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
But take heed not to perform your righteousness before men, to be seen by them; otherwise indeed, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
But take heed not to perform your righteousness before men, to be seen by them; otherwise indeed, you have no reward from your Father in heaven. When, therefore, you give in charity, sound not a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do, in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be glorified by men. I tell you truly, they have their reward. read more. But when you give in charity let not your left hand know what your right hand does, that your charity may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you.
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;
and whoever gives you a cup of water because you are Christ's, truly he shall not lose his reward.
who seeing Peter and John about to enter into the temple, asked to receive a charity.
AND the multitude that believed had one heart and one soul, and none said that anything of his possessions was his; but they had all things common.
For no one among them was needy; for those who possessed lands or houses sold and brought the prices of the things sold,
AND in those days the disciples being multiplied, there was a complaint of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, that their widows were neglected in the daily service.
I have showed you all things, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
CONCERNING the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also do you.
For concerning the service for the saints it is superfluous for me to write to you;