ReJoyce

I think it's about faith being the certainty of things that are not seen. Even while troubles and danger surrounded Paul, he saw beyond them, and he showed others how to do so as well. In like manner, our witness becomes more powerful when we are undergoing problems because I feel that most people realize that struggles are not "normal". There is an innate understanding that there is more to this life and time than just the present set of problems. Our witness bears witness to the promises of God.

Since the road to Damascus, Paul has seen that it is ALL of God and ALL from God. Paul has seen that God has a plan and the power to enact it. Joyce

It seems that in this letter of Paul's the idea of giving to a ministry was on a more personal basis. The person who gave knew the person he was giving to. Sadly, in our big, big world that concept seems to have disappeared. I much prefer to give to someone directly, someone whom I know and have seen the fruits of their ministry. The idea of giving does connect a person to a ministry, but it's important to know that ministry before entering into this type of communion. Joyce

You've all had such wonderful answers! I would like to add one more idea. A slave serves only for the benefit of his master, while a saint is blessed in his work for the Lord. Joyce