What does Matthew 10:8 really mean? It is often misused by those individuals that suggest that no minister of the gospel should ever receive compensation (remuneration) for their services rendered as a minister. But of course that idea/view runs contrary to scriptural teachings. For example, Yahushua received funds (donations) from others that desired to support his ministry (which included the twelve and intermittently, more than "seventy" other disciples) as well as a truly compassionate vehicle by which to help the poor.
Luke 8:3 says this, "And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance."
The word substance above (in the Greek) means: things extant or in hand, that is, property or possessions: - goods, that which one has, things which (one) possesseth, substance, that hast.
Why did Judas carry a "bag" (John 13:29) if Yahushua and the disciples received no donations for their ministry? Why was it understood by the disciples that Judas was to "buy" things from the bag's contents if there was no money in the "bag"? Why was it understood by the disciples that Judas gave "alms" to the poor if there was no money in the "bag" to give? The obvious answer is that there WAS money in the bag and the money came from donations that were received from people as indicated in Luke 8:3 above. And, Judas was assigned the task of being the "treasurer" (holder of the bag), purchaser and alms distributor for Yahushua's ministry and his band of disciples. Of course, Judas was a thief, but he obviously did not steal all the funds. That would be too obvious and, after all, purchases and donations were made.
The important lesson, however, is found in both the Old Testament, as expounded on by Apostle Paul. Apostle Paul said, "do not muzzle the ox" (Deuteronomy 25:4; 1 Corinthians 9:9; 1 Timothy 5:18) but he also instructed that one should not do ministry for "filthy lucre" (1 Timothy 3:3). In other words, even though a minister of the gospel is entitled to be remunerated ("a man his worthy of his hire" - Luke 10:7), it does not give him/her license to seek wealth or do it just for money. When an ox eats for his work, he does not get rich. Likewise, the purpose of the ministry is not for men to build kingdoms for themselves and get rich from it, but they are to live in humble modesty, as did Yahushua and his band of disciples and give to the poor.
For more information on scriptural teachings regarding tithes and offerings, download a free copy of Disciples of Christ Volume Four and Disciples of Christ Volume Five.
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