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27. Debtors they are. The congregation at Jerusalem was the mother church from which the gospel, with all its spiritual blessings, had been communicated to the Gentiles.

Carnal things. That is, material things, those things that pertain to man’s physical life, such as food and clothing. For this sense of “carnal” see 1 Cor. 9:11. In return for the great spiritual gifts the Gentiles had received from the saints at Jerusalem, surely they should “minister unto them in carnal things.”

27. Debtors they are. The congregation at Jerusalem was the mother church from which the gospel, with all its spiritual blessings, had been communicated to the Gentiles.

Simplicity. Gr. haplotÄ“s, “sincerity,” “singleness of purposes,” hence, sometimes “liberality” (see 2 Cor. 8:2; 9:11, 13). The Christian who shares his possessions with others is to do so with singleness of heart (cf. Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22) and not with mixed motives. There must be no ostentation or selfish aim. Such sincerity and generosity are also a gift of the Spirit, whose guiding influence is required for the right use of riches (cf. Matt. 6:3; 19:21).

Carnal things. That is, material things, those things that pertain to man’s physical life, such as food and clothing. For this sense of “carnal” see 1 Cor. 9:11. In return for the great spiritual gifts the Gentiles had received from the saints at Jerusalem, surely they should “minister unto them in carnal things.”

He that ruleth. Literally, “he that is placed in front.” The word is used in the NT for those who are in any position of authority or influence, whether in the church (1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Tim. 5:17) or in the home (1 Tim. 3:4, 5, 12). Their special gift is that of “government” (1 Cor. 12:28).