The practice of selling goods or services within the church premises has been a topic of considerable debate among Christians, often invoking discussions about the sanctity of worship spaces and the appropriate use of church property. This entry explores the biblical foundations, historical context, and theological implications of selling in church.

Biblical Foundations

The most direct biblical reference concerning commercial activities in a place of worship is found in the New Testament, where Jesus cleanses the temple. In the Gospel of John, Jesus enters the temple courts and finds people selling oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as money changers seated at their tables. He makes a whip of cords and drives them all out, overturning their tables, and says, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!" (John 2:16). Similarly, in the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus declares, "It is written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers’" (Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46).

These passages highlight Jesus' zeal for maintaining the sanctity and intended purpose of the temple as a place of worship and prayer, free from commercial exploitation. The strong language used by Jesus underscores the seriousness with which He views the misuse of sacred spaces.

Historical Context

In the time of Jesus, the temple in Jerusalem was not only a religious center but also a hub of economic activity. Pilgrims from various regions came to offer sacrifices, necessitating the availability of animals for purchase and the exchange of currency. While these services were essential for the functioning of temple rituals, the manner in which they were conducted—often marked by exploitation and profiteering—drew Jesus' ire.

Throughout church history, the issue of commerce within church buildings has resurfaced. During the medieval period, the sale of indulgences and church offices (simony) became widespread, leading to significant corruption and eventually contributing to the Protestant Reformation. Reformers like Martin Luther vehemently opposed such practices, advocating for a return to the purity and simplicity of early Christian worship.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the issue of selling in church raises questions about the nature of worship and the role of the church in society. The church is seen as a sacred space set apart for the worship of God, the teaching of Scripture, and the fellowship of believers. Introducing commercial activities into this space can distract from these primary purposes and potentially lead to the commodification of spiritual experiences.

Moreover, the church is called to be a counter-cultural community that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. This includes a commitment to justice, integrity, and the rejection of greed and exploitation. When the church engages in or permits commercial activities that prioritize profit over people, it risks compromising its witness and mission.

Practical Considerations

While the biblical and historical contexts provide a framework for understanding the issue, practical considerations must also be addressed. Many churches today face financial challenges and may consider selling goods or services as a means of supporting their ministries. In such cases, it is crucial to ensure that these activities align with the church's mission and do not detract from its primary focus on worship and discipleship.

Church leaders are encouraged to exercise discernment and seek guidance from Scripture and the Holy Spirit when making decisions about commercial activities within their congregations. They should also consider the potential impact on their community and the message it sends to both believers and non-believers.

In summary, while the Bible does not provide explicit instructions regarding all forms of selling in church, the principles of maintaining the sanctity of worship spaces and prioritizing the church's spiritual mission offer valuable guidance for navigating this complex issue.John 2:14-15
And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 21:12
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
Topicalbible.org

Luke 19:45
And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;
Topicalbible.org

If Unveiling be Proper, Why not Practise it Always, Out of the ...
... events in the church conceal their virginity, which they do veil outside the church. ...
I will praise their vigour, if they succeed in selling aught of virginity ...
/.../tertullian/on the veiling of virgins/chapter xiii if unveiling be proper.htm

Of the Life in Common, and of the Reason Why the Church Has Begun ...
... I. Of the life in common, and of the reason why the Church has begun to ... presided
the heritages and fields which they were in the way of selling, inasmuch as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/i of the life in.htm

A Paradox of Selling and Buying
... A PARADOX OF SELLING AND BUYING. ... 'I do my best and God will have mercy.' We will
bring our own penitence, efforts, good works, or rely on Church ordinances, or ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a paradox of selling and.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Grant Spiritual Things in Return for an ...
... rewarded." Now an equivalent of service denotes serving the interests of the Church. ...
latter seemingly is not simoniacal since it implies no buying or selling. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 25.htm

The American Church on the Eve of the Great Awakening --A General ...
... The legislature of Massachusetts, which was the representative of the church, set
forth what ... of Indians taken in war, on the ground that "the selling of souls ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter x the american church.htm

An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ...
... of the conference, he shall not hereafter exercise any ministerial function whatsoever
in our church. ... Who does as he would be done by, in buying and selling? ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of.htm

Reclaiming a Church to Meet a New Age
... The surging currents of city life had left old Christ Church in a back eddy, and
certain leaders including the senior warden advocated selling the property or ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/reclaiming a church to meet.htm

The Formation and Order of the Primitive Church.
... practice of selling possessions, and distributing the price to the poor, was
discontinued. There is no evidence, that the conduct of the Church of Jerusalem ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture iii the formation and.htm

Whether Simony is an Intentional Will to Buy or Sell Something ...
... Reply to Objection 5: The terms "buying" and "selling" cover all kinds of non ... For
although the possessions of the Church belong to him as dispenser in chief ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether simony is an intentional.htm

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
... private property, the nominations to the benefices of the national Church have come ...
property, of a grammar-school for instance, would think of selling his right ...
/.../seances historiques de genevethe national.htm

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