Reference: Alms, Almsgiving
Hastings
An alms' (Ac 3:3) is something freely given, in money or in kind, to the needy, from motives of love and pity for the recipient, and of gratitude to the Giver of all. Hence what is given or paid to the poor under the authority and compulsion of law, as the modern poor rate, is not alms. For such legal provision in OT times see Poor. Much might be of the humane spirit which pervades the whole of the Hebrew legislation, and in particular the legislation of Dt, of which, in this respect, De 15:1 may be taken as the epitome: 'Thou shalt surely open thine hand unto thy brother, to thy needy and to thy poor' (RV). The writings of the prophets, also, are full of generous advocacy of the rights of the poor. In the later pre-Christian centuries almsgiving became one of the most prominent of religious duties (Ps 112:9; Pr 14:21; 19:17; 31:20; Job 29:12 f.). The sentiment of the 2nd cent. b.c.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
At the end of every seven years you shall make a release.
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
He has dispersed, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his strength shall be exalted with honor.
He that despises his neighbor sins: but he that has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
He that has pity upon the poor lends unto the LORD; and that which he has given will he pay him again.
She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.
Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto you, and break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of your tranquility.
Take heed that you give not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father who is in heaven.
Take heed that you give not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father who is in heaven. Therefore when you give your alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. read more. But when you give alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does: That your alms may be in secret: and your Father who sees in secret himself shall reward you openly.
For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in:
For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that any of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do you.
For concerning the ministering to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you: