Reference: Gift, Giving
Hastings
GIFT, GIVING
I. In the OT.
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Entering the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and fell at his feet and did homage to him. Then they unpacked their treasures, and offered to the child presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Be ready to make friends with your opponent, even when you meet him on your way to the court; for fear that he should hand you over to the judge, and the judge to his officer, and you should be thrown into prison.
Take care not to perform your religious duties in public in order to be seen by others; if you do, your Father who is in Heaven has no reward for you.
You say 'If a man says to his father or mother "Whatever of mine might have been of service to you is Korban"' (which means 'Given to God')--
And Levi gave a great entertainment at his house, in honor of Jesus; and a large number of tax-gatherers and others were at table with them.
If you love only those who love you, what thanks will be due to you? Why, even the outcast love those who love them!
Just then a woman, who was an outcast in the town, having ascertained that Jesus was at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster jar of perfume,
As well as some women who had been cured of wicked spirits and of infirmities. They were Mary, known as Mary of Magdala (from whom seven demons had been expelled),
When some of them spoke about the Temple being decorated with beautiful stones and offerings, Jesus said:
There a supper was given in honor at which Martha waited, while Lazarus was one of those present at the table.
So the disciples, without exception, determined, in proportion to their means, to send something to help the Brethren living in Judea.
He was hoping, too, for a bribe from Paul, and so he used to send for him frequently and talk with him.
Yet always with the ambition to tell the Good News where Christ's name had not previously been heard, so as to avoid building upon another man's foundations.
That is why it is said--'When he went up on high, he led his captives into captivity. And gave gifts to mankind.'
Indeed, even while I was still in Thessalonica, you sent more than once to relieve my wants.
Those who live on the earth rejoice over them and are merry, and they will send presents to one another, because these two Prophets brought torments upon those who live on the earth.
'The nations walk by the light of it; and the kings of the earth bring their glory into it.