Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Alms » Instances of giving » The early Christians
All who believed were together, and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.
For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and put them at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need. Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is translated, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, read more.
having a field, sold it, and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.
having a field, sold it, and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. So the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables. Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
As any of the disciples had plenty, each determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea; which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
But now, I say, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints. For it has been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are at Jerusalem. Yes, it has been their good pleasure, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to serve them in fleshly things. read more.
When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by way of you to Spain.
When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by way of you to Spain.
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the churches of Galatia, you do likewise. On the first day of the week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem. read more.
If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.
If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.
Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia; how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality. For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, read more.
begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.
begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.
It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints,
For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them.
Galatia » Collection taken in, for Christians at jerusalem
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the churches of Galatia, you do likewise.
Liberality » Exhortations to
But give for gifts to the needy those things which are within, and see, all things will be clean to you.
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you 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.'"
He answered them, "He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise."
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the churches of Galatia, you do likewise.
Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;