Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 22
February 1, 1971
NUMBER 37, PAGE 8b

Capsule Commentaries

Robert H. Farish

In another journal a brother writes, "Under proper circumstances the church is to help widows" (I Tim. 5:16). This brother is a long time champion of orphan "homes" supported by the church, i.e., general benevolence as opposed to what he terms "saints only." Is it logical or right to charge this brother with not having compassion on widows whose circumstances are not the "proper circumstances?" Yet doesn't "proper circumstances" limit him to "widows indeed" only?

The brother appeals to the scriptures (I Tim. 5:16) to define the circumstances. He evidently believes that to be "proper circumstances," the circumstances must meet the scriptural pattern. This some of us have been trying for many years to get brethren to see. If there are "proper circumstances," there must also be the possibility of improper circumstances. It would be wrong for the church to take action in all circumstances. Yet, we have those who assert that a church action cannot be right in emergency circumstances but wrong in normal circumstances.

Congregational cooperation is a subject about which controversy has raged for many years now. The New Testament authorizes the type of congregational cooperation in which "under proper circumstances," churches send to other churches. The "proper circumstances" can be learned by studying Acts 11:29, 30; I Cor. 16: 14; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; Rom. 15:25-31. These "proper circumstances" do not in any way authorize the "sponsoring church."

— Lewisville, Texas