“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.”

Legalistic Judaizers influenced the Galatians to stop fellowshiping with those who initially taught them the Word, but this verse challenges believers to continue to support them.

Let him who is taught the word

The word “taught” carries the idea of giving instruction (usually orally). We obtain our word “catechized” from this Greek word. The idea is literally “him that teaches catechistically.” “Taught” comes from two words: down and sound. The idea is to send a sound down to the ears. This communication is oral instruction in the Word of God, so it is public Bible teaching. As explained in the following phrase, those who receive public, oral teaching are to do something with that privilege.

The “word” refers to both the Old and New Testaments, the canon of Scripture.

share in all good things with him who teaches

The word “share” means to take part, actively or passively, with another. Those who “share” in a ministry are equal partners with those who teach them. The teacher and the person taught share something unique—fellowship in the Word. People who break fellowship with those who have a ministry of grace cannot benefit unless they accept the validity of their teaching.

“Sharing” here does not refer to giving money to teachers of grace because 1) there is no indication of this in context (fallen Christians), 2) “good things” are the principles of grace as indicated in the argument of the book, 3) Paul would not ask for money for himself in a context where he rebukes the Galatians for false doctrine and 4) Paul previously charged the Judaizers with ulterior financial motives.

On the contrary, this verse deals with rapport with those who teach the Word, especially those who teach the grace principle. Those taught should ensure their fellowship is with those who hold to the grace principle rather than the legalists (Judaizers). “Don’t have fellowship with an error by listening to legalism.”

“…for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now…” (Philippians 1:5)

Principle:

Those who listen to their pastors teach God’s Word have rapport with them as they engage with their teachings.

Application:

Every time we listen to a sermon taught from the Bible, we have fellowship with whoever is preaching. Most of us think of fellowship as a relaxed gathering of Christians who enjoy one another’s company. Christian fellowship is primarily with God and His Word.

“Sharing” or fellowship in this verse connotes listening, not speaking. Listen to the Word of God from your pastor. You can’t benefit from the Word unless you fellowship with your pastor during the teaching. If learning from him brings forth the grace principle, you will benefit from what God does for you rather than what you do for God. These are “good things” from God received from the teacher. Legalism is something grievous produced by humankind.

Each person in the congregation is responsible for exposing themselves to the teaching of God’s Word. The exposition of the Bible takes concentration. You may not understand everything, but you are responsible for understanding to the best of your current maturity level.

To fail to understand because you do not concentrate is another matter. Many people gather wool while their pastor teaches a subject they find irrelevant. Then they come to a crisis, and the very thing they missed is what they need. And it is tough to learn that lesson in a crisis.