1:5-8 How are we to understand this?

This teaches that it is every Christian's duty to contribute to the needs of those who preach and teach the gospel, and it is to be done in a manner worthy of God.

It is the duty of all who are taught the word to provide material support for those who teach the word (CP Ga 6:6).

Every Christian is individually responsible for ensuring that those who minister the word live off the word (CP 1Cor 9:7-14).

No one who ministers the word should ever have to seek help from those they are trying to evangelize.

To have to seek help from unbelievers could hinder the gospel and expose the messengers of the gospel to charges of preaching and teaching for financial gain.

Christians have a duty, and it should be seen as a privilege, to contribute to missionary needs and works.

Workers of the word must not be treated like beggars, but received, sent out and supported in a manner worthy of God (CP Mt 10:40-42; Lu 10:3-7; Php 4:10-19; 1Ti 5:17-18; Tit 3:13.