신약적 입장에서 본 교회의 사회봉사

New Testament Foundation For the Social Service of the Church -With Special Reference to the Great Commission in John 20:21-23 and Jesus' Mission in Luke 4:18

Today the social service or participation of the church has emerged as one of the important theological issues. It is not easy, however, to determine the biblical foundation for the social service of the church, since the Bible does not primarily concern such a matter. Needless to say, the current situation of the Korean church requires the firm foundation for the social service of the church. This study investigates two passages in the New Testament, i.e., the Great Commission in John 20:21-23 and the description of Jesus' mission on earth in Luke 4:18, which include the implications for the social service of the church. The Great Commission in John is interpreted as providing the basis of the argument for the church's social participation, while the description of Jesus' mission on earth provides the picture of His ministry which His disciples must continue to accomplish as His successors. The emphasis of Jesus' ministry falls on preaching of the Gospel to the poor, which another passage describing the Jesus' ministry, i.e., Luke 7:21-22 also clearly reveals. Jesus' mission successfully transferred to His disciples involves not only the salvation of the soul but also concern and care for the poor and the sick. The study also demonstrates that the descent of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 as related to the reception of the Spirit in John 20:22 is the connecting link between the Great Commission in John and Jesus' mission in Luke 4. The work of the Holy Spirit is not solely restricted to the preaching of the Gospel; His work is desperately required also for the social service of the church. Undeniable is that the church primarily and ultimately aims to save and lead the lost souls to Jesus. This does not mean, however, that the social service is just the subsidiary issue of the church which could be exempted or conducted selectively. Preaching the Gospel and participating in the social service are inseparable. As a result, the scope of the mission of the church includes the social service and involvement.