gold or silver, then he says in verse 10, for the worker is worthy of the support. The implication is that those who are preaching the Gospel and performing the ministry that Christ has given them should be supported by those people to whom they minister. Also, by looking at similar verses we find the same message. There are several texts that can be cited for showing that preachers are to receive payment for their service. From the text above, 1 Corinthians 9:14, Paul clearly says that the Lord DIRECTED/ORDERED those who proclaim the Gospel to get their living from the Gospel. Can there be any clearer statement supporting the idea that a preacher/missionary can indeed be paid for his ministerial work? Your thoughts?
Posted on: Thu, 29 May 2014 00:56:38 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015