"If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows"
(1 Timothy 5:16 NKJV)

there is a difference between individual and collective (church) action

Eugene Hassenfus flew supplies to rebels in Nicaragua. They tried him in an effort to determine whether he acted on his own or with the sanction of the United States. Secular lawyers recognized a difference between individual and collective action.

In our memory verse, Paul clearly distinguishes the actions of individuals and the actions of the church. Though the church is composed of individuals, it acts collectively. The local church is the “it” of this passage.

Jesus illustrates this principle in Matthew 18:15-17 — if a brother sins against another brother, he is to tell him his fault. If this gets no results, he is to take one or two with him. If this does not work, he is to tell the church. Though three men have already visited the man at fault, the church (collectivity) has not yet been involved.

A man or woman may be responsible for the care of a widow. Their brothers and sisters may help. Even if those aiding this widow are all Christians, the church has not yet gotten involved. If they own a business together, the business is not the church.

Why is this important? Some who want the church to engage in unlimited benevolence argue that the church can do whatever the individual can do. Surely they have not read 1 Timothy 5:16.

– Rick Duggin