Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Emoluments (Benefits) of

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The role of a Christian minister is one of profound responsibility and spiritual significance, as they are called to shepherd the flock of God, preach the Gospel, and administer the sacraments. In fulfilling these duties, ministers are often supported by the church community through various emoluments or benefits. These emoluments are not merely material compensations but are deeply rooted in biblical principles and the tradition of the early church.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of providing for those who minister in spiritual matters is well-established in Scripture. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, articulates the principle that those who proclaim the Gospel should receive their living from the Gospel: "In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:14). This directive underscores the church's responsibility to ensure that ministers are adequately supported, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties without undue concern for their material needs.

Furthermore, in his letter to Timothy, Paul emphasizes the honor due to elders who lead well, particularly those who labor in preaching and teaching: "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching" (1 Timothy 5:17). The term "double honor" is often interpreted to include both respect and financial support, highlighting the dual nature of the emoluments provided to ministers.

Historical and Practical Considerations

Historically, the church has recognized the need to provide for its ministers, ensuring they have the necessary resources to live and serve effectively. This support can take various forms, including a stipend or salary, housing allowances, health insurance, retirement benefits, and other practical provisions. These emoluments are intended to free ministers from financial anxiety, enabling them to devote themselves fully to their pastoral and teaching responsibilities.

The provision of emoluments is not merely a matter of practicality but also reflects the church's commitment to valuing and honoring those who dedicate their lives to spiritual leadership. By supporting their ministers, congregations participate in the biblical mandate to care for those who serve in the Lord's work.

Ethical and Spiritual Implications

While the provision of emoluments is biblically and historically justified, it also carries ethical and spiritual implications. Ministers are called to exercise stewardship over the resources entrusted to them, maintaining a lifestyle that reflects the values of humility and service. The church, in turn, must balance generosity with accountability, ensuring that the support provided is appropriate and sustainable.

In conclusion, the emoluments of a Christian minister are an essential aspect of church life, rooted in biblical teaching and historical practice. They serve to honor and support those who lead the church, enabling them to fulfill their calling with dedication and integrity. As the church continues to navigate the complexities of modern ministry, the principles of provision and stewardship remain central to the relationship between ministers and their congregations.

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Numbers 18:20
And the LORD spoke to Aaron, You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any part among them: I am your part and your inheritance among the children of Israel.
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Deuteronomy 10:9
Why Levi has no part nor inheritance with his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD your God promised him.
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Deuteronomy 14:27
And the Levite that is within your gates; you shall not forsake him; for he has no part nor inheritance with you.
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Deuteronomy 18:1,2
The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance.
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Joshua 13:14,33
Only to the tribes of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said to them.
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Joshua 18:7
But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.
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Jeremiah 31:14
And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, said the LORD.
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Ezekiel 44:28
And it shall be to them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and you shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession.
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Matthew 10:9,10
Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
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Mark 6:8
And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no money, no bread, no money in their purse:
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Luke 10:7,8
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
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Luke 22:35,36
And he said to them, When I sent you without purse, and money, and shoes, lacked you any thing? And they said, Nothing.
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John 4:36
And he that reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit to life eternal: that both he that sows and he that reaps may rejoice together.
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Acts 20:33,34
I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
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1 Corinthians 9:1-23
Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you my work in the Lord?
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2 Corinthians 1:14,15
As also you have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as you also are our's in the day of the Lord Jesus.
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2 Corinthians 11:7-9
Have I committed an offense in abasing myself that you might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
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2 Corinthians 12:13-18
For what is it wherein you were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
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Galatians 6:6
Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teaches in all good things.
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Philippians 4:10-18
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again; wherein you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity.
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1 Thessalonians 2:5,6,9
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness:
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2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
For yourselves know how you ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
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1 Timothy 5:18
For the scripture said, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward.
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3 John 1:7
Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
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Library

The Great Schism
... and he was deprived of all his temporal emoluments. ... in the society, or parish, to
elect the minister and to ... and the destruction of all Christian religion, and ...
/.../chapter x the great schism.htm

The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi.
... They enjoy emoluments which might be lost, should the ... A Christian has causes of joy
and gratitude, independent upon ... which may not be made a minister of divine ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xviii the conversion of.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... Introduced to such a minister, and attending social meetings for prayer and Christian
converse, he felt still more painfully his own ignorance, and the inward ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm