Reference: Alms
Easton
Not found in the Old Testament, but repeatedly in the New. The Mosaic legislation (Le 25:35; De 15:7) tended to promote a spirit of charity, and to prevent the occurrence of destitution among the people. Such passages as these, Ps 41:1; 112:9; Pr 14:31; Isa 10:2; Am 2:7; Jer 5:28; Eze 22:29, would also naturally foster the same benevolent spirit.
In the time of our Lord begging was common (Mr 10:46; Ac 3:2). The Pharisees were very ostentatious in their almsgivings (Mt 6:2). The spirit by which the Christian ought to be actuated in this duty is set forth in 1Jo 3:17. A regard to the state of the poor and needy is enjoined as a Christian duty (Lu 3:11; 6:30; Mt 6:1; Ac 9:36; 10:2,4), a duty which was not neglected by the early Christians (Lu 14:13; Ac 20:35; Ga 2:10; Ro 15:25-27; 1Co 16:1-4). They cared not only for the poor among themselves, but contributed also to the necessities of those at a distance (Ac 11:29; 24:17; 2Co 9:12). Our Lord and his attendants showed an example also in this (Joh 13:29).
In modern times the "poor-laws" have introduced an element which modifies considerably the form in which we may discharge this Christian duty.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
But take heed that you do not your righteousness before the people, in order to be seen by them: else you have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens: therefore when you may do alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, in order that they may be glorified by the people: truly I say unto you, They exhaust their reward.
And they come into Jericho: and He and His disciples and a great multitude going out from Jericho, blind Bartimeus, the son of Timeus, was sitting by the wayside, begging.
And responding he says to them, Let the one having two coats, give to him having none, and let the one having food do likewise.
Give to every one asking thee, and turn not away from the one taking thy possessions,
But when you may make a feast, invite the poor, maimed, lame, blind:
for some thought, as Judas had the purse, that Jesus says to him, Purchase some of those things of which we have need at the supper; or something that he might give to the poor.
And a certain man, being lame from his mother's womb was habitually carried, whom they placed daily at the gate of the temple called Beautiful, to ask alms of those entering into the temple;
But there was a certain disciple in Joppa, by name Tabitha, who being interpreted is called Dorcas: and she was full of good works and alms which she was doing.
devout, and fearing God with all his house, and doing many alms to the people, and praying to God always;
And he looking upon him, and being afraid, said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayer and thine alms have come up for a memorial before God.
And they determined that each one of them should send to the ministry to the brethren dwelling in Judea, as each one of the disciples was prosperous;
I have shown you all things, that it so behooveth you laboring to assist the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
And after many years I came to do alms and offerings to my race;
For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a certain contribution to the poor who are in Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do so; and they are their debtors: for if the Gentiles participated in spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things.
only that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.
Whosoever may have the sustenance of the world, and see his brother having need, and shut up his sympathies from him, how dwells the divine love of God in him?
Fausets
From Greek eleemosyne. The Hebrew "righteousness" in Old Testament and the Greek in many manuscripts of Mt 6:1, stands for ALMS. So Da 4:27, "Break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor." The poor were entitled to leavings from the produce of the field, the vineyard, and the olive yard (Le 19:9-10; 23:22; De 15:11; 24:19; 26:2-13), the third year's tithing for the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, the widow.
Compare Job 31:17; 29:16; "I was a father to the poor." Ne 8:10; Pr 10:2; 11:4; Es 9:22; Ps 41:1; 112:9. Dorcas (Ac 9:36). Cornelius (Ac 10:2). God prefers such neighborly love to fasting (Isa 58:7). Thirteen receptacles for free offerings were in the women's court of the temple (Mr 12:41-44). Begging was a practice only known after the captivity. In every city there were three collectors who distributed alms of two kinds:
1. Of money collected in the synagogue chest every sabbath for the poor of the city, "the alms of the chest."
2. Of food and money received in a dish, "alms of the dish." The Pharisees gave much alms, but with ostentation, figuratively blowing the trumpet before them (the figure being from the trumpet blowing in religious feasts): Mt 6:1-2. The duty was recognized among Christians as a leading one (Lu 14:13; Ro 15:25-27; Ga 2:10). A laying by for alms in proportion to one's means on every Lord's day is recommended (1Co 16:1-4; Ac 11:29-30; 20:35). Jesus and the twelve, out of their common purse, set the pattern (Joh 13:29). Not the costliness, but the love and self denial, and the proportion the gift bears to one's means, are what God prizes (Mr 12:42-44). Such "come up as a memorial before God" (Ac 9:36; 10:2,4). The giving was not imposed as a matter of constraint, but of bounty, on Christians (Ac 5:4).
The individual was not merged in the community, as in socialism; each freely gave, and distribution was made, not to the lazy who would not work, but to the needy (Ac 2:45; 2Th 3:10). A mendicant order is the very opposite of the Christian system. The Jewish tithe was not imposed, but the principle of proportionate giving having been laid down, the definite proportion is left to each one's faith and love to fix (2Co 9:5-7). Love will hardly give less than legalism. An ecclesiastical order of widowhood attended to charitable ministrations in the early church (1Ti 5:10). The deacons were appointed primarily for the distribution of alms (Acts 6). Alms are "righteousness," not that they justify a man (which Romans 3; 4; 5 prove they do not), but they are the doing that which is right and which our neighbor has a rightful claim upon us for, in the court of God's equity, though not of human law. God gives us means for this very end (Eph 4:28).
See Verses Found in Dictionary
But take heed that you do not your righteousness before the people, in order to be seen by them: else you have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens:
But take heed that you do not your righteousness before the people, in order to be seen by them: else you have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens:
But take heed that you do not your righteousness before the people, in order to be seen by them: else you have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens:
But take heed that you do not your righteousness before the people, in order to be seen by them: else you have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens: therefore when you may do alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, in order that they may be glorified by the people: truly I say unto you, They exhaust their reward.
therefore when you may do alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, in order that they may be glorified by the people: truly I say unto you, They exhaust their reward.
And He sitting in front of the treasury, was seeing how the multitudes are casting their money into the treasury. And many rich people were casting in much.
And He sitting in front of the treasury, was seeing how the multitudes are casting their money into the treasury. And many rich people were casting in much. And one poor widow was casting in two mites, which is a farthing.
And one poor widow was casting in two mites, which is a farthing.
And one poor widow was casting in two mites, which is a farthing.
And one poor widow was casting in two mites, which is a farthing. And calling His disciples to Him, He says to them, Truly I say unto you, That this poor widow has cast in more than all those casting into the treasury.
And calling His disciples to Him, He says to them, Truly I say unto you, That this poor widow has cast in more than all those casting into the treasury.
And calling His disciples to Him, He says to them, Truly I say unto you, That this poor widow has cast in more than all those casting into the treasury.
And calling His disciples to Him, He says to them, Truly I say unto you, That this poor widow has cast in more than all those casting into the treasury. For all they of that which abounds unto them cast in; but she of her scarcity cast in all things so many as she had, all her living.
For all they of that which abounds unto them cast in; but she of her scarcity cast in all things so many as she had, all her living.
For all they of that which abounds unto them cast in; but she of her scarcity cast in all things so many as she had, all her living.
For all they of that which abounds unto them cast in; but she of her scarcity cast in all things so many as she had, all her living.
But when you may make a feast, invite the poor, maimed, lame, blind:
But when you may make a feast, invite the poor, maimed, lame, blind:
for some thought, as Judas had the purse, that Jesus says to him, Purchase some of those things of which we have need at the supper; or something that he might give to the poor.
for some thought, as Judas had the purse, that Jesus says to him, Purchase some of those things of which we have need at the supper; or something that he might give to the poor.
and they sold their possessions and personalities, and divided the same unto all, as each one had need.
and they sold their possessions and personalities, and divided the same unto all, as each one had need.
Remaining with thee did it not belong to thee; and having been sold, was it not still in thy control? why hast thou placed this thing in thy heart? thou hast not lied to men, but to God.
Remaining with thee did it not belong to thee; and having been sold, was it not still in thy control? why hast thou placed this thing in thy heart? thou hast not lied to men, but to God.
But there was a certain disciple in Joppa, by name Tabitha, who being interpreted is called Dorcas: and she was full of good works and alms which she was doing.
But there was a certain disciple in Joppa, by name Tabitha, who being interpreted is called Dorcas: and she was full of good works and alms which she was doing.
But there was a certain disciple in Joppa, by name Tabitha, who being interpreted is called Dorcas: and she was full of good works and alms which she was doing.
But there was a certain disciple in Joppa, by name Tabitha, who being interpreted is called Dorcas: and she was full of good works and alms which she was doing.
devout, and fearing God with all his house, and doing many alms to the people, and praying to God always;
devout, and fearing God with all his house, and doing many alms to the people, and praying to God always;
devout, and fearing God with all his house, and doing many alms to the people, and praying to God always;
devout, and fearing God with all his house, and doing many alms to the people, and praying to God always;
And he looking upon him, and being afraid, said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayer and thine alms have come up for a memorial before God.
And he looking upon him, and being afraid, said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayer and thine alms have come up for a memorial before God.
And they determined that each one of them should send to the ministry to the brethren dwelling in Judea, as each one of the disciples was prosperous;
And they determined that each one of them should send to the ministry to the brethren dwelling in Judea, as each one of the disciples was prosperous; and this they did, sending to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
and this they did, sending to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
I have shown you all things, that it so behooveth you laboring to assist the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
I have shown you all things, that it so behooveth you laboring to assist the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a certain contribution to the poor who are in Jerusalem.
For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a certain contribution to the poor who are in Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do so; and they are their debtors: for if the Gentiles participated in spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things.
For they were pleased to do so; and they are their debtors: for if the Gentiles participated in spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things.
But concerning the contribution to the saints, as I commanded the churches of Galatia, so you also do.
But concerning the contribution to the saints, as I commanded the churches of Galatia, so you also do. On the first day of the week let each one of you lay by with himself treasuring up, that as to whatsoever he may be prospered, in order that there may be no collections at that time when I may come.
On the first day of the week let each one of you lay by with himself treasuring up, that as to whatsoever he may be prospered, in order that there may be no collections at that time when I may come. But when I may be present, whomsoever you may approve by your letters, these will I send to carry away your benefaction to Jerusalem:
But when I may be present, whomsoever you may approve by your letters, these will I send to carry away your benefaction to Jerusalem: if it may be counted worthy for me also to go, they shall go along with me.
Therefore I considered it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they may come to you beforehand, and perfect your preannounced benefaction, that it may be ready, as a benefaction, not as a stingy contribution.
Therefore I considered it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they may come to you beforehand, and perfect your preannounced benefaction, that it may be ready, as a benefaction, not as a stingy contribution. But it is this, he that soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully.
But it is this, he that soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully. As each one has predetermined in his heart; not of reluctance, or of constraint: for God loves the hilarious giver.
As each one has predetermined in his heart; not of reluctance, or of constraint: for God loves the hilarious giver.
only that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.
only that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.
Let the one stealing steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his own hands doing that which is good, that he may have to give to the one having need.
Let the one stealing steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his own hands doing that which is good, that he may have to give to the one having need.
being witness in beautiful works; if she has brought up children, if she has entertained strangers, if she has washed the feet of saints, if she has succored those in tribulation, if she has followed in every good work.
being witness in beautiful works; if she has brought up children, if she has entertained strangers, if she has washed the feet of saints, if she has succored those in tribulation, if she has followed in every good work.
Morish
Offerings given to the poor. It was righteous to do so: hence, giving to the poor is called righteousness. Ps 112:9; 2Co 9:9. In the law provision was made for the poor. Ex 23:11; Le 19:10. It is declared that the poor would never cease out of the land; and if not relieved and they cried to the Lord, it would be accounted a sin against those who should have aided them. De 15:7-11. On the other hand, we read that "he that hath pity upon the poor lendeth to the Lord, and that which he hath given will he pay him again." Pr 19:17. In the N.T. the same thing is enforced. We are exhorted to do good unto all men, especially unto them of the household of faith. Ga 6:10. "He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly . . . . the Lord loveth a cheerful giver;" and whole chapters were written to stir up the saints to give liberally to the poor in Judaea. "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Then therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Smith
Alms.
The duty of alms-giving, especially in kind, consisting chiefly in portions to be left designedly from produce of the field, the vineyard and the oliveyard,
Le 19:9-10; 23:22; De 15:11; 24:19; 26:2-13; Ru 2:2
is strictly enjoined by the law. Every third year also,
De 14:28
each proprietor was directed to share the tithe of his produce with "the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless and the widow." The theological estimate of alms-giving among the Jews is indicated in the following passages:
Job 31:17; Pr 10:2; 11:4; Es 9:22; Ps 112:9; Ac 9:36
the case of Dorcas;
of Cornelius; to which may be added Tobit 4:10,11; 14:10,11, and Ecclus. 3:30; 40:24. The Pharisees were zealous in almsgiving, but too ostentatious their mode of performance, for which our Lord finds fault with them.
The duty of relieving the poor was not neglected by the Christians.
Mt 6:1-4; Lu 14:13; Ac 20:35; Ga 2:10
Regular proportionate giving was expected.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
But take heed that you do not your righteousness before the people, in order to be seen by them: else you have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens: therefore when you may do alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, in order that they may be glorified by the people: truly I say unto you, They exhaust their reward.
therefore when you may do alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, in order that they may be glorified by the people: truly I say unto you, They exhaust their reward. But thou doing alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: read more. in order that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who sees in secret will reward thee openly.
But when you may make a feast, invite the poor, maimed, lame, blind:
But there was a certain disciple in Joppa, by name Tabitha, who being interpreted is called Dorcas: and she was full of good works and alms which she was doing.
devout, and fearing God with all his house, and doing many alms to the people, and praying to God always;
and this they did, sending to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
I have shown you all things, that it so behooveth you laboring to assist the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a certain contribution to the poor who are in Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do so; and they are their debtors: for if the Gentiles participated in spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things.
only that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.