Talk:Priest

Paying The Pastor or priests ? 1 Timothy 3:1 This [is] a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

1 Timothy 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) ... 8 ¶ Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.

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Galatians 6:6 ESV / 180 One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.

1 Corinthians 9:14 ESV / 156 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

1 Corinthians 9:9-14 ESV / 106 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? ...

Acts 20:33-35 ESV / 98 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Luke 10:7 ESV / 80 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.

2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 ESV / 77 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV / 64 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Romans 4:4 ESV / 62 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.

1 Corinthians 9:18-19 ESV / 51 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.

Deuteronomy 25:4 ESV / 48 “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.

Philippians 4:16-19 ESV / 43 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 11:7-9 ESV / 42 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.

Matthew 10:8-10 ESV / 36 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.

Numbers 18:24 ESV / 33 For the tithe of the people of Israel, which they present as a contribution to the Lord, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance. Therefore I have said of them that they shall have no inheritance among the people of Israel.”

Numbers 18:8-32 ESV / 33 Then the Lord spoke to Aaron, “Behold, I have given you charge of the contributions made to me, all the consecrated things of the people of Israel. I have given them to you as a portion and to your sons as a perpetual due. This shall be yours of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every offering of theirs, every grain offering of theirs and every sin offering of theirs and every guilt offering of theirs, which they render to me, shall be most holy to you and to your sons. In a most holy place shall you eat it. Every male may eat it; it is holy to you. This also is yours: the contribution of their gift, all the wave offerings of the people of Israel. I have given them to you, and to your sons and daughters with you, as a perpetual due. Everyone who is clean in your house may eat it. All the best of the oil and all the best of the wine and of the grain, the firstfruits of what they give to the Lord, I give to you. ...

Acts 4:32-35 ESV / 30 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

Mark 10:43-45 ESV / 27 helpful votes But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Hebrews 13:17 ESV / 25 helpful votes Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Acts 20:28 ESV / 25 helpful votes Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Matthew 10:10 ESV / 24 helpful votes No bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.

Ephesians 4:11 ESV / 22 helpful votes And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,

Acts 6:2 ESV / 22 helpful votes And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.

1 Peter 5:1-4 ESV / 21 helpful votes So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Jeremiah 3:15 ESV / 19 helpful votes “‘And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

1 Peter 5:2 ESV / 18 helpful votes Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

1 Corinthians 16:2 ESV / 18 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.

1 Peter 5:3 ESV / 17 helpful votes Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

James 3:1 ESV / 16 helpful votes Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

Titus 1:7 ESV / 16 helpful votes For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

1 Thessalonians 5:12 ESV / 16 helpful votes We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,

Philippians 4:18 ESV / 16 helpful votes I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

Titus 1:5-9 ESV / 14 helpful votes This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 14 helpful votes But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

James 5:14 ESV / 13 helpful votes Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 9:1-14 ESV / 13 helpful votes Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? ...

Genesis 28:22 ESV / 13 helpful votes And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”

1 Corinthians 9:12 ESV / 12 helpful votes If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:9 ESV / 12 helpful votes For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned?

1 Corinthians 9:1-27 ESV / 12 helpful votes Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? ...

Matthew 10:8 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Malachi 3:11 ESV / 12 helpful votes I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.

1 Peter 5:1-14 ESV / 11 helpful votes So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” ...

Hebrews 13:7 ESV / 11 helpful votes Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

Philippians 4:19 ESV / 11 helpful votes And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 11 helpful votes “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Micah 6:8 ESV / 11 helpful votes He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

1 Peter 3:15 ESV / 10 helpful votes But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Titus 2:3-5 ESV / 10 helpful votes Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Philippians 4:14-19 ESV / 10 helpful votes Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. ...

Galatians 3:28 ESV / 10 helpful votes There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 11:7 ESV / 10 helpful votes Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge?

Acts 6:4 ESV / 10 helpful votes But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Malachi 3:10 ESV / 9 helpful votes Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

1 John 2:27 ESV / 8 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

1 Peter 5:1-5 ESV / 8 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Titus 1:6 ESV / 8 If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.

Titus 1:5 ESV / 8 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—

2 Thessalonians 3:8 ESV / 8 Nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.

Ephesians 4:11-12 ESV / 8 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

2 Corinthians 11:9 ESV / 8 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.

2 Corinthians 11:8 ESV / 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you.

1 Corinthians 9:18 ESV / 8 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

Revelation 1:1-20 ESV / 7 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood ...

1 Peter 5:5 ESV / 7 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 7 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV / 7 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Matthew 10:9 ESV / 7 Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts,

Deuteronomy 14:22-29 ESV / 7 helpful votes “You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year. And before the Lord your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. And if the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, when the Lord your God blesses you, because the place is too far from you, which the Lord your God chooses, to set his name there, then you shall turn it into money and bind up the money in your hand and go to the place that the Lord your God chooses and spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household. ...

Numbers 18:26 ESV / 7 helpful votes “Moreover, you shall speak and say to the Levites, ‘When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present a contribution from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe.

James 2:26 ESV / 6 helpful votes For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

James 1:22 ESV / 6 helpful votes But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James 1:14 ESV / 6 helpful votes But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

Colossians 3:12 ESV / 6 helpful votes Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

Philippians 2:4 ESV / 6 helpful votes Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Acts 14:23 ESV / 6 helpful votes And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Mark 12:41-44 ESV / 6 helpful votes And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Matthew 6:21 ESV / 6 helpful votes For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Proverbs 27:17 ESV / 6 helpful votes Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV / 6 helpful votes Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Numbers 18:21 ESV / 6 helpful votes “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting,

Genesis 28:20-22 ESV / 6 helpful votes Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”

Hebrews 10:25 ESV / 4 helpful votes Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 3:13 ESV / 4 helpful votes But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Some in the HC movement are vehemently opposed to paying a pastor. Was Jesus against the practice of a "full-time" Priesthood?

In the Old Testament, the Levitical priesthood was "paid" by retaining part of some sacrifices for their use. This practice allowed the priest to be "full-time" priests. The priesthood did not have "second jobs" to support themselves or their families.

Jesus condemned the priests for hypocrisy on many occasions. I am unaware of him condemning them for being "full-time" professionals.

Are their scriptures anywhere that supports the idea that paying a pastor is evil or even unscriptural?

2 Thessalonians 3:8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 2 Thessalonians 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Does your church or home church minister provide a daily ministration through a network of charity or is his job just to tickle your ears while your communities' daily ministration is provided by men who exercise authority one over the other through covetous practices in opposition to the doctrines of Christ?