Toward a Practical Theology of Good Works: The Practice and Teaching of Communal Good Works in Paul’s Epistles

1 Thessalonians 1:3 “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 2:8 “…so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.“

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 “Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

1 Thessalonians 5:14 “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

2. II Thessalonians

Passages referencing communal good works:

2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17 “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.

“We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.”

3. Galatians

Passages referencing communal good works:

Galatians 2:9, 10 “James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.

Galatians 5:13, 14 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^“

Galatians 6:1-6 “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.”

Galatians 6:7-10 “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

4. I Corinthians

Passages referencing communal good works:

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.”

1 Corinthians 7:32-35 “I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 10:23-24 ““I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.“

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

1 Corinthians 12:27-31a “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.”

1 Corinthians 12:31b-8 “And yet I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

1 Corinthians 16:1-4 “Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.”

5. II Corinthians

Passages referencing communal good works:

2 Corinthians 5:9, 10 “So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

2 Corinthians 8:1-7 “And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.“

2 Corinthians 8:10-15 “And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.” ^“

2 Corinthians 9:1-15 “There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the Lord’s people. For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed of having been so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given. Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:

^“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

6. Romans

Passages referencing communal good works:

Romans 2:5-11 “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.”

Romans 3:10-12 ““There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

Romans 4:1-5 “What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.”

Romans 6:11-14 “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”

Romans 7:14-25 “¹We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

^“So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.”

Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:4-7 “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Romans 12:9-14 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Romans 15:25-28 “Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. ”

7. Philippians

Passages referencing communal good works:

Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 2:1-4 “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above your selves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Philippians 2:12-16 “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

Philippians 2:19-21 “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”

8. Colossians

Passages referencing communal good works:

Colossians 1:9-10 “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,”

9. Ephesians

Passages referencing communal good works:

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 4:11-13 “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.“

Ephesians 4:28 “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”

Ephesians 6:6-8 “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”

10. Philemon

• Passages referencing communal good works

Philemon 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

1 Timothy 2:9 “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”

1 Timothy 5:1-16 “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

^“Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

^“As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.

“If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.”

1 Timothy 5:25 “In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.”

1 Timothy 6:17-19 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”

12. Titus

Passages referencing communal good works:

Titus 1:12-16 “One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. For this reason reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in t1he faith, not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.”

Titus 2:6-8 “Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”

Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds.“

Titus 3:1-8 “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people. For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This statement is trustworthy; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and beneficial for people.”

Titus 3:14 “Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unproductive.”

13. II Timothy

Passages referencing communal good works:

2 Timothy 2:20-21 “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Summary

Needless to say, the subject of good works in Paul’s epistles runs like a gold thread through a carefully woven fabric. References to them are impossible to miss and impossible to ignore. Paul deems good works as of the utmost importance for Christians and enjoins them on all of his readers.

Communal good works in Paul’s Theology

Anthropology – Paul’s view of communal good works in relation to human nature

While Paul states that, in theory, God will give eternal life to everyone who lives a perfect life (Romans 2:5-11), in the next chapter of Romans Paul states that in reality, no one, other than Jesus Christ, actually has (Romans 3:10-18). Just as no one would dare ride in a car with a driver who told them, “I’m a good driver. I stop at 99% of all red lights!” And no one would allow a surgeon to operate on them who told them, “I’m a good surgeon. My scalpels are 99 and 44/100ths percent pure.” So also, God will not allow anyone into heaven who is almost perfect. Almost sinless is not good enough. No matter how good we may think we are, everyone has been terminally infected with sin and thus “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” in God’s sight (Isaiah 64:6). All Christians belong to Sinners Anonymous.

But even though we as believers have been born again, Paul vividly describes in Romans 7 that we still have a sinful flesh–untouched by regeneration–that opposes our born again nature, a new nature that delights in doing good works. “So I find this law at work.” Paul writes, “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me” (Romans 7:21). It is only when we rest in God’s mercy and grace (Romans 8:1ff) that we can “offer [ourselves] to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of [ourself] to him as an instrument of righteousness” (Romans 6:13; 12:1).

Soteriology – Paul’s view of communal good works in relation to salvation

Paul taught that there are two ways to gain eternal life. With reference to the first way, Paul states that God “will repay each person according to what they have done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” (Jesus’ answers are similar to Paul’s statement here when he was asked on two occasions, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17-30; Luke 10:25-28) Unfortunately, as Paul and Jesus go on to show us, only Jesus Christ himself has lived a perfect life. The rest of us have not.

For those of us who have not and have, consequently, come under the wrath of God, we must be saved from that wrath. And, Paul goes on to say, there is only one way to be saved, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ as the one who paid the penalty for our sin, apart from our own works (Ephesians 2:8,9). So, in actual practice, there is only one way for us to gain eternal life because there is only one way to be saved.

But while we cannot save ourselves by our own works, we have been saved to become God’s unique work of righteous, that we might, in Christ Jesus, do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Hence, our good works as believers become of utmost importance to us and to God, both now and into eternity.

Therefore, Paul states, performing those preordained good works after our salvation are a continuing project that we are to accomplish “with fear and trembling” because they play a critical role in accomplishing God’s purpose (Philippians 2:12-16).

And finally, once God begins this good work in us, Paul teaches that we can be confident that God will bring it to full completion in the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).

Eschatology – Paul’s view of communal good works in prophecy

All people everywhere will be judged by what they do, whether good or bad, Paul teaches. And the person who will judge them will be Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 5:9, 10; Romans 2:5-11)

Christians, too, will also be judged by Jesus Christ. But since Christ bore the judgement for our sin, we only be judged for our good works to determine eternal reward in heaven. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 1 Timothy 5:25)

Summary

Our good works are not inconsequential. Unfortunately, they are not unaffected by sin and our sinful nature. Consequently, no one can be saved from God’s wrath by their good works. Only those who have put their trust in God’s provision of our sin, Jesus Christ. But while no person’s good works alone can stand before God, the good works done by those who are believers will survive the fire of Christ’s judgement.

Communal good works in Paul’s personal evangelism

I have covered this topic in another post that reviewed communal good works in the book of Acts. But since Paul makes explicit references to his use of communal good works in his evangelism in two of his epistles, as well as an implicit reference to them in another, I will revisit this topic once more.

A summary of communal good works in Paul’s evangelistic method

• Paul’s missionary journeys consisted of visiting regional towns and cities where there were synagogues.
• On the Sabbath, Paul and his companions would enter a synagogue and begin preaching the gospel.
• Paul did this until the Jews rejected his message, at which point Paul would “go to the Gentiles” and start evangelizing them. (Acts 13:14–48; 14:1-6; 17:1-9; 18:1-11; 19:8-10)
• All this time, Paul did not charge a fee or request money from the people he was evangelizing.
• Instead, Paul had a side trade making tents. Paul refers to this practice in both 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.” and 2 Thessalonians 3:7, 8 “We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.”
• Paul used his bi-vocational practice as an example for his new converts to follow. “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example….We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.” (2 Thessalonians 2:7,9)
• When the churches that formed from his evangelistic ministry had matured to the point where elders could be appointed, Paul exhorted them to begin their ministry by being bi-vocational as well so that they could have something to give those in need in their churches. (Acts 20:32-35)
• Like Paul, the elders in turn became examples to the entire congregation, as Paul tells Titus, “in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds.” (Titus 2:6-8)
• Soon, the entire congregation participated in doing good deeds to meet the needs of others in their congregation. “Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unproductive.” Titus 3:14
• As the churches continued to grow, the elders would focus solely on their ministry and appoint deacons to take over the ministry to widows and others. (Acts 6:1-6)
• And finally, churches developed a list of “widows indeed” who qualified for church support. (1 Timothy 5:1-16)

Thus, we see that communal good works played a central role, not only in Paul’s evangelism, but also in his church planting, discipleship, and leadership training.

Paul’s view of the role communal good works play in the Christian life

• Communal good works are the outworking of one’s salvation as God works in and through us – Philippians 2:12-16 “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (See also Ephesians 2:10)
• They are one of the first steps of discipleship – Ephesians 4:28 “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
• Their purpose is the eradication of pressing needs in the body of Christ – Titus 3:14 “Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unproductive.”
• They result from growing sanctification – 2 Timothy 2:20-21 “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”
• They are a hallmark of the Christian’s walk with God – Colossians 1:9-10 “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,” (See also 1 Timothy 2:9; Titus 3:1-8)
• They are the purpose of our salvation – Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds.” (See also Ephesians 2:10)
• They are expressions of the mind of Christ – Philippians 2:1-4 “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Have this mind in you which was also in Jesus Christ.”
• They are expressions of faith, hope, and love – 1 Thessalonians 1:3 “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (See also 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12; Galatians 5:13, 14; 1 Corinthians 12:1-8)
• We need encouragement to do them – Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (See also 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
• They are always voluntary – 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (See also 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:1-15)
• They must be organized – 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 “Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.” (See also 1 Timothy 5:1-16)
• Their goal is equality – 2 Corinthians 8:10-15 ” And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”
• They result in a positive public testimony – Titus 2:6-8 “Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”
• They are primarily for the benefit of “the Lord’s people” – Romans 12:9-14 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (See also Galatians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:1-15; Romans 12:9-14; 15:25-28)
• They are commanded of all classes of believers – Ephesians 6:6-8 “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
• They are a primary goal of Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16-17  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Simply put, Christianity without good works is an extremely distorted form of our faith.

Practical issues Paul dealt with in regard to communal good works

Freeloading believers who are idle and disruptive

Paul never intended freeloaders and deadweights to abuse his teaching on communal good works by thinking they had a ticket to a free meal. But that is exactly what some believers in Thessalonica were doing; living off of the common congregational meals the new Christians shared together and, as a result, becoming “idle and disruptive” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

The brief exhortation in 1 Thessalonians apparently did not take hold, resulting in a more extensive exhortation–a full nine verses–in his second epistle to them (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15). Only this time, not only does he tell them to “warn those who are idle and disruptive,” but to also “keep away” or shun “every believer who is idle and disruptive.” Paul repeats this phrase twice and tells the church to follow the example he gave them of earning the food he ate when he was with them and to now allow anyone who would not work to eat.

Too many widows, with too much time on their hands

Another problem the church had to deal with concerned the growing number of widows the church was supporting, many of whom were young, idle, and engaging in gossip.

To address the issue, Paul instructed Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:1-16 to establish a “list of widows,” that is, a list of qualified widows, or “widows indeed.” The criteria for being on the list were that the widow had to be isolated from anyone else who could help her, such as relatives or friends; at least sixty years or older; and one who has been a faithful wife and lived a godly life of service. Paul’s list of good deeds to illustrate what he meant by that term is instructive; a qualified widow was to be “well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds”. Once again, we see the importance of communal good works here.

As for younger widows, Paul instructed them to remarry and raise children.

Marriage and divided loyalties

Needless to say, it is one thing to sell one’s property and possessions and give them to the poor when one is single. But it is another thing to sell everything when one has a wife and children to support. This problem may be why the first issue the early church had to deal with concerned a married couple, Ananias and Sapphira, the first couple mentioned in the Book of Acts. They lied about how much they were giving to the church, perhaps because they had children to support (Acts 5:1-11). (The only other Christian couple mentioned in Acts are Aquilla and Priscilla. (Acts 18:2)

Paul grudgingly acknowledges this problem in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35: “An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.”

Of course, Paul affirmed marriage when he exhorted husbands to “love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). And he strongly condemned any believing husband and father who “does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household,” saying that he “has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).

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