(本頁在施工中)

One of the apostle's reasons for writting Phillipians was to thank them for their financial gift. The Phillipian church supported Paul both while he was a traveling evangelist, and when he was in prision. Paul was touched by their generousity and concern, and he wrote the letter partly to thank them for the support.

Paul's first references to their financial gifts are in chapter one verse five and seven. By contributing to Paul,the Phillipians were "同心合意的興旺福音". Paul tells them they were "都與我一同得恩". They were sharing in Paul's work. They were sharing in Paul's blessing.

The Phillipians were sharing in Paul's work. In verse 5, Paul uses the Greek word "koinonia". In English, this word is often translated "fellowship". It refers to intimate communion or sharing of one's life. The apostle John uses the word twice when he writes:

約壹 1:6 我們若說是與 神相交, 卻仍在黑暗裡行, 就是說謊話,不行真理了. 1:7 我們若在光明中行, 如同 神在光明中, 就彼此相交, 他兒子耶穌的血也洗淨我們一切的罪.

When we walk in the light, we have fellowship with God and with one another. In the same way, Paul is saying, through financial giving the Phillipian had "koinonia" with Paul in his work of promoting the gospel. They were working together.

In verse seven Paul continues, using a word with the same root (sugkoinonos). The Phillipians not only shared in the work, they also shared in the grace of God. ("你們都與我一同得恩") The same grace that called Paul to be a apostle, called them to be his supporters. The same blessing that Paul reaped from his faithful service, they reaped from faithful giving. They were partners with Paul in both sowing and reaping.

We here at the China Reformed theological seminary have been working hard, to strengthen the theological foundation of the Chinese Church. If you share our vision, we hope you will consider joining with us in the work. If you want to be a core supporter, we invite you to join the Reformed Theological Society. Individual members commit to supporting us $1000 NT a month. Churches may also join. For more information, please see RTA Application form and RTA constitution.

I write this short note partly because I am persuaded a reformed movement requires a reformed Seminary, and starting a Reformed Seminary in Taiwan requires all those who are looking for the reformation of the Church to koinonia in the work. But I write partly because our financial giving is down this year. We needs $190萬 a year of giving to our general fund to meet our budget. Last year we came close to this. But at the end of the first four months of this year (2005), we only have $39萬 of gifts.

Yours in Christ,

Andrew McCafferty

Dean of CRTS

In Taiwan you may donate through the Post-office. In the United States or elsewhere, you can donate to our US non-profit, "Friends of CRTS". All contributions are tax deductible, whether in the US or in Taiwan. Contribution information:

In Taiwan:

戶名： 中華民國改革宗神學協會.

帳號： １９７６２２６４

In the United States:

Friends of CRTS

C/O Linda Wohleber

3700 Eagles Landing

Jones, OK 73049

(Make checks payable to "Friends of CRTS")