There are two reasons for Jesus’ command for the apostles to minister without payment:
The apostles should not use their authority to preach and heal to make money, because they themselves had received this authority without paying for it (2 Corinthians 11:7).
Jesus specifically called and equipped the apostles to serve others. This command to the apostles does not mean that a local congregation cannot financially care for the needs of its office-bearers. In fact, 2 Corinthians 11:8 expressly allowed this, even if this verse also implies that the office-bearers are free to serve without compensation. Paul’s words here are an explanation or commentary, but not a limitation on the Lord’s command. When Jesus then commands the apostles to
receive without pay,
this applies only to healing or preaching done for the purpose of money or glory. No money may ever be asked for conducting miracles, as this would dishonour the apostolic office, but this is different from ensuring that office-bearers can make ends meet (1 Corinthians 9:5–14; 1 Timothy 5:18).
Interpretation 1:
The apostles were not allowed to use their authority to preach and heal to make money, because they themselves had received this authority freely (2 Corinthians 11:7). The Jewish rabbis were likewise not permitted to receive money for their teaching. The only exception was when they educated children. In this case the parents had the duty to pay for their lessons.1
Interpretation 2:
Our Savior did not call the apostles and equip them for nothing. They are to use their gifts for the sake of others. This command to the apostles does not mean that, for example, a local congregation cannot take financial responsibility to care for the needs of office-bearers who serve them. In fact, this is expressly allowed in 2 Corinthians 11:8, even if this same verse also implies that the office-bearers are also free to serve without receiving compensation. Paul’s words here should be understood as an explanation or commentary, but not as a limitation on the Lord’s command. When Jesus then commands the apostles to receive without pay
this should be understood as applying only to healing or preaching done for the purpose of money or glory. No money may ever be asked for conducting miracles, as this would be doing a dishonour to the apostolic office. Yet this is something different from office-bearers ensuring that they can make ends meet (1 Corinthians 9:5–14; 1 Timothy 5:18).2
7 Allez, prêchez, et dites: Le royaume des cieux est proche.