An examination of large-scale relief work in the first-century Christian congregation reveals just how this should be handled.

11. (a) Who originally looked after the relief work in the first-century congregation? (b) What kind of men were later entrusted with responsibilities in connection with relief work?

¹¹ Initially, the apostles accepted voluntary contributions and then supervised the distribution of funds to those in need. (Acts 4:34, 35) As the congregation grew in numbers this did not continue to be practical. Later, seven men “full of spirit and wisdom” were appointed to make sure that no deserving widows were overlooked in the daily distribution. These seven men had the confidence of their fellow believers. (Acts 6:1-6) Great care was exercised that those handling contributions received for relief work were trustworthy men. Regarding those who would be taking the contributed funds from Corinth to Jerusalem, the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian congregation: “Whatever men you approve of by letters, these I shall send to carry your kind gift to Jerusalem.”​—1 Cor. 16:3.

A Scriptural example of this is found at Acts 11:27-29, where we read: “Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus rose and proceeded to indicate through the spirit that a great famine was about to come upon the entire inhabited earth; which, for that matter, did take place in the time of Claudius. So those of the disciples determined, each of them according as anyone could afford it, to send a relief ministration to the brothers dwelling in Judea.”