Support Appeal
But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 NASB
Appreciate – Why would Paul need to tell his own brothers to appreciate his efforts and the efforts of those like him? It seems a bit pedantic, doesn’t it? These people were followers of Yeshua because of Paul. Does he really have to instruct them to appreciate that fact? Clearly Paul has something more in mind than a hardy greeting or an affirmation that his last sermon was a blockbuster.
The actual word Paul uses is a form of the verb oida. It is like ginosko; i.e., both words mean “to know,” but Zodhiates distinguishes them with the following: “Contrasted with oida, ginosko (1097), to know experientially, frequently suggests the inception or progress in knowledge, while oida suggest fullness of knowledge.”[1] In this context, Paul suggests that those who receive instruction and oversight are to be fully aware of their teachers. In the Hebraic world, that undoubtedly implies shalom, well-being. It is not merely a matter of respect (ESV) nor acknowledgment (NIV). Shalom is a matter of caring for someone else’s needs. Paul is encouraging those who have benefitted from his ministry to take care of his needs, to be fully aware of what is happening in his life and look after him as they are able. There is no muzzle on the ox except the one put there by ungrateful talmidim.
Perhaps Paul’s appeal to the Thessalonian followers has some larger application. Not all that Paul writes does, but in this case, it seems reasonable to suggest that those who benefit should contribute. Paul may be offering only aggadah, not halachah, but his words strike close to the truth. Notice, if you will, that he isn’t writing about a building or programs or equipment. He is writing about knowing the stress points of his life. And he wants the letter read to all the assemblies in the region. Paul sacrificed a lot to bring the truth about YHWH and His Son to these believers and now he asks them to offer something in return. The message might be about experiencing freedom from guilt and punishment but it doesn’t arrive freely. Paul paid a big price to deliver God’s words.
I think it is important to notice that Paul’s appeal is directed entirely toward personal involvement. He asks that those who have received pay full attention to the people who have diligently labored. He isn’t starting a building campaign or raising money for better equipment. His focus is on the needs of individuals who labor for the truth. And just in case you thought this was simply a voluntary appeal, the opening word is erotomen, “to ask, to seek, to demand,” where the TDNT notes that “to request, to demand” is “the chief meaning outside the Gospels.” Perhaps Paul is thinking “payment due.”
What do you think? Or better, what are you going to do?
Topical Index: appreciate, 1 Thessalonians 5:12, oida, ginosko, shalom, erotomen
This open, willing attitude is very important. Let me tell you why.
Once upon a time there was a man that loved his Lord so much, he wanted to serve Him no matter what. He was a member of a congregation that wanted to follow Paul in everything. So this congregation had no paid pastors. Everyone did everything voluntary. So this man started to be a worker in the vineyard and because he loved His Lord, he gave everything he had. But ofcourse his family had to be taken care of, so he had a fulltime job also. Every minute of his spare time went into the work: sermons, biblestudies, youthwork, etc. etc. Because people liked his way of working, he became a member of the board. That meant even more work, so he was hardly at home any more. Sometimes he was so exhausted after the weekend, he had to recover during his job-hours. His family suffered much because daddy was never there… Result: after 15 or more years of working every hour of every day (he didn’t keep shabbat, that was for the Jews), he plunged in a severe burn out, his wife left him and his children blamed him for never being there.
Stupid, isn’t it? He gave everything for His Lord and because of that lost everything. Why? Because his congregation didn’t see the need to set him free for the work… Ofcourse he should have known better, ofcourse he should have asked for help. But the example of Paul was clear, wasn’t it? He worked to earn his own living. At least, that was how it was interpreted. By people who could have easily afforded to help this worker in the vineyard. But who chose to spend their money on expesive holydays far away in stead of caring for their pastor. After all, tithing was for the Jews also, not for us….
Luckily for this pastor this crisis led him to stumble upon the Hebrew roots of the faith. He found a site called “Today’s Word”. And now he is more than happy, praises Yehovah who broke down all his own works to bring him back to Him. Praise Yehovah!
I know this karakter quite well, because it is me.
Wow, Kees, what a testimony. Thank you your courage in sharing this.
Actually, I’m quite ashamed of this period now.
Thanks Kees.
Kees,
I’ve never been a pastor but know a couple that experienced similar situations as you mentioned. The toll was heavy and wearying. I could just look in their eyes and see the strain and imbalance. I didn’t understand it back then, but have since had opportunities to speak personally and privately with a couple of pastors. It is heart breaking to hear and witness.
I’m glad you have known some redemption from the turmoil. Thanks for sharing your experience. It helps me when others share the real difficulties they’ve grown through and grown from. For many years I struggled under pressure to perform, act and live according to some self appointed leaders. It took a while for me to realize Yeshua’s yoke was easy and His burden light. When pressed from outside it is heavy, when led by Ruach haKodesh in His Way is light and lively and motivating.
Being set free is wonderful, isn’t it?
Blessings to you, brother.
Yes, brother! His yoke is easy and His ‘burden’ is light. As I experience first hand now! NOW I know what freedom is: following His ‘Law’ (that is really instruction). I enjoy each and every shabbat. Even the anticipation on friday is a joy! Praise Yehovah!
Shalom Kees,
HalleluYAH! Heart-rending testimony! Thank you for sharing.
May ABBA YHWH restore you a 100 fold! Amein!
Blessing you.
Hi Kees, You’ve shared some of your past before and from what I remember it was certainly one of the more difficult moments. Since that time, I’ve often prayed for you. It’s great to hear you express JOY that comes from experiences so difficult.
It’s a lesson for me to remember as well when inevitably trials will come.
Hi Curtis,
Thanks for your prayers! But it is good indeed to thank Yehovah, for this takes away much of the pain that is there. Indeed, there is so much reason to thank Him! So much reaon for joy!
I often sing very loud the songs of praise of Paul Wilbur or someone else. Hope the neighbors don’t mind…
God’s thrones on the praises of His people, and I definitely want to be part of that!
And when the pain comes back, I read Isaiah 56. Incredible, He tells me that my place will be on His holy mountain! My sacrifices will be acceptable to Him! That’s what brings tears to my eyes, but this time tears of disbelieve and joy: O Lord, is this really possible? How great Thou art!
B.t.w.: Sorry, Skip, for only being able to contribute so little. I would love to give more, but I simply don’t have it. I hope God also provides wealthier members….
ANd your willingness speaks volumes and is worth more than all the money you could offer
Hi Kees,
You said that you “stumbled upon Today’s Word,” but I’m guessing you realize that it was no accident.
I truly believe God hand picks the people He wants to get to know Skip and learn more of the biblical truths he is teaching. And He probably knew you were finally ready to hear those truths.
As for me…I have NO doubt in my mind that it was divine intervention that brought me to the place where I would meet Skip. Life has never been the same…in a positive way, (but not always easy.)
Praise God for what He is doing in your life and that you were one of the chosen…to meet Skip Moen :-). I pray that your problems of the past will find resolution in Yeshua.
Blessings.
Indeed it was no accident! The Spirit pushed me in the right direction. Skip helped me with his knowledge so I recognised being stuck in a very Greek mindset. And than it came like a tidal wave: from many sides at the same time: from Tim Hegg, Avi Ben Mordechai, Michael Rood, Mark Biltz, 119ministries, Keith Johnson, etc. etc.
My former traditional beliefsystem disappeared, melted like snow. But it’s hard to find brothers and sisters who are also touched by the Spirit this way. I met an old friend last year, not having seen him for over 30 years. To our surprise we are at exactly the same track! What a joy!!! We sometimes do kiddush together. Celebrate the Feasts of the Lord. Are having discussions on all kinds of subjects.
I think you all recognise this, having identical stories yourselves.
I believe the Kingdom is coming soon! We should be ready. We should not be silent any more, but proclaim it with force! The King is coming! Prepare!
Shalom, Kees
Hi Skip,
Welcome back. I’m trusting that your time as a guest lecturer at sea offered some great opportunities for teaching as well as providing some wonderful down time for you and Rosanne.
Thanks for your Word today.
Yes, you have definitely labored diligently to bring the truth to your readers and my prayer is that more folks get on board in the “giving arena” when ever possible. I’m not talking about those who can’t…just those who can. I think it is easy for many to take for granted the time and energy you spend on “Today’s Word” 365 days a year. And, not just in the teaching…but the time you take to answer blog postings as well.
I count it a privilege and a blessing to be able to contribute to your ministry, but my concern is that you’re going to start feeling burned out if more people don’t step up to help lessen some of the financial burdens of your ministry.
Praying for more consciences to be pricked.
So what would the “biblical model(s)” be? Paul was supported by his ‘spiritual children’, yet he also plied his trade as a tent-maker, so as not to be a burden. Did he offer freely to the immature Christians, but expect that the more mature would NOT behave as children – by simply taking?
Obviously there is not ONE single model, and times and individual situations may require different approaches — but a fully paid pastorate doesn’t seem to fit either. The Didache seems to support the idea of the working ‘prophet’, the ‘first-fruit’ supported ‘prophet’, and distinguishes the prophet who asks for money from the prophet who asks for it on behalf of others.
Does anyone have some thoughts to bring a little clarity here?
Yes, welcome back, Skip, hope you had a fulfilling time on all your trips.
It is both a joy to give and to receive, to teach and to be taught.
I believe in free-will love offerings, to bless as I have been blessed. Many sites ask for donations all the time, and some have big DONATE on their sites, makes you wonder.
But then again, we can be presumptuous that these folks who spend so much of their personal time trying to encourage, to move us on, from erroneous teachings of translations and interpretations, do have some financial needs.
I have been narrowing that gap as to who I ought to support in their ministry.
It is good to be reminded! Thank you, Skip.
I’ve just read Skip’s article on What Must You Believe and the comment was made that many of us who have moved away from Christianity (or believe we have) have brought the Christian way of thinking with us and our current “doctrines” are still built on those views. That’s something I very often find in myself.
Then I noticed this article and I’m thinking, are we not seeing congregations or communities in the time of Paul through the eyes of congregations around us today? (I’m deliberately leaving out “communities”). Then I had this thought (it hasn’t been thought through carefully, it’s just a “musing” for now):
Was Paul connected to or part of a congregation or did he become part of the congregation or community in the areas where he was staying? So, he was not the “pastor” of the congregation. He didn’t have a home or family there. The “tent making” he did, was depending on whatever the circumstances and “business opportunities” that were available in the area.
The leaders (elders) of the congregations or communities were all resident in the communities. They probably had their jobs, homes, families (in whichever order of priority they would have had), so they had no need to ask for assistance or the hope that someone would see their needs and provide in some way. Paul as a visitor was in a different situation. He didn’t have the support base. He was not sent by a congregation who could provide in his needs.
I also believe that the so-called “five-fold ministry” in Eph 4 is incorrectly interpreted. It’s not the job description of the person appointed by the elders to be the one running the show. It’s a picture of what the whole congregation should be doing. So, on the one hand they would all be involved in the congregation in various areas according to their skills, talents and gifts, but on the other hand they would have an income through one or more of the family members who would have some kind of enterprise going that would generate whatever the family needed to live on. Each family would be also be involved in keeping an eye out for the poor, the orphans, the widows, etc.
These categories (from Torah) did not cater for the “itinerate teacher” and because Paul would have been seen doing his “tent making”, the general belief in the community could have been that he was completely self-sufficient. Perhaps Paul’s comments was more in the line of, keep an eye on this person, because although you think he’s providing for himself, he’s not known in the area and his business is not doing well enough to keep him going. So, either give him some business (buy his book) or invite him over for a meal, make sure his accommodation is comfortable.
Some great thoughts here. We need to unwind our views and try as best we can to understand the words in their own time. This is a big help. Thanks.