Thematic Bible: Support of

Verse Concepts

Some people, indeed, are proclaiming Christ out of envy and strife [i.e., out of rivalry], while others do it from goodwill. Verse Concepts

and, because they followed the same trade of tentmaking, he stayed with them and went to work [for them]. Verse Concepts

For you brothers remember how we labored and toiled, working hard night and day, so that we would not burden any of you [while] we proclaimed to you the Gospel of God. Verse Concepts

You [also] know that I worked with my own hands to provide not only my own needs, but the needs of those who were with me. Verse Concepts

neither did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. But by hard labor and toil, we worked night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you. Verse Concepts

Then Paul lived for two whole years in his own rented house and welcomed everyone who visited him. Verse Concepts

But I have not availed myself of any of these rights. And I am not writing this so that it would be done in my case, for I would rather die than have anyone make my boast [i.e., of preaching without financial support] an empty one. Verse Concepts

For the Scripture says [Deut. 25:4], "You should not put a muzzle on the ox while it tramples over the grain." And [Luke 10:7], "The worker deserves his wages." Verse Concepts

or a traveling bag [for personal belongings], or a change of jackets or shoes, or [even] a walking stick [Note: By comparing this and the restriction in Matt. 10:10 with the permission given in Mark 6:8, the harmony seems to be "if you do not already have a walking stick, do not get one"]. For the worker deserves having his food provided. Verse Concepts

Even so the Lord directed that those who proclaim the good news [about Christ] should get their living from [preaching] that good news. Verse Concepts

But the person who is taught the word [of God] should provide his teacher with what he needs. Verse Concepts

Nevertheless, it was really good of you people to share [with me] during my troubles [i.e., imprisonment]. Verse Concepts

But, so that I would not become too conceited over the tremendous revelations [I received], a "thorn in the flesh" was given to me as a messenger from Satan to torment me. [Note: This "thorn" was probably some physical handicap, possibly defective eyesight. See Gal. 4:14-15; 6:11]. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

Even to this moment, we [apostles] are hungry and thirsty; we have inadequate clothing; we have been beaten; we do not have a permanent place to live; Verse Concepts

[We have been] beaten, jailed, and mobbed. [We have] worked hard, missed sleep and gone without food. Verse Concepts

Are they servants of Christ? (I am really talking like a crazy person now). I am more [of a servant, than they are]. I have worked much harder. I have been in prison more often. I have been flogged more severely. I have been in danger of death more frequently. Verse Concepts

so that no one would be shaken by [having to experience] these difficult times. [See 2:14]. For you yourselves know that we are destined to have such experiences. Verse Concepts