"Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing." (John 21:3 KJV)
"As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too. Don't you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God's Good News to you." (1 Thessalonians 2:7-9 NLT)
Once upon a time, I thought about quitting my profession and making ministry the priority of my life. It wasn't hard to change my mind, as I had a wife and kid to provide for; making that out to be the reason, seemed reason enough to keep making money and being the provider, as I thought a good husband should.
Paul, although he doesn't share about it, must have been married at one time, as it was a requirement for anyone that was appointed to be a Sanhedrin that they be married. With that, he did end up single and able to minister freely, without having to worry about feeding anyone but himself.
He could have been widower, as he had several things to share about widows. Or, he could have been divorced, which might have happened after he was converted and followed Christ. To be the wife of a Pharisee was a comfortable life for a woman; but to be the wife of a member of the Sanhedrin, that was like being the wife of a Senator or high-ranking politician.
I think you see where this is going, because Paul was also passionate about divorce! If you are married and one of you are a Christian, then you should not leave your unbelieving spouse; however, if they leave you, then you are free to divorce. Don't you think it was something he lived through, most likely rather abruptly?
Where does this go from here? Peter was absolutely married, this much we know, other than that, Philip was also most likely married. This might be the reason Peter was intending to go fishing, to earn some money and provide for his family. All of these men had left their livelihood to follow Jesus; for three and a half years they learned to be Fisher's of Men!
Many of the Pastor's that I have served under, if not all, at Calvary Chapel, had to work to help provide for their families. Pastor Bill, who was first, lived off of the offerings that were given, but then again, his wife had resources and the ability to earn income. All the Pastor's from then on, that took over the church, had to supplement their income, in one way or another.
Money should not be the issue! God will provide where He guides, but we must adhere to His guidance and not step out on our own! Case in point...
""Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink - even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk - it's all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food."" (ISAIAH 55:1-2 NLT)
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