Moving in the Apostolic

The Apostolic Church 111

or shared with the saints in need (see Acts 4:32-37). I refer to this as "apostolic distribution." There was no lack in this church because of this distribution. Apostolic churches serve as distribution centers. The apostolic anointing has within it a grace for finances. We see this manifested when the saints laid money at the apostles' feet (see Acts 4:37). Apostolic churches are able to release large amounts of finances into the places where there is the greatest need. Paul was receiving an offering for the saints in Jerusalem from the churches of Philippi, Thessalonica and Corinth. These Gentile churches were encouraged to give to their Jewish brothers and sisters who were lacking because of a famine in Judea. This offering was important because it would cause the Jewish church to see that the Gentiles professed subjection to the gospel of Christ. Missions should be a high priority in apostolic churches because this is a part of the apostolic mandate (see Acts 13:47). We are called to help existing churches in other nations, and to help to plant new ones. Apostolic churches have a great responsibility to properly use and distribute the wealth that this anointing draws. To whom much is given, much is required (see Luke 12:48). As it is written, "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever" (2 Cor. 9:9).