A Reconsideration of Self Support in Light of Paul's Collections

Abstract

Scholars have rightly recognized the importance of Paul’s collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem, and the fact that it is something to which he dedicated much of his time and energy. Paul’s collections amongst the churches he planted partially reveal the economic relationships that existed among them. There is no doubt that “the collection for the saints” formed part of the glue that united various Christian congregations. This paper seeks to reconsider the call for the Church (particularly the African Church) to be self- supporting in light of “the collection for the saints”. Since Paul did not write a treatise on money, we will derive his theology from his instructions to his fledgling churches to assist the poverty-stricken believers of Jerusalem (especially Rom. 15:25-32, 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8-9). The Roman Empire’s economic systems will be described to help illuminate the subversive nature of Paul’s practice in light of the region’s dominant culture. It is anticipated that the Pauline approach can liberate the Church of Jesus Christ to use God’s resources wherever they are and wherever they are needed for God’s work. The study proposes that if Christian giving is properly done, it has the capacity to “equalize” our unequal world as resources will move from where they are to where they are most needed. Paul’s approach can free the African church to be as missional as the Pauline newly founded church communities were.