Bible Study Moment

“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” Luke 8:1-3 (NIV)

As this passage clearly states there were women who financially supported Jesus and those travelling with him in his ministry. In other translations, including the King James Version the meaning is less clear. Part of verse 3 in the King James says “many others, which ministered unto him of their substance”. This is unclear who exactly is providing, and the use of ministered is accurate but doesn’t readily bring to mind the idea of financial support.

Looking at this from another way, I suspect most people don’t think they are ministering when they give money to a church.

Mark Phillips