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

Legalistic Judaizers influenced the Galatians to stop supporting the ministry of those who taught them the Word.

Let him who is taught the word

The word “taught” carries the idea of giving instruction (usually orally). We get 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 is oral instruction in the Word of God, so it is public Bible teaching. Those who receive public, oral teaching are to do something with that privilege explained in the next phrase.

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, whether in things evil or good. Those who “share” in a ministry are equal partners in or fellowship in the ministry. Both the teacher and the person taught share something unique – a fellowship in the Word. People who break from fellowship in such a ministry of grace.” cannot be restored unless they accept the validity of the teachers of God’s Word.

This 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 wouldn’t be asking 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 fellowship with those who teach the Word, especially those who teach the grace principle. Those taught should ensure that 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 should be in fellowship with them as they pay attention to 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 in terms of a relaxed gathering of Christians enjoying one another. Christian fellowship is primarily in God and His Word.

Fellowship in this verse has to do with 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 the teaching springs 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. Legalism is something grievous from humankind.

Each person in the congregation has the personal responsibility to expose himself or herself to the teaching of God’s Word. This takes concentration. You may not have the ability to understanding everything, but you have the responsibility to attempt to understand at your level of maturity.

To fail to understand because you do not concentrate is another matter. Many people gather wool while their pastor teaches on a subject they think is not relevant to them. 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.