How does Luke 10:7 connect with 1 Timothy 5:18 on supporting ministers? Setting of Luke 10:7 “Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever you are given, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.” • Jesus is sending out the seventy-two to preach, heal, and announce the kingdom. • He tells them to accept food and lodging from those they serve. • The command dignifies their ministry and affirms that receiving material support is not begging but God-ordained provision. Setting of 1 Timothy 5:18 “For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and, ‘The worker is worthy of his wages.’” • Paul writes to Timothy about honoring elders who “labor in preaching and teaching” (v. 17). • He blends Deuteronomy 25:4 with Jesus’ words from Luke 10:7, treating both as equally authoritative Scripture. • His goal is practical: ensure that faithful leaders are adequately cared for. Shared quotation: “The worker is worthy of his wages” • Paul cites Luke verbatim—evidence that Luke’s Gospel was already recognized as Scripture. • The phrase anchors the expectation that spiritual labor merits tangible remuneration. • Linking a Law text (Deuteronomy) with a Gospel text (Luke) shows continuity between Old and New Testament instruction on supporting God’s servants. Biblical principle: material support for spiritual labor • Ministers work; wages are due (Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18). • The principle predates the Mosaic Law—Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth (Genesis 14:20). • Jesus ratifies it; Paul institutionalizes it for the church (1 Corinthians 9:3-14; Galatians 6:6). • Withholding support hinders the mission; generous support accelerates it (Philippians 4:14-19; 2 Corinthians 11:8-9). Practical applications for today’s church • Budget for pastoral salaries and missionary stipends as a biblical, not optional, expense. • Encourage hospitality—meals, lodging, and relational care echo Luke 10:7. • Guard ministers from financial anxiety so they can focus on prayer and the Word (Acts 6:4). • Teach congregations that giving to ministers is giving to the Lord’s work (Proverbs 3:9-10). Key takeaways • Jesus established the right of His messengers to live from their ministry. • Paul applied that right to local church structure. • Both passages together form a clear, cohesive mandate: those who sow spiritual seed should reap material support. |
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