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 care not to do your good deeds in public for people to see, for, if you do, you will get no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you are going to give to charity, do not blow a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do, in the synagogues and the streets, to make people praise them. I tell you, that is all the reward they will get!
And they came to Jericho. As he was leaving the town with his disciples and a great crowd, Timaeus' son Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting at the roadside.
And he answered, "The man who has two shirts must share with the man who has none, and the man who has food must do the same."
Give to everyone that asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.
But when you give an entertainment, invite people who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind.
for some of them thought that as Judas had the purse Jesus meant to say to him, "Buy what we need for the festival," or to have him give something to the poor.
when a man who had been lame from his birth was carried by. He used to be placed every day at what was known as the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, to beg from the people on their way into the Temple,
Among the disciples at Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, which is in Greek Dorcas, that is, gazelle. She had devoted herself to doing good and to acts of charity.
He was a devout man, who feared God, as did all the members of his household. He was liberal in charities to the people, and always prayed to God.
He stared at him in terror, and said, "What is it, sir?" "Your prayers and charities," the angel answered, "have gone up and been remembered before God.
The disciples determined to make up a contribution, each according to his ability, and send it to the brothers who lived in Judea,
I showed you in every way that by hard work like that we must help those who are weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, for he said, 'It makes one happier to give than to be given to.' "
After an absence of several years, I had come to bring charitable donations for my nation, and to offer sacrifice.
Just now I am starting for Jerusalem, to take help to God's people. For Macedonia and Greece have determined to make a contribution for the poor among God's people in Jerusalem. read more. They determined to do it, and they really are indebted to them, for if the heathen have shared their spiritual blessings, they ought to do them a service in material ways.
Only, we were to remember the poor, and that I have taken pains to do.
But if someone who is rich sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how can he have any love for God in his heart?
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 care not to do your good deeds in public for people to see, for, if you do, you will get no reward from your Father in heaven.
"But take care not to do your good deeds in public for people to see, for, if you do, you will get no reward from your Father in heaven.
"But take care not to do your good deeds in public for people to see, for, if you do, you will get no reward from your Father in heaven.
"But take care not to do your good deeds in public for people to see, for, if you do, you will get no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you are going to give to charity, do not blow a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do, in the synagogues and the streets, to make people praise them. I tell you, that is all the reward they will get!
So when you are going to give to charity, do not blow a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do, in the synagogues and the streets, to make people praise them. I tell you, that is all the reward they will get!
And he sat down facing the treasury and watched the people dropping money into it; and many rich people were putting in large sums.
And he sat down facing the treasury and watched the people dropping money into it; and many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came up and dropped in two little copper coins which make a cent.
A poor widow came up and dropped in two little copper coins which make a cent.
A poor widow came up and dropped in two little copper coins which make a cent.
A poor widow came up and dropped in two little copper coins which make a cent. And he called his disciples to him and said, "I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all these others who have been putting money into the treasury.
And he called his disciples to him and said, "I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all these others who have been putting money into the treasury.
And he called his disciples to him and said, "I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all these others who have been putting money into the treasury.
And he called his disciples to him and said, "I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all these others who have been putting money into the treasury. For they all gave of what they had to spare, but she in her want has put in everything she possessed??ll she had to live on."
For they all gave of what they had to spare, but she in her want has put in everything she possessed??ll she had to live on."
For they all gave of what they had to spare, but she in her want has put in everything she possessed??ll she had to live on."
For they all gave of what they had to spare, but she in her want has put in everything she possessed??ll she had to live on."
But when you give an entertainment, invite people who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind.
But when you give an entertainment, invite people who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind.
for some of them thought that as Judas had the purse Jesus meant to say to him, "Buy what we need for the festival," or to have him give something to the poor.
for some of them thought that as Judas had the purse Jesus meant to say to him, "Buy what we need for the festival," or to have him give something to the poor.
and sold their property and belongings, and divided the money with all the rest, according to their special needs.
and sold their property and belongings, and divided the money with all the rest, according to their special needs.
As long as it was unsold was it not yours, and after it was sold was not the money under your control? How could you think of doing such a thing? You did not lie to men but to God!"
As long as it was unsold was it not yours, and after it was sold was not the money under your control? How could you think of doing such a thing? You did not lie to men but to God!"
Among the disciples at Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, which is in Greek Dorcas, that is, gazelle. She had devoted herself to doing good and to acts of charity.
Among the disciples at Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, which is in Greek Dorcas, that is, gazelle. She had devoted herself to doing good and to acts of charity.
Among the disciples at Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, which is in Greek Dorcas, that is, gazelle. She had devoted herself to doing good and to acts of charity.
Among the disciples at Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, which is in Greek Dorcas, that is, gazelle. She had devoted herself to doing good and to acts of charity.
He was a devout man, who feared God, as did all the members of his household. He was liberal in charities to the people, and always prayed to God.
He was a devout man, who feared God, as did all the members of his household. He was liberal in charities to the people, and always prayed to God.
He was a devout man, who feared God, as did all the members of his household. He was liberal in charities to the people, and always prayed to God.
He was a devout man, who feared God, as did all the members of his household. He was liberal in charities to the people, and always prayed to God.
He stared at him in terror, and said, "What is it, sir?" "Your prayers and charities," the angel answered, "have gone up and been remembered before God.
He stared at him in terror, and said, "What is it, sir?" "Your prayers and charities," the angel answered, "have gone up and been remembered before God.
The disciples determined to make up a contribution, each according to his ability, and send it to the brothers who lived in Judea,
The disciples determined to make up a contribution, each according to his ability, and send it to the brothers who lived in Judea, and this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
and this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
I showed you in every way that by hard work like that we must help those who are weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, for he said, 'It makes one happier to give than to be given to.' "
I showed you in every way that by hard work like that we must help those who are weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, for he said, 'It makes one happier to give than to be given to.' "
Just now I am starting for Jerusalem, to take help to God's people.
Just now I am starting for Jerusalem, to take help to God's people. For Macedonia and Greece have determined to make a contribution for the poor among God's people in Jerusalem.
For Macedonia and Greece have determined to make a contribution for the poor among God's people in Jerusalem. They determined to do it, and they really are indebted to them, for if the heathen have shared their spiritual blessings, they ought to do them a service in material ways.
They determined to do it, and they really are indebted to them, for if the heathen have shared their spiritual blessings, they ought to do them a service in material ways.
About the collection for God's people, I want you to do as I told the churches of Galatia to do.
About the collection for God's people, I want you to do as I told the churches of Galatia to do. On the first of every week each of you is to put aside and store up whatever he gains, so that money will not have to be collected after I come.
On the first of every week each of you is to put aside and store up whatever he gains, so that money will not have to be collected after I come. When I come I will send whatever persons you authorize with credentials, to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
When I come I will send whatever persons you authorize with credentials, to carry your gift to Jerusalem. And if it seems worth while for me to go myself, they can go with me.
And if it seems worth while for me to go myself, they can go with me.
So I have thought it necessary to ask these brothers to go on to you ahead of me, to arrange in advance for this gift you have promised, so as to have it ready, like an expression of your good will, not of your avarice.
So I have thought it necessary to ask these brothers to go on to you ahead of me, to arrange in advance for this gift you have promised, so as to have it ready, like an expression of your good will, not of your avarice. Remember this: The man who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and the man who sows generously will reap generously.
Remember this: The man who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and the man who sows generously will reap generously. Everyone must give what he has made up his mind to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion; God loves a man who is glad to give.
Everyone must give what he has made up his mind to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion; God loves a man who is glad to give.
Only, we were to remember the poor, and that I have taken pains to do.
Only, we were to remember the poor, and that I have taken pains to do.
The man who stole must not steal any more; he must work with his hands at honest toil instead, so as to have something to share with those who are in need.
The man who stole must not steal any more; he must work with his hands at honest toil instead, so as to have something to share with those who are in need.
and have a good reputation for Christian service, such as bringing up children, being hospitable to strangers, washing the feet of God's people, helping people in distress, or devoting herself to any form of doing good.
and have a good reputation for Christian service, such as bringing up children, being hospitable to strangers, washing the feet of God's people, helping people in distress, or devoting herself to any form of doing good.
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
So then whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to those who belong to the family of the 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 care not to do your good deeds in public for people to see, for, if you do, you will get no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you are going to give to charity, do not blow a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do, in the synagogues and the streets, to make people praise them. I tell you, that is all the reward they will get!
So when you are going to give to charity, do not blow a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do, in the synagogues and the streets, to make people praise them. I tell you, that is all the reward they will get! But when you give to charity, your own left hand must not know what your right hand is doing, read more. so that your charity may be secret, and your Father who sees what is secret will reward you.
But when you give an entertainment, invite people who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind.
Among the disciples at Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, which is in Greek Dorcas, that is, gazelle. She had devoted herself to doing good and to acts of charity.
He was a devout man, who feared God, as did all the members of his household. He was liberal in charities to the people, and always prayed to God.
and this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
I showed you in every way that by hard work like that we must help those who are weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, for he said, 'It makes one happier to give than to be given to.' "
Just now I am starting for Jerusalem, to take help to God's people. For Macedonia and Greece have determined to make a contribution for the poor among God's people in Jerusalem. read more. They determined to do it, and they really are indebted to them, for if the heathen have shared their spiritual blessings, they ought to do them a service in material ways.
Only, we were to remember the poor, and that I have taken pains to do.