The scripture you quoted from Galatians has nothing to do with the collection. Yes, I feel I should do good for anyone I come in contact with as I have opportunity. But that has nothing to do with the collection for the saints. ~ Loria McCrimon
You failed to discern the observations made relative to Galatians 6:6, 10. Both verses are in the same context, the same breath, if you will. They read: “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things” (Galatians 6:6, emphasis added, ler) and “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Whatever the revenue source is for verse six to financially support preachers (edification and evangelism) is the same revenue source for verse 10 to financially support the needy (benevolence). One cannot logically exclude congregational finances from Galatians 6:10 and retain congregational finances in Galatians 6:6. Supporting preaching or benevolence is neither exclusively individual nor congregational responsibility.
The Greek word for “communicate” in Galatians 6:6 is “koinoneo.” It is translated “be partaker,” “communicate” and “distribute.” The word means “to come into communion or fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner.” The same word appears in the following passages: “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality” (Romans 12:13). “It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things” (Romans 15:27). “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only” (Philippians 4:14). (Emphasis added, ler.) (See also 1 Timothy 5:22; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter 4:13; 2 John 11, though they do not pertain to financial support of godly activity.)
A related word to “koinoneo” is “koinonia,” which also means partnership or sharing, but also can mean “a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment and proof of fellowship.” Passages in which it appears and may refer to a contribution include Acts 2:42; Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 9:13; Philippians 1:5.
The bottom line is that Galatians 6:6 pertains to financial support for a preacher, which all agree may be accomplished by payment from the church treasury (though not limited to the church treasury). At the same time, in the same context, benevolence of Galatians 6:10 requires some type of expenditure of money or items money can buy. Otherwise, James says one’s faith is dead (James 2:14-26).
“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:14-17).
If the context of Galatians 6 is limited to individual responsibility, then financial support of the preacher is not a congregational responsibility, but an individual responsibility only. If support of the preacher in verse six can be a congregational responsibility, then benevolent activity in verse 10 likewise can be a congregational responsibility. The only reason that anyone doubts the obvious teaching of Galatians 6:10, respecting congregational participation in benevolent relief of non-Christians, is because of a sincere, but misguided selfishness toward church money. The empty sweep of the pen of denial does not disarm what the Bible clearly teaches in Galatians 6.
