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 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.
And they came to Jericho. And as he went from Jericho, and his disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timeus, Bartimeus, a blind beggar, sat by the way.
And he answered and said to them, Let him that has two coats give to him that has none; and let him that has food do the same.
Give to every one that asks; and from him who takes that which is yours, ask it not back.
But when you make a feast, invite the poor, crippled, lame, blind,
for some thought, since Judas had the treasure-chest, that Jesus said to him, Buy what we need for the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
And a certain man lame from his birth was carried and placed daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask charity of those going into the temple;
And there was at Joppa a certain female disciple called Tabitha, which being interpreted is called, Dorcas; she was full of good works and charities which she bestowed.
a pious man, and one fearing God with all his house, and bestowing many charities on the people, and praying to God always,
And looking steadily at him and being afraid, he said, What is wanted, Lord? And he said to him, Your prayers and charities have come up as a memorial before God.
And each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send help to the brethren living in Judea;
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.
But after many years I came to bring charities and offerings to my nation,
But now I am going to Jerusalem to serve the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor of the saints at Jerusalem. read more. They have been pleased indeed, and their debtors they are; for if the nations have participated in their spiritual things, they ought also to serve them in things pertaining to the flesh.
only [they wished] that we should remember the poor, which I was also forward to do.
And whoever has the goods of the world and sees his brother have need, and withholds his compassions from him, how continues the 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 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.
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.
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.
And sitting opposite to the treasury, he observed how the multitude cast copper into the treasury. And many rich men cast in much;
And sitting opposite to the treasury, he observed how the multitude cast copper into the treasury. And many rich men cast in much; and one poor widow came and cast in two lepta, which is a quadrans [4 mills].
and one poor widow came and cast in two lepta, which is a quadrans [4 mills].
and one poor widow came and cast in two lepta, which is a quadrans [4 mills].
and one poor widow came and cast in two lepta, which is a quadrans [4 mills]. And calling his disciples, he said to them, I tell you truly, that this poor widow has cast in more than all who have cast into the treasury.
And calling his disciples, he said to them, I tell you truly, that this poor widow has cast in more than all who have cast into the treasury.
And calling his disciples, he said to them, I tell you truly, that this poor widow has cast in more than all who have cast into the treasury.
And calling his disciples, he said to them, I tell you truly, that this poor widow has cast in more than all who have cast into the treasury. For all [others] have cast in of their abundance; but she of her want has cast in all that she had her entire living.
For all [others] have cast in of their abundance; but she of her want has cast in all that she had her entire living.
For all [others] have cast in of their abundance; but she of her want has cast in all that she had her entire living.
For all [others] have cast in of their abundance; but she of her want has cast in all that she had her entire living.
But when you make a feast, invite the poor, crippled, lame, blind,
But when you make a feast, invite the poor, crippled, lame, blind,
for some thought, since Judas had the treasure-chest, that Jesus said to him, Buy what we need for the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
for some thought, since Judas had the treasure-chest, that Jesus said to him, Buy what we need for the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
and they sold their possessions and estates, and distributed them to all as any one had need;
and they sold their possessions and estates, and distributed them to all as any one had need;
Continuing unsold was it not yours, and when it was sold was it not at your disposal? Why did you propose this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.
Continuing unsold was it not yours, and when it was sold was it not at your disposal? Why did you propose this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.
And there was at Joppa a certain female disciple called Tabitha, which being interpreted is called, Dorcas; she was full of good works and charities which she bestowed.
And there was at Joppa a certain female disciple called Tabitha, which being interpreted is called, Dorcas; she was full of good works and charities which she bestowed.
And there was at Joppa a certain female disciple called Tabitha, which being interpreted is called, Dorcas; she was full of good works and charities which she bestowed.
And there was at Joppa a certain female disciple called Tabitha, which being interpreted is called, Dorcas; she was full of good works and charities which she bestowed.
a pious man, and one fearing God with all his house, and bestowing many charities on the people, and praying to God always,
a pious man, and one fearing God with all his house, and bestowing many charities on the people, and praying to God always,
a pious man, and one fearing God with all his house, and bestowing many charities on the people, and praying to God always,
a pious man, and one fearing God with all his house, and bestowing many charities on the people, and praying to God always,
And looking steadily at him and being afraid, he said, What is wanted, Lord? And he said to him, Your prayers and charities have come up as a memorial before God.
And looking steadily at him and being afraid, he said, What is wanted, Lord? And he said to him, Your prayers and charities have come up as a memorial before God.
And each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send help to the brethren living in Judea;
And each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send help to the brethren living in Judea; which they also did, sending to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
which they also did, sending to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
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.
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.
But now I am going to Jerusalem to serve the saints.
But now I am going to Jerusalem to serve the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor of the saints at Jerusalem.
For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor of the saints at Jerusalem. They have been pleased indeed, and their debtors they are; for if the nations have participated in their spiritual things, they ought also to serve them in things pertaining to the flesh.
They have been pleased indeed, and their debtors they are; for if the nations have participated in their spiritual things, they ought also to serve them in things pertaining to the flesh.
CONCERNING the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also do you.
CONCERNING the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also do you. On the first day of the week let each one of you lay aside by himself in store as God has prospered him, that there may be no collections made when I come.
On the first day of the week let each one of you lay aside by himself in store as God has prospered him, that there may be no collections made when I come. And when I come, whom you shall approve, these will I send with letters to carry your charity to Jerusalem;
And when I come, whom you shall approve, these will I send with letters to carry your charity to Jerusalem; and if it seems best that I should go, they shall go with me.
I thought it necessary, therefore, to exhort the brothers to go to you before, and to make ready your free gift before announced, that it may be ready as a free gift and not as an exaction.
I thought it necessary, therefore, to exhort the brothers to go to you before, and to make ready your free gift before announced, that it may be ready as a free gift and not as an exaction. And [consider] this, He that sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he that sows liberally shall reap also liberally.
And [consider] this, He that sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he that sows liberally shall reap also liberally. Let each one contribute as he chooses in his heart, not with regret or from necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Let each one contribute as he chooses in his heart, not with regret or from necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
only [they wished] that we should remember the poor, which I was also forward to do.
only [they wished] that we should remember the poor, which I was also forward to do.
Let him that has stolen steal no more, but rather let him labor, doing that which is good with his hands, that he may have to give to him that needs.
Let him that has stolen steal no more, but rather let him labor, doing that which is good with his hands, that he may have to give to him that needs.
well reputed for good works, if she has brought up children, if she has exercised hospitality, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the distressed, if she has pursued every good work.
well reputed for good works, if she has brought up children, if she has exercised hospitality, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the distressed, if she has pursued 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."
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As we have opportunity, therefore, let us do good to all, but especially to the members of 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 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.
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. But when you give in charity let not your left hand know what your right hand does, read more. that your charity may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you.
But when you make a feast, invite the poor, crippled, lame, blind,
And there was at Joppa a certain female disciple called Tabitha, which being interpreted is called, Dorcas; she was full of good works and charities which she bestowed.
a pious man, and one fearing God with all his house, and bestowing many charities on the people, and praying to God always,
which they also did, sending to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
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.
But now I am going to Jerusalem to serve the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor of the saints at Jerusalem. read more. They have been pleased indeed, and their debtors they are; for if the nations have participated in their spiritual things, they ought also to serve them in things pertaining to the flesh.
only [they wished] that we should remember the poor, which I was also forward to do.