From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
Act 28:13-15
Back in June of 2012 (that’s right, it’s been nearly 5 years!), we began our study of the book of Acts. I can hardly believe that it’s been that long ago. Last week, we reflected over some of the practices of the early Christian church that have been repeatedly highlighted in our study. Our text above mentions one of those themes, namely the constant care for one another found in the early church. Paul was a prisoner, accused of crimes worthy of death by his Jewish brethren, yet when he reached Puteoli, the church embraced him with open arms and cared for him during his stay. When he made it to Appii Forum and Three Inns, the brethren sought him out that they might encourage him in the Lord. The result was that Paul thanked God for them, being strengthened in his spirit by their love and care.
This text reminds us of how we are instructed to give particular attention to the needs of those whom God has called to deliver His word to us. These faithful men labor without material reward as their goal, and yet the church should feel an obligation to see that they are sustained. Twice in Paul’s letters he quotes the Old Testament commandment to not muzzle the ox that treads the corn. (Deu 25:4) As he points out in 1Co 9:6-14, this OT rule was not for the benefit of oxen but rather to teach us that we ought to care for those who labor to give us the spiritual food of God’s word. As he puts it bluntly in v. 14, “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” Paul quotes the verse concerning oxen again in 1Ti 5:17-18 to teach us how we ought to especially value those “who labor in the word and doctrine,” reminding us that “the laborer is worthy of his wages.”
This pattern of care is shown over and over in the book of Acts, but not only towards the apostles and pastors. There was a sincere care for the church as a whole. They clearly lived Gal 6:10: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” We saw that from the very outset of the formation of the Christian church, there was a spirit of sharing and unity as they diligently sought to make sure that no one lacked anything within the assembly. Acts 4:32-37 reveals they were “of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common… Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. (Act 4:32-35)
Certainly, the church over the ages has been burned. In spite of the severe judgment upon Ananias and Sapphira in Act 5, many have followed their sinful example over the years and have taken advantage of God’s people. But such sinful acts should never prompt believers to be hesitant in caring for one another as we are called to do. What God expects from his church hasn’t changed. May we be obedient to His command, “that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” (1Co 12:24-26) Remember, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Joh 13:35)
Jamie