Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Alms » Instances of giving » The early Christians
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and they sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as any one had need.
For there was no one among them that was in want; for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them at the feet of the apostles; and distribution was made to every one, according as he had need. And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, when interpreted, Son of consolation,) a Levite, born in Cyprus, read more.
having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the feet of the apostles.
having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the feet of the apostles.
But in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said, It doth not seem to us proper, that we should leave the word of God, and provide for tables. Therefore, brethren, look out among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint over this business;
And according as any one of the disciples was prospered, they determined every one of them to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judaea; which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and to make offerings;
But now I am going to Jerusalem on a service of relief to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have thought it good to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. They have thought it good, and they owed it to them. For if the gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they ought in return to minister to them in temporal things. read more.
When therefore I have completed this business, and secured to them this fruit, I shall set out to pass through you to Spain.
When therefore I have completed this business, and secured to them this fruit, I shall set out to pass through you to Spain.
Now concerning the collection for the saints, according to the directions which I gave to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. Every first day of the week let each of you lay by him something in store, according as he hath prospered; that the collections may not have to be made when I come. And when I am with you, I will send with letters whomever you may approve to carry your bounty to Jerusalem; read more.
and if it be worth while for me to go also, they shall go with me.
and if it be worth while for me to go also, they shall go with me.
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been bestowed in the churches of Macedonia; that under a great trial of distress the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty increased the riches of their liberality; for according to their power, I bear witness, and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, read more.
begging of us with much entreaty the favor of sharing in the ministration to the saints;
begging of us with much entreaty the favor of sharing in the ministration to the saints;
For concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you.
For God is not unjust so as to forget your work, and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered and are still ministering to the saints.