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
Take care not to perform any religious act in order to be observed by men: otherwise you will have no reward from your father who is in heaven. therefore, when you give alms, do not make a proclamation of it as the hypocrites do, in their publick assemblies by sound of trumpet, that they may have the applause of men. for I assure you, they have their reward.
At length they came to Jericho, and as he was leaving Jericho, accompanied by his disciples, and a great number of people, a blind man called Bartimeus sat begging in the high-way.
he answer'd them, let him that hath two coats give one to him that hath none; and let him that has plenty of provisions act in like manner.
give to all that ask: and if a man takes away your goods, don't demand them again.
but when you make a feast call the poor, and maimed, the lame and blind:
for as Judas had the purse, some of them thought, that Jesus had ordered him to buy what was necessary against the feast: or give something to the poor.
they were carrying a man who had been lame from his birth, one whom they daily laid at the gate of the temple called, Beauty-gate, to ask alms of those that pass'd into the temple.
At Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, that is in Greek, Dorcas: this woman was very active in all the offices of benevolence and charity.
and was a proselyte, together with all his family: he gave much alms to the people, and was assiduous in his prayers to God.
and when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, what is it, Lord? and he said to him, thy prayers and thine alms have been observ'd and approv'd by God.
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd,
my constant example has shown you that the disabled should be assisted by your labours, remembring the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, "it is a greater happiness to give than to receive."
after several years absence I came to Jerusalem, with contributions for my brethren, and oblations for the temple:
but now I am going to Jerusalem, to distribute charity to the converts. for those of Macedonia and Achaia, have thought fit to make a contribution for the poor converts at Jerusalem. read more. they have thought fit, I say, and they owed them as much. for if the Gentiles have participated of their spirituals, they are bound on their side to minister to them in their temporals.
only they recommended to us to get collections for the poor in Judea: which I was very careful to do.
he that possesses the enjoyments of life, and seeing his brother in want, has no compassion for him, how can he be said to have any divine love?
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
Take care not to perform any religious act in order to be observed by men: otherwise you will have no reward from your father who is in heaven.
Take care not to perform any religious act in order to be observed by men: otherwise you will have no reward from your father who is in heaven.
Take care not to perform any religious act in order to be observed by men: otherwise you will have no reward from your father who is in heaven.
Take care not to perform any religious act in order to be observed by men: otherwise you will have no reward from your father who is in heaven. therefore, when you give alms, do not make a proclamation of it as the hypocrites do, in their publick assemblies by sound of trumpet, that they may have the applause of men. for I assure you, they have their reward.
therefore, when you give alms, do not make a proclamation of it as the hypocrites do, in their publick assemblies by sound of trumpet, that they may have the applause of men. for I assure you, they have their reward.
At length, as Jesus was sitting over-against the treasury, he observed the peoples throwing money into the chest; when many of the rich gave large sums.
At length, as Jesus was sitting over-against the treasury, he observed the peoples throwing money into the chest; when many of the rich gave large sums. and there came a certain poor widow, who threw in two mites, to the value of a farthing.
and there came a certain poor widow, who threw in two mites, to the value of a farthing.
and there came a certain poor widow, who threw in two mites, to the value of a farthing.
and there came a certain poor widow, who threw in two mites, to the value of a farthing. upon which he call'd to his disciples, and said to them, I declare unto you, that this poor widow has given more than any of those, who have given to the treasury.
upon which he call'd to his disciples, and said to them, I declare unto you, that this poor widow has given more than any of those, who have given to the treasury.
upon which he call'd to his disciples, and said to them, I declare unto you, that this poor widow has given more than any of those, who have given to the treasury.
upon which he call'd to his disciples, and said to them, I declare unto you, that this poor widow has given more than any of those, who have given to the treasury. for all the rest contributed out of their superfluous substance; but she has contributed what she wanted for her bare subsistence.
for all the rest contributed out of their superfluous substance; but she has contributed what she wanted for her bare subsistence.
for all the rest contributed out of their superfluous substance; but she has contributed what she wanted for her bare subsistence.
for all the rest contributed out of their superfluous substance; but she has contributed what she wanted for her bare subsistence.
but when you make a feast call the poor, and maimed, the lame and blind:
but when you make a feast call the poor, and maimed, the lame and blind:
for as Judas had the purse, some of them thought, that Jesus had ordered him to buy what was necessary against the feast: or give something to the poor.
for as Judas had the purse, some of them thought, that Jesus had ordered him to buy what was necessary against the feast: or give something to the poor.
so that they sold their possessions and goods, and distributed the money to every one as his occasions required.
so that they sold their possessions and goods, and distributed the money to every one as his occasions required.
was not the estate your own estate? and was not the price for which it was sold, all in your own hands? how came such a design as this in your heart? thou hast not lyed unto men, but unto God.
was not the estate your own estate? and was not the price for which it was sold, all in your own hands? how came such a design as this in your heart? thou hast not lyed unto men, but unto God.
At Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, that is in Greek, Dorcas: this woman was very active in all the offices of benevolence and charity.
At Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, that is in Greek, Dorcas: this woman was very active in all the offices of benevolence and charity.
At Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, that is in Greek, Dorcas: this woman was very active in all the offices of benevolence and charity.
At Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, that is in Greek, Dorcas: this woman was very active in all the offices of benevolence and charity.
and was a proselyte, together with all his family: he gave much alms to the people, and was assiduous in his prayers to God.
and was a proselyte, together with all his family: he gave much alms to the people, and was assiduous in his prayers to God.
and was a proselyte, together with all his family: he gave much alms to the people, and was assiduous in his prayers to God.
and was a proselyte, together with all his family: he gave much alms to the people, and was assiduous in his prayers to God.
and when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, what is it, Lord? and he said to him, thy prayers and thine alms have been observ'd and approv'd by God.
and when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, what is it, Lord? and he said to him, thy prayers and thine alms have been observ'd and approv'd by God.
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd,
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd, and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
my constant example has shown you that the disabled should be assisted by your labours, remembring the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, "it is a greater happiness to give than to receive."
my constant example has shown you that the disabled should be assisted by your labours, remembring the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, "it is a greater happiness to give than to receive."
but now I am going to Jerusalem, to distribute charity to the converts.
but now I am going to Jerusalem, to distribute charity to the converts. for those of Macedonia and Achaia, have thought fit to make a contribution for the poor converts at Jerusalem.
for those of Macedonia and Achaia, have thought fit to make a contribution for the poor converts at Jerusalem. they have thought fit, I say, and they owed them as much. for if the Gentiles have participated of their spirituals, they are bound on their side to minister to them in their temporals.
they have thought fit, I say, and they owed them as much. for if the Gentiles have participated of their spirituals, they are bound on their side to minister to them in their temporals.
Now as to the collection for the converts at Jerusalem, do as I have directed for the churches of Galatia.
Now as to the collection for the converts at Jerusalem, do as I have directed for the churches of Galatia. every sabbath-day let every one of you set apart something of what he has happily gain'd, for the common treasury, that there may be no collection when I come.
every sabbath-day let every one of you set apart something of what he has happily gain'd, for the common treasury, that there may be no collection when I come. and when I come, I shall send such as you shall approve of, who will convey letters, and your kind present to Jerusalem.
and when I come, I shall send such as you shall approve of, who will convey letters, and your kind present to Jerusalem. and if it be so considerable as to induce me to go, they shall accompany me.
and if it be so considerable as to induce me to go, they shall accompany me.
I thought it therefore necessary to counsel the brethren to go before, and settle the management of the contribution by this previous notice, that it might have such dispatch, as shows a bountiful, and not a niggardly temper.
I thought it therefore necessary to counsel the brethren to go before, and settle the management of the contribution by this previous notice, that it might have such dispatch, as shows a bountiful, and not a niggardly temper. remember, " he who sows sparingly, shall reap also sparingly: and he who sows bountifully, shall reap also bountifully."
remember, " he who sows sparingly, shall reap also sparingly: and he who sows bountifully, shall reap also bountifully." let every man give as he is disposed in his own mind, without any regret or reluctance: for God loves a cheerful benefactor.
let every man give as he is disposed in his own mind, without any regret or reluctance: for God loves a cheerful benefactor.
only they recommended to us to get collections for the poor in Judea: which I was very careful to do.
only they recommended to us to get collections for the poor in Judea: which I was very careful to do.
let him that stole, steal no more: but rather let him labour, to encrease his fortune with his own hands, that he may have wherewithal to relieve the needy:
let him that stole, steal no more: but rather let him labour, to encrease his fortune with his own hands, that he may have wherewithal to relieve the needy:
such as have been recommended by their good actions, by the education of their children, by their hospitality, by their officiousness to the faithful, by relieving the afflicted, and by the practice of every virtue.
such as have been recommended by their good actions, by the education of their children, by their hospitality, by their officiousness to the faithful, by relieving the afflicted, and by the practice of every virtue.
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
therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good offices to all men, especially to the family of believers.
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
Take care not to perform any religious act in order to be observed by men: otherwise you will have no reward from your father who is in heaven. therefore, when you give alms, do not make a proclamation of it as the hypocrites do, in their publick assemblies by sound of trumpet, that they may have the applause of men. for I assure you, they have their reward.
therefore, when you give alms, do not make a proclamation of it as the hypocrites do, in their publick assemblies by sound of trumpet, that they may have the applause of men. for I assure you, they have their reward. but when you give alms, "let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth:" read more. that your alms may be secret: and your father who sees your secret actions, shall reward you.
but when you make a feast call the poor, and maimed, the lame and blind:
At Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, that is in Greek, Dorcas: this woman was very active in all the offices of benevolence and charity.
and was a proselyte, together with all his family: he gave much alms to the people, and was assiduous in his prayers to God.
and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
my constant example has shown you that the disabled should be assisted by your labours, remembring the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, "it is a greater happiness to give than to receive."
but now I am going to Jerusalem, to distribute charity to the converts. for those of Macedonia and Achaia, have thought fit to make a contribution for the poor converts at Jerusalem. read more. they have thought fit, I say, and they owed them as much. for if the Gentiles have participated of their spirituals, they are bound on their side to minister to them in their temporals.
only they recommended to us to get collections for the poor in Judea: which I was very careful to do.