Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
Read Chapter 10
Jerome
AD 420
Consequently he gave this order to the preachers of truth to whom he had said before: “Freely you have received, freely give.” If they truly declare that they do not receive payment, the possession of gold, silver and money is superfluous. For if they were to have gold and silver, it would seem they were preaching not for the sake of humanity’s salvation but for the sake of their own financial gain. “No copper in your belts.” One who cuts off riches nearly cuts off what is necessary for life. Thus as the apostles and teachers of true religion taught that all things were governed by providence, they show they are not concerned about what tomorrow will bring. .
After this plucking up immediately the root of the evils, 1 Timothy 6:10
He said not, take them not with you, but, even if you can obtain them from another, flee the evil disease. And you see that hereby He was answering many good purposes; first setting His disciples above suspicion; secondly, freeing them from all care, so that they might give all their leisure to the word; thirdly, teaching them His own power. Of this accordingly He quite speaks out to them afterwards, Lacked ye anything, when I sent you naked and unshod?
He did not at once say, Provide not, but when He had said, Cleanse the lepers, cast out devils, then He said, Provide nothing; freely you have received, freely give; by His way of ordering things consulting at once for their interest, their credit, and their ability.
