Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Alms » Instances of giving » The early Christians
All that believed were united together, and had all things in common, so that they sold their possessions and goods, and distributed the money to every one as his occasions required.
for there was no poor among them, because as many as bad lands or houses, sold them, and brought the value, which they laid down at the apostles feet: and they distributed it to every man as his occasions required. among the rest one Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (that is to say, the son of consolation) a Levite, and a native of Cyprus, read more.
sold an estate he had, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles feet.
sold an estate he had, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles feet.
At that time, as the number of the disciples was multiplied, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the distribution that was made daily. the twelve therefore assembled all the disciples, and said, it is not fit that we should leave the word of God, to mind what relates to your meals. wherefore, brethren, chuse out of your number seven persons of good reputation, full of the holy spirit and wisdom, who may have the management of this affair:
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.
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. 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. read more.
when I have dispatch'd this affair, and have secur'd to them this collection, I will come to you in my way to Spain.
when I have dispatch'd this affair, and have secur'd to them this collection, I will come to you in my way to Spain.
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. and when I come, I shall send such as you shall approve of, who will convey letters, and your kind present to Jerusalem. read more.
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 must acquaint you, brethren, with the contribution which the churches of Macedonia have religiously made, who tho' labouring under great trial of affliction, and extreme poverty, have notwithstanding with exceeding cheerfulness contributed very liberally: being forward of themselves to the utmost of their power, (I bear them witness) yea, and beyond their power: read more.
earnestly intreating me to take the gift, and the charge of conveying it to the converts at Jerusalem:
earnestly intreating me to take the gift, and the charge of conveying it to the converts at Jerusalem:
As to the relief of the converts, it is superfluous for me to write to you.
for God is too just to his promise not to regard your piety, and the love which you have shewn to the christian religion by the assistance ye have given to the saints, and still continue to give.
Galatia » Collection taken in, for Christians at jerusalem
Now as to the collection for the converts at Jerusalem, do as I have directed for the churches of Galatia.
Liberality » Exhortations to
be but charitable to the utmost of your ability, and every thing will be pure to you.
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."
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.
Now as to the collection for the converts at Jerusalem, do as I have directed for the churches of Galatia.
Charge those that are rich in this world, not to be elated, not to depend upon their perishable wealth, but upon the God of life, who furnishes us with every thing in plenty for our enjoyment; to be beneficent, to be rich in good works, to be liberal to the common fund,