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
Release all debts at the end of every seven years.
This is because I delivered the poor who cried, and the orphan who had no helper.
He gives freely to poor. His righteousness continues forever. His head is raised in honor.
He who despises his neighbor sins. He who has mercy on the poor is happy.
When you help the poor (needy) (lowly) (depressed) you lend to Jehovah. He will pay you back.
She stretches out her hand to the poor. Yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.
Let my counsel be acceptable to you O King. Stop your sins by being righteous and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. May there be a lengthening of your prosperity.
Be careful! Do not display your righteousness (good works) before men to be noticed by them. If you do, you will have no reward with your heavenly Father.
Be careful! Do not display your righteousness (good works) before men to be noticed by them. If you do, you will have no reward with your heavenly Father. Do not loudly announce it when you give to the poor. The hypocrites do this in the houses of worship and on the streets. They do this to be praised by men. Believe me, they have already been paid in full. read more. When you give gifts, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Your giving will be in secret and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you took me in.
Whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ's, most assuredly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.
The congregation that believed was of one heart and mind. No one claimed his or her own possessions for everything was common property.
There was no needy person among them for as many as possessed land or houses sold them, and brought the money from the things that were sold.
The number of disciples increased at that time. A murmuring arose on the part of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
In all things I gave you an example. You by laboring should help the weak. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Now concerning the collection for the holy ones, you should do the same as I told the congregations of Galatia.
I do not need to write you about the ministry to the holy ones.