Paul made the personal choice to refuse pay for his ministry. As long as he preached the Gospel in a city, it seems he denied their monetary support, choosing instead to support himself as a tentmaker (Acts 18:1–4; 20:34; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:9). But he would receive support from churches in different cities. In particular, Paul praised the Philippian church for their support, which the Lord used to meet Paul’s needs (Philippians 4:10–20). In declining payment, Paul refused to be a burden to the churches he was planting. Some may have accused him of being a fraud or a swindler—like the “super-apostles”—and Paul wanted there to be no hindrance to the Gospel. He also wanted to make sure that no one, because they had funded his work, stopped his sharing of the pure Gospel. Instead of taking pay, he chose to set a sacrificial example, just as Jesus did.

How will you support those who are called to proclaim the Gospel, both in your church and throughout the world?