Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Alms » Instances of giving » The early Christians
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need.
For neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles feet: and distribution was made unto each, according as any one had need. And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, read more.
having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet.
having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet.
Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables. Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judea: which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings:
but now, I'say , I go unto Jerusalem, ministering unto the saints. For it hath been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints that are at Jerusalem. Yea, it hath been their good pleasure; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things. read more.
When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by you unto Spain.
When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by you unto Spain.
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem: read more.
and if it be meet for me to go also, they shall go with me.
and if it be meet for me to go also, they shall go with me.
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia; how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, read more.
beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:
beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:
For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister.
Galatia » Collection taken in, for Christians at jerusalem
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.
Liberality » Exhortations to
But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, all things are clean unto you.
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
And he answered and said unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath food, let him do likewise.
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.
Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;