Did Paul start the tea party? He parts with Jesus here in terms of being concerned about survival. Jesus says basically not to worry-- God will take care of that. Paul, on the other hand, conditions survival on the participation in the work force. But some context is in order here. It was important to Paul to make sure that the churches that were collecting offerings for his ministry understood that it was not to pad his pockets. Rather, it was to support the mission of spreading the gospel, in which he worked tirelessly. In addition to working at that, he was also a tent maker, earning more money to support himself and the cause. He was not above work, and wanted to make sure his church members followed that model.
Readings: Jeremiah 26:1-27:22; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18; Psalm 85:1-13; Proverbs 25:16
