Is the 2×2 Church/Fellowship “The Closest Way” -

To the New Testament Church and Ministry?

Often, it is claimed that this church/fellowship is “the closest way” to Jesus’ teachings. The chief reasons given are the METHOD by which the Ministers go and preach and the LOCATION of its meetings (in homes).

William Petersen: “The church in the home is a part of Jesus, just as the ministry is a part of Jesus, and you cannot have the blood of Jesus without accepting all of Jesus…The Truth is the two-and-two ministry and the church meeting in the home.”

Leo Stancliff: “There are two things upon which the Truth of God rests: Jesus gave us the ministry and a way of fellowship. Now the ministry is the foundation of Christianity.”

Eddie J. Cornock: “Consider these simple things which God has planned…The church in the home, the preachers without a home…these are the bulwarks of God’s Work in the world today.”

Jack Carroll: “There are two fundamentals of the faith of Jesus that are vital to a true understanding and interpretation as recorded in the New Testament. First, the church in the home, and the home only; secondly, the preacher without a home. These two are foundational.

Sproulie Denio: “As we have often heard there are two basic truths in the New Testament. One is a preacher without a home, and the other is a church in the home.”

Gordon Winkler: “Peter and John, when they were telling the gospel story, they were living the gospel. They were men who like Jesus had given up everything that they had; given it to the poor, homeless, stranger preachers for the gospel’s sake. …these basic truths that are so vital in our salvation and have stayed the same from the beginning of time.” (Glen Valley B.C. Canada conv. August 12, 1990

Willie Jamieson: “The ministry has been the most important part of God’s plan in every age.” (Walla Walla, WA 1960)

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These and other statements without biblical supported leave many with questions. Is Jesus’ Way merely a Method? Did Jesus intend for all men to follow “the closest way” to the METHOD the Apostles used to announce the message that Messiah/Christ had arrived on earth? Is the method of ministry and location of meetings truly the gate that one must pass through in order to obtain salvation?

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SOME REASONS THE 2X2 CHURCH/FELLOWSHIP IS CONSIDERED “THE CLOSEST WAY”

A. The Workers’ Church is considered to be “The Closest Way” because its ministers preach on Faith Lines.
They “leave all” in the manner Jesus sent the first disciples. In other words, by giving away all their possessions, e.g. their money, selling or leaving their homes, disposing of their possessions (including automobiles); sacrificing the possibility of careers, marriage and children; without salary, financial backing and never making appeals for financial assistance, putting implicit trust in God and His promise: “seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you” (food, clothing, shelter and other necessities). (Luke 12: 29; Matthew 6:31-32). Their preachers own what will fit in their modest size suitcases, and in the past, they claimed they were penniless and poor–in the 21st century, this is no longer true.
NOTE: Their entire Two by Two belief system was founded on this Faith Line principle.

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B. The 2×2 Church/Fellowship is considered to be “The Closest Way” BECAUSE its ministers preach two and two (in pairs).

1. How many times is going two and two mentioned in the Bible?

Jesus only instructed the disciples to go out two and two TWICE: Mark 6:7, and Luke 10:1. The workers sometimes travel and preach in pairs, but not always. Some believe Acts supports the necessity of ministers going two and two. However, in Acts, out of 68 men on evangelistic missions, 32 went alone (47.1%); 9 were threesomes (13.2%); 11 were foursomes or more (16.2%); and 16 went in pairs, two and two (23.5%).
**See chart: Acts: Number of Apostles/Disciples Evangelizing. https://tellingthetruth.info/photogallery/picture.php?/8118/category/56

Jesus’ commission in Matt 28:18-20, gives NO guidelines as to the number who should travel together while preaching the Gospel. It would have been impossible for the eleven disciples to whom He was speaking to evenly divide into pairs. If Jesus’ very own chosen disciples didn’t find it binding to go two and two, how could it be essential today for ministers to go two and two?

2. To whom were Jesus’ instructions directed in Matt. 10:5-14, Mark 6:7-11, Luke 9:1-5, Luke 10?

To THE twelve and to THE seventy DISCIPLES as can be seen in the following underlined words.

In Matt 10:5-12:

THESE TWELVE Jesus sent forth and commanded THEM, saying: Go not into the way of the Gentiles and into any city of the Samaritans enter YE not. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as YE go, preach, saying, The Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely YE have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in YOUR purses, Nor scrip for YOUR journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves…and when YE come into a house, salute it.

In Mark 6:7-10, Jesus says,

and He called unto Him THE TWELVE and began to send THEM forth two and two; and gave THEM power… and commanded THEM…that THEY should…and he said unto THEM

In Luke 9:1-3, Jesus called the

TWELVE DISCIPLES and gave THEM power and sent THEM to preach and said unto THEM…

In Luke 10:1

After these things, the Lord appointed OTHER SEVENTY, and sent THEM two and two before
his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come

Can there be any doubt WHO Jesus was specifically instructing? In the same chapter where these particular commands to the disciples are found, Jesus also gives some messages for ALL believers. In Matthew 10, He addresses whosoever four times, and he that nine times. Examples: (1) For WHOSOEVER would save his life will lose it. (2) HE THAT loveth father or mother more than me… (3) If ANY MAN would come after me… Who was He referring to, if it isn’t to ALL believers for ALL times? Why didn’t Jesus use universal language when He instructed the twelve disciples for their solo missionary journeys? Maybe because He didn’t mean for these instructions to be universally applicable to all preachers?

3. To whom did Jesus send his disciples two and two?

He sent them to the Jews only: Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not. But go rather to THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL (Matt 10:6-7).

4. Where did Jesus send the disciples two and two?

He told the twelve to go to the house of Israel, and He specifically stated they should NOT go to the Gentiles or to the Samaritans, Matt 10:6-7. He sent the 70 before him …into every city and place whither he himself would come Luke 10:1.

5. Did those who preached in Acts 8:4 go out two and two?

Therefore, they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the Word. The Jews from Jerusalem who had scattered because of persecution were doing the preaching. No mention is made of going two and two.

6. What does the Bible say concerning ministers, marriage and celibacy?

Marriage is honorable in ALL, according to Hebrews 13:4. ALL includes both saints and servants, men and women. Paul claimed in 1 Cor. 9:5 that he and Barnabas had the right, as well as the other apostles, Jesus’ brothers and Peter, to take a sister or a wife on their journeys—regardless of whether they chose not to use this right—it was still their legitimate option. Judas Iscariot was married with children, Psalms 109:8-13. Peter was married, Mark 1:30, Matt 8:14. God intended marriage to be an option for ALL, regardless of their circumstances, or calling in life. Marriage was an individual matter.

The Bible’s stamp of approval is NOT upon those who forbid marriage—rather it labels this practice as a doctrine of devils, 1 Tim 4:1-3! REQUIRING others to remain unmarried for life is to enforce a doctrine of devils. The workers claim they make a free choice not to marry—but this is not true. It is a mandatory REQUIREMENT if they want to be a worker. If it wasn’t, many workers would be married to each other, and many have asked to do so, and have been refused. Since God does not forbid marriage to anyone, why is this doctrine of devils enforced in this church?

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C. The 2×2 Church/Fellowship is considered to be “The Closest Way” because its ministers preach the same message as Jesus.

1. What was meant by the gospel?

It is incorrect to say that the Scripture presents only ONE gospel. The word gospel means good news. The term good news in no way indicates what the good news might be. If someone asked you, “Did you hear the good news?”, before you could answer correctly, you would need to ask, “Which good news?” Exactly which “good news” is under discussion must be clarified.

The Bible authors used distinctive terms to identify various items of good news i.e. the gospel of the kingdom (Matt 9:35) the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24) the gospel of Christ (Phil 1:17), the gospel of God (Romans 15:16), the gospel of peace (Eph 6:15), the gospel of your salvation (Eph 1:13). Luke 9:6 says that the apostles departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel. Frequently, it has been assumed from this verse that they went out preaching salvation by grace through faith in Jesus and his death on the cross paid for our sins. Yet it is clear from Luke 18:31-34 that they had no idea that Christ must die.

2. What did John the Baptist preach?

The theme of John the Baptist’s gospel, of whom Isaiah prophesied in Isaiah 40:3-9, was the same as the message of the twelve and seventy disciples were top deliver: Repent ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand Matt 3:1-2; 4:17-23.
**For an explanation of What is the Kingdom of God/Heaven, see: https://ex2x2.info/2025/10/17/kingdom/3

3. What were the disciples to preach?

Their message was very specific. Jesus instructed them to preach:
Matt 10:7, And as ye go, preach, saying ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Mark 6:12, And they went out and preached that men should repent.
Luke 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God.
Luke 10:9 …and say to them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. The kingdom of God/Heaven that had come/was at hand was referring to the Savior the prophets foretold in the Old Covenant, the Messiah/Christ.
**For an explanation of What is the Kingdom of God/Heaven, see: https://ex2x2.info/2025/10/17/kingdom/

4. What did JESUS preach?

Matt 4:17: From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matt 4:23, 9:35, Mark 1:14 Now…Jesus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.’
Luke 4:43: I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
Luke 8:1: And…he (Jesus) went throughout every city and village preaching the glad tidings of the kingdom of God…

Jesus, John the Baptist, and the 12/70 disciples heralded the gospel of the Kingdom of God/Heaven, Matt 21:43. Were they instructed to preach anything else? Their gospel is specifically and repeatedly called the gospel of the kingdom.

5. What was meant by The kingdom is at hand?

From their question in Acts 1:6, it is clear that the Jews of that day looked for the Messiah to be a human king ruling a visible earthly kingdom, Lord wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And so did the Pharisees who asked in Luke 17:20: when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, ‘The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say Lo here! or, lo there! for behold the kingdom of God is within you (in the midst of you).’

Many recognized Jesus as the prophesied King and would have made Him King by force if Jesus had not hidden, John 6:15. The people attending the feast took branches of palm trees and met him crying, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon, as it is written, Fear not, Daughter of Sion: behold thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt (quotation from Zech 9:9) Matt 21:5, John 12:13-14. In Daniel 7:13-14, the Messiah is given an everlasting Kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and men of every language might serve Him.

According to Scriptural prophecy, a literal Kingdom would one day be established, over which the Son of David (another title for Messiah) would reign, Luke 1:32-33; Is. 2:2, 24:23, 32:1, 35:4 40:9-10, 52:7; Gen 49:1; Num 24:14; Deut 4:30; Dan 2:44, 2:28, 10:14, 2:34-35, 44-45; Jer 23:5; Zech 14:9.

6. To whom were the 12 and 70 to preach?

Since Matthew 10:5 restricts the twelve to preaching ONLY to the JEWS, and forbids them to go to the Gentiles, the preaching mission that the disciples were sent on was particularly LIMITED in scope. This was also the case for the seventy: After these things, the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent THEM two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come, Luke 10:1. Since the workers usually preach to Gentiles, can they truthfully say Jesus’ instructions are being followed closely?

7. Were the disciples to preach in a certain area?

The seventy were only to preach to those who lived in the IMMEDIATE VICINITY where Jesus himself intended to visit in the near future (Luke 10:1). Clearly, their mission was to a very specific geographical area and to one particular nation. He told the twelve ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel til the Son of man be come Matt 10:23. Perhaps Jesus meant that even though they hurried, the disciples would not even get through all the cities of Israel before He began traveling their same route. Since the workers preach in countries Jesus never set foot in, are they following Jesus’ instructions closely? These specific instructions to the disciples were for a specific purpose: to prepare the people for Jesus/Messiah/Christ, who would soon be arriving.

8. How long did the 12 and 70 preach? After they fulfilled their preaching mission, what did they do?

In the Second Year of Jesus’ Public Ministry, during his third tour of Galilee, Jesus divided the twelve Apostles into six pairs/teams and the twelve out on short-term solo field assignments (possibly limited to Galilee) with extraordinary ordination instructions, commandments and the power to perform miracles (Matt 9:5-10:42). They were told to go at once, to go just as they were and not to bother about food, clothing, money or bodily needs; to trust God for these (Matt 10:1-11:1; Mark 6:7-12; Luke 9:1-6).

Only Mark referred to the TWELVE going out two and two, and he did so only once (Mark 6:7). Starting with this mission, Jesus called them Apostles (sent ones). This was the twelve’s first solo experience—their internship—they would learn by doing. They were to deliver the special message: The kingdom of heaven is at hand, (that Messiah had arrived) only to the House of Israel (only the Jews) and to confirm it with healing miracles at no charge. Meanwhile, Jesus (by himself) also departed to teach and preach in their cities. This was the only recorded time that the twelve were out preaching on their own during Jesus’ lifetime.

Since they would only be gone for a short time, they were told not to make preparations which would be required for an extended trip. Because of the generous tradition of Jewish hospitality toward strangers, they would be well provided for. When people were not receptive, they were to move on at once. When persecuted, they were to flee into the next city. Being in such a hurry, Jesus told them not to salute any man on the way (Luke 10:4) as salutations in those days were lengthy, and they didn’t have any time to waste. It was important for the Jews to be prepared for Jesus’ coming as Messiah.

The seventy returned joyfully to report to Jesus in Luke 10:17. The twelve returned to Jesus a short time later, according to Luke 9:10-12, Matt 14:15, and Mark 6:35. Not a good deal of time elapsed between their going out, and their return to Him after John the Baptist was beheaded in Luke 9:10 (approx. 6 weeks to 4 months).

9. What proved that the disciples’ message was true?

The proof of Jesus’ commission to His disciples/apostles was found in the powers and miracles they exercised, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following, Mark 16:17-20. Even though the workers claim to be following Jesus’ instructions to the disciples more closely than any other ministers (see Charts 1 & 2), the signs and powers that God gave to confirm their message was true are noticeably absent. It is impossible for the workers to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, or cast out devils—the most prominent, powerful features of the Matthew 10 commission.

Yet, the disciples performed these miracles LITERALLY and PHYSICALLY. Some workers have claimed they do the things in Matthew 10 spiritually. On the other hand, some denominations have claimed they have the miraculous power some had in the New Testament to literally pick up serpents, drink poison, cast out demons, and heal in this day and time.

Where are any Scriptural guidelines for picking and choosing which of Jesus’ instructions to the twelve the workers are to take literally and which spiritually? Since it is impossible for the workers to duplicate the chief feature of Matthew 10 (healing, raising dead, miracles, etc.), are the workers truly closely following Jesus’ instructions to the disciples?

10. Which of Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 10 does He retract in Luke 22:35?

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse and script, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one…And they said, Lord behold here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

With these words, when I sent you without purse, script and shoes Jesus’ was referring to his former instructions to the disciples given in Matt 10:5-14. Jesus gave the disciples these instructions AFTER they returned from their first missions which ALTERED the method in which they were to go AFTER His crucifixion. Paraphrased, He was saying: “Before I sent you (with THESE certain instructions found in Matthew 10); BUT NOW (in the future) go out (with THESE altered/different instructions).” In this verse, Jesus retracted His particular commands in Matthew 10, which were addressed to the disciples, which means they were not intended universally for all future ministers.

11. How can both the instructions in Luke 22:35 and Matthew 10:5-14 be obeyed simultaneously?

One of these instructions supersedes the other, and the one last in effect was Luke 22:35. They can’t both be obeyed because one verse instructs the disciples to do some things that the other verse says they to cease doing. Is it rightly interpreting these conflicting scriptures if one refuses to carefully consider the meaning of Luke’s passage, simply because it doesn’t fit with other long held beliefs? How closely do the workers follow Luke 22:35?

12. What was the purpose of Jesus’ instructions to the twelve?

The limited solo missions Jesus sent the disciples on in Matthew 10 was specific in its object, being designed to prepare for the coming of Messiah or Jesus Christ, and to announce the nearness of the Messianic kingdom. It was specific in its sphere, being directed to Jews only and not to the Gentiles. It was also specific in its character, attended by miraculous credentials which verified the disciples as being divinely sent. This mission was fulfilled by those to whom it was given—the disciples. That being the case, can it possibly have any application to ministers today? What could be praiseworthy about following SOME of Jesus’ commandments given to particular men for a certain mission long ago completed? Compiled from Matthew 10:5-14; Mark 6:7-11; and Luke 9:1-5 etc.

The accompanying chart lists the 21 instructions Jesus gave the twelve and seventy AT THE TIME He sent them to proclaim The kingdom is at hand to the Jews. Out of the 21 instructions, there are 15 (71%) that the workers don’t carry out (4 of which the workers can’t carry out), leaving only SIX (29%) which they do carry out. This being the situation, can it be true that the ministry of the 2×2 Church/Fellowship is the only one on earth today that is fulfilling Jesus’ commandments—when only six (29%–not even one-half!) of His instructions are practiced? Where is any command of Jesus for these practices to be continued after that particular mission to the Jews was completed?

**Chart Page 1: https://tellingthetruth.info/photogallery/picture.php?/8117/category/56
Chart Page 2 https://tellingthetruth.info/photogallery/picture.php?/8116/category/56

Making the messenger’s/minister’s traveling arrangements (two and two) and the lifestyle (itinerant, celibate) essential to salvation is placing unjustified emphasis on the messenger, rather than the message. A messenger doesn’t validate his message–the message validates the messenger. Is who and how the good news is delivered the all-important issue? Or is it the good news that is important.

Adding ANYTHING to what the Scripture has said, (Believe and ye shall be saved John 3:16, Rom 10:9, Acts 16:31) is a reflection on the finished work of Christ (Acts 5:36; John 4:34, 5:36, 17:4; 19:30, Heb 12:2), and diminishes the value of His sacrifice. When men’s work or part is overvalued, the result is to undervalue what Christ has done. Adding the requirement of human performance, the two-by-two ministry and church in the home, to the work Christ finished in order to merit or inherit salvation is basing salvation on works, not grace. If men can atone for their sin through their own works, why did Jesus need to die? His death would then be unnecessary and pointless.

13. In The Great Commission, how did Jesus send the disciples? (Matthew 28:18–20)

John 20:21: then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. How did the Father send Jesus? He sent Jesus with the Holy Spirit—and likewise, Jesus sent His disciples into the world with the Holy Spirit also. He didn’t remind them to be sure and closely follow His instructions to the 12 and 70 in Matthew 10, Mark 6, Luke 10.

John 17:17-19. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes, I sanctify myself that they also might be sanctified through the truth. The Father sent Jesus into the world sanctified (set apart for a special purpose), and Jesus sent His apostles out into the world also sanctified—using them for His special purpose.

If these verses do not specifically pertainto the apostles and subsequent ministers being directly commissioned, sanctified and having the Holy Spirit, then doesn’t every minister have to do everything like the Father sent Jesus to do? i.e. be born of a virgin, crucified, resurrected, ascend into heaven, etc.?

14. How did “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18–20), differ from the Matthew 10 Commission?

Where they were to preach and to whom they were to preach is different. Jesus lifted His former restriction to preach to the Jews only. They were now to go to among all nations beginning at Jerusalem, Luke 24:47; and to go into all the world, Mark 16:17; and to teach all nations, Matt 28:19: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

In His final instructions found in The Great Commission, Jesus makes NO mention of:

            HOW. . . .        they were to preach (no mention of the necessity of traveling in pairs)
            WHAT . . .      they were to take/not take with them
            WHERE. . .     they were to stay/not stay
            WHAT . . .      they were to wear/not wear

The Great Commission was the last message Jesus gave the disciples before ascending to His Father. Surely, He intended this commission to supersede His previous Matthew-Mark-Luke instructions to the twelve.

While going in pairs has much to commend it, two references where the twelve and the seventy were specifically sent in this manner (Luke 10:1 and Mark 6:7) on two particular missions to particular locations hardly justifies this method as being the ONLY correct one of traveling for ministers today; nor does it indicate all those who do not follow this procedure are false preachers. At no time does the New Testament ever make the NUMBER traveling together of ANY great consequence. After His death and ascension, Jesus never instructed the ministry to travel in pairs, homeless, with possessions and remain unmarried. Where does the Scripture indicate this was to be the pattern for the ministry for all ages to come?

15. What was the main purpose of Jesus in coming to this earth?

Some believe Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth was to be the example or pattern preacher. However, there is no scripture stating or implying that He came primarily to be an example or pattern. Two passages give two specific ways in which Jesus was an example. One is regarding service to our brothers in Christ: For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done unto you (John 13:15). The other is regarding suffering patiently. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps (1 Pet. 2:21).

The reason Jesus came to earth was NOT to be an example, but rather to BE the Lamb of God, the offering for the sins of mankind, to BE their Saviour and Redeemer. See: Heb. 9:26, Heb.9:11-12, Heb. 10:7, 10, Heb. 2:9, Gal. 4:4-5, Matt. 20:28, John 1:29.

16. In the 2×2 Church/Fellowship, who is filling the positions of the pastor and teacher of Ephesians 4:11?

The five-fold ministry roles are set out in Ephesians 4:11: And he gave some apostles, and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors, and teachers for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ.

There are five ministry positions given: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The day of the apostles and prophets is past. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets (Heb 1:1).

From the context, it appears that an evangelist is not the same as a pastor or a teacher. The word pastor means shepherd. A shepherd stays with his sheep all the time. Many churches have pastors who stay with their congregations. However, the roles of teachers and pastors are not filled in the 2×2 church. Many churches support evangelists (often called missionaries) and also have other teachers in their congregations. Is a pastor a false prophet because he stays in one place filling a place the Scripture ordains? Is it following closely with the Scriptures for a church to have only evangelists (workers), and not also separate positions for pastors and teachers?

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D. The 2×2 Church/Fellowship is considered to be “The Closest Way” because its ministers give up all their possessions.

1. Does Jesus instruct the Disciples/Apostles to sell/discard/give away all their possessions?

Some, including William Irvine, have interpreted Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 10:1-11:1 to the twelve disciples/Apostles for their first solo two by two missions to herald Messiah/Jesus Christ’s arrival to be universal commands for all ministers for all time (See B.8 above). Contrary to what many believe, the twelve Apostles’ missions only lasted from about 6 weeks to 4 months, and ended when they returned to Jesus; and the seventy returned in Luke 10:17. Since they would only be gone for a short time, they were told to go at once, just as they were with the clothes on their back, and not to bother about food, weapons, money, etc.; to leave provisions behind and just trust God for their necessities (Matt 10:1-11:1; Mark 6:7-12; Luke 9:1-6).

This was the only recorded time the twelve were out preaching on their own during Jesus’ lifetime. Jesus retracted those orders with his But now… instructions in Luke 22:35-36 and told them to take up their possessions again (See B.10 above). Therefore, Jesus’ instructions were temporary—they were particular instructions to particular men for a particular mission/purpose. He didn’t tell them to sell their possessions and give the money to the poor—they just left everything all at once, temporarily. William Irvine and his workers thereafter misinterpreted and misapplied Jesus’ Matthew 10 instructions. It was not Jesus’ intent to create a precedent. The workers don’t follow these instructions—they take with them far more than the disciples did on their missions.

2. Rich Young Ruler. Some have interpreted the conditions Jesus gave to the rich young ruler to be applicable to all preachers for all time until Jesus returns again. Jesus told the ruler: One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me (Mark 10:21; Luke 18:18-25; Matt 19:16-24 NKJV).

Notice the ruler didn’t ask how he could become one of Jesus’ preaching disciples. He asked what good thing could he do to inherit eternal life (obtain salvation). Jesus replied with some “IF-THEN” provisions. If YOU want to enter into life andIf YOU will be perfect (Matt 19:17, 21), then go take certain actions, and then YOU shall have treasure in Heaven. Jesus was specifically addressing the man’s salvation, his eternal destiny and rewards—He was not instructing him what he must do to become a preaching disciple like the twelve.

Jesus read the man’s heart and saw that his first love was his material wealth/possessions—the very place that God/Jesus must have. The first of the Ten Commandments is: You shall have no other gods before me. Jesus said the Greatest Commandment is: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

Jesus pointed out the one thing hindering this man. He trusted in his riches. The conditions Jesus set out for the ruler would cost him financially (his security) and his leadership (his power and prestige). His sorrowful refusal to obey proved he valued or idolized his earthly security (wealth/possessions) more than his eternal security (treasure in heaven).

Jesus’ challenge to the rich young ruler was a test with unique conditions for this particular man in his particular situation. One must leap to conclude that Jesus’ requirements for THIS man were intended to apply universally for all who desire to become ministers. That would be similar to the Pharisees excessive following of the law. Even though they were not priests, they chose to not only obey God’s laws for the Israelites—they also followed the rules for the Levitical priests which were not intended for them and also went so far as to impose some on others, laying needless, heavy burdens on them.

The universal requirement for ALL believers is to trust and believe in Christ alone—not in earthly securities and to follow HIM, Jesus—not any man. Jesus demands total and complete commitment and trust—only those who make such a radical commitment can be Jesus’ disciples/believers.

Read more: Must Workers Sell All?

3. We have left all. Some assume that Peter’s question to Jesus implied that the disciples had left/forsaken all their possessions permanently, thereby setting a precedent for future ministers to follow. Peter: We have left/forsaken all and followed You (Matt 19:27). The Greek word aphiemi is translated as forsaken in Matt 19:27, 29, and in parallel gospel passages as left (Mark 10:28-29, Luke 18:28-29). It is defined in Strongs No. 863: to forsake, lay aside, leave, let go, put away, remit yield up. Forsaking and leaving in this passage are not the same action as selling or discarding all permanently.

The Bible contains no record of the disciples selling all and giving the proceeds to the needy. (Peter and other disciples returned to fishing and John took Mary to his home). When Jesus initially invited them to follow me, they suddenly left behind whatever possessions they had, along with their families and occupational equipment. Even though they retained these items and later returned to them (Luke 22:35-36), they did not come between the disciples and their first love and devotion to Jesus.

There are many narratives in the Bible that simply set the scenes, provide cultural background, insight, inform, teach lessons, etc. Every narrative is not intended to set a precedent for future Christians or ministers. Some narratives contain particular instructions or practices for particular people at a particular time in particular situations, such as the rich young ruler incident. Many narratives were never intended to become universal commands for all future ministers for all time. Some examples of universal commands arethe ordinances of baptism and communion; John 3:15-16; Ephesians 2:8-9; and Romans 10:9.

Rightly dividing the word of truth. A single mention in a narrative is not a good reason to insist that an instruction or practice should be a universal, mandatory rule/procedure for all Christians or ministers for all time. Jesus did not instruct/command that everyone or ministers wanting to inherit eternal life (obtain salvation) must divest themselves of all their worldly possessions and give them to the poor.

4. Sell what you have. Some interpret Luke 12:33 as a prerequisite for workers to enter the work:Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.

Notice that Jesus spoke this to an unnumerable multitude of people (Luke 12:1) and to the little flock (Luke 12:32) —NOT just to the disciples, as Peter confirmed in Luke 12:41, Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?

This concept is stated more clearly in Matthew 6:19-20: Do NOT lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; BUT lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. The negative clause Do not lay up was NOT meant to FORBID—it was used to emphasize the second clause, BUT lay up…, making it evident this was preferable.

It would seem that Jesus’ phrase sell…and give alms was meant to be taken figuratively and not literally, since it is not possible to take the rest of the sentence literally, i.e. to provide incorruptible bags that never aged.

The only places in the New Testament where selling all and giving to the needy are mentioned are the rich young ruler (Matt 19:16-24; Mark 10:17-25; Luke 18:18-25), and this passage in Luke 12:33. Jesus did not instruct the Apostles to do so in his Matthew 10 instructions. Later after the Apostles returned from their solo missions, Jesus gave them his But now…instructions for the Apostles to take back what they left behind earlier (Luke 22:35-38).

To use this text to insist that all ministers today must sell all their possessions so that they cannot be taken up again and give the proceeds to charity is to take it out of context and does not rightly interpret or apply it. It’s not commanded or required in Scripture. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15)

Read more: Must Workers Sell All

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E. The 2×2 Church/Fellowship is the closest because it meets in homes as the New Testament church did.

1. Did they meet in a home in Acts 2:46?

No–they continued daily to meet together in the temple and went from house to house breaking bread.

2. Did they meet in a home in Acts 19:9?

No–they met in the school of Tyrannus for two years.

3. Did Paul look for the Christians to be meeting in homes in Acts 9:2?

No–he looked for them in the synagogues.

4. Were they meeting in a home in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34?

Paul asked the erring Corinthians, What have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and put them to shame that have not?

5. Were meetings in homes the main emphasis in these verses: Acts 3:1, 16:13-18, 19:9; 1 Cor. 3:9, 11:17-34?

No, they were mentioned in a narrative or a greeting. How can the mere reference to a church in a home be interpreted to mean that it is forbidden for church meetings to be held in any other place? Where is any Scriptural confirmation or command that the church meeting in homes was to be the pattern for all believers forever after? Where is any Scriptural commandment forbidding the church from assembling in other places? It’s clear that some met in homes, but it’s not clear that homes were the only mandatory worship meeting places.

Since there is no Biblical record of Jesus establishing a worship meeting in a home, it would seem that was not his purpose in coming to earth. For reasons Jesus came to earth, read: Matt 5:17, 9:13, 10:34-35, 15:24, 18:11, 20:28; Luke 4:43, 9:56; 12:49, 51, 19:10; John 3:17, 4:34, 5:30, 6:38-39, 9:39, 10:10, 12:46-47; Acts 3:26; Rom 8:3, 14:9; Gal 4:4-5; 1 John 3:8, 4:9-10, 14.

Jesus said, For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them (Matt 18:20). Was the NewTestament church concerned with the place of worship? Does the Bible state that the only acceptable place for assembling to worship is in a private home?

6. Where did Jesus tell the woman of Samaria (John 4:20) was the proper place was to worship?

Jesus didn’t indicate that the only acceptable place for people to assemble was in homes; but rather, He said, true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth. Jesus made it clear that it’s not here or there that matters—it’s how and why; that true worship is a personal relationship with the Lord, and where or the place in which it is offered is not of any consequence. Jesus didn’t allude to the necessity of the church being in the home, and the ministers without homes. If these were all-important essential criteria for salvation, Jesus had the perfect opportunity here to say so. But he didn’t.

It is true there is no Scripture commanding believers to meet in any other place besides homes; but there is also no Scripture giving any particular place where church/fellowship meetings are to be held–not in homes or in any other locations. Some argue that because you can’t prove “something” is true, that proves it is false, which is faulty reasoning. Using this same logic, the friends should all be selling their possessions and living in a community state as they did in Acts 5:1-10 where Ananias and Saphira died for lying. Does Scripture teach that Scriptural precedence is to be considered an absolute commandment for all believers for all times —disregarding to whom the Scripture was addressed?

A clear statement in the Word of God is doctrine (2 Tim. 3:16)—not a passing reference in a narrative. To rightly interpret and apply God’s Word to US, it is essential that we take into account the context of all passages and to whom they are addressed. How could the church meetings in the home be an absolute requirement for salvation when the Scripture does not command it? How can it be insisted buildings constructed for the purpose of believers gathering together for worship are displeasing to God, when the Bible is silent on this issue? When the Bible doesn’t speak to an issue, how can men say that God condemns the practice?

7. Where does the Scripture indicate using a building for worship services is displeasing to God?

One must tear the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands completely out of its context to use Acts 17:24, 7:48 for the answer. Does this verse say God will NOT be found in a church building? No—it points to where He IS found—in the hearts of His children. A church building is just an empty shell. Of course, God does not live there. He lives in individuals…ye are God’s building, 1 Cor. 3:9. Believers are both individually and collectively the temple of God, 1 Cor 3:16-17, 6:19; and 2 Cor 6:16. If this verse literally means God isn’t ever found in buildings made for Him with men’s hands, then it also has to mean God isn’t ever found in homes, convention buildings or tents either, since they are also made with hands.