Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Alms » Instances of giving » The early Christians
And all that believed were together, and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, as each had need.
Nor, indeed, was there any needy person among them; for as many as were owners of lands or houses, sold them, and brought the prices of what had been sold, and laid them down at the feet of the apostles; and distribution was made to every one as he had need. And Joses, who, by the apostles, was surnamed Barnabas, (which name, when translated, is, Son of consolation,) a Levite, by birth a Cyprian, read more.
having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the feet of the apostles.
having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the feet of the apostles.
In those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said: It is not right that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, select from among yourselves seven men, of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business:
And every one of the disciples determined, as he had the means, to send relief to the brethren that dwelt in Judea; which also they did; and they sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
But, after many years, I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation, and offerings.
But now I am going to Jerusalem, to minister to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor saints who are in Jerusalem: they have been pleased to do so, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have become partakers of their spiritual things, they ought to minister to them in things pertaining to the flesh. read more.
When, therefore, I shall have performed this, and have delivered to them this fruit, I will go by you into Spain.
When, therefore, I shall have performed this, and have delivered to them this fruit, I will go by you into Spain.
As it respects the collection which is for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so also do you. On the first day of the week, let each of you lay by him, and treasure up as he has prospered, that there may be no collections when I come. And when I come, whatever per sons you approve, I will send with letters to carry your favor to Jerusalem. read more.
And if it be proper that I also should go, they shall go with me.
And if it be proper that I also should go, they shall go with me.
We make known to you, brethren, God's gracious gift, which has been given in the churches of Macedonia; that under an afflicting trial, their overflowing joy, and their deep poverty, abounded to the riches of their liberality; for I testify that according to their power, and beyond their power, they gave voluntarily, read more.
beseeching us, with much entreaty, that they might give, and take part in the ministering to the saints;
beseeching us, with much entreaty, that they might give, and take part in the ministering to the saints;
For of the relief which is for the saints, it is needless for me to write to you.
For God is not unjust, that he should forget your work, and the love which you have shown for his name by having ministered to the saints, and by continuing to minister.
Liberality » Instances of » Christians » In corinth
and who, moreover, was chosen by the -churches as our fellow-traveler with this gift, which is to be distributed by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and as a declaration of your readiness of mind;
For of the relief which is for the saints, it is needless for me to write to you. For I know your readiness of mind, on account of which I boasted of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago: and your zeal has incited very many. But I have sent the brethren, that our boasting of you in this respect may not be in vain; that you may be ready, as I said: read more.
lest, possibly, should the Macedonians come with me, and find you unprepared, we (not to say you) might be made ashamed by this same confident boasting. Therefore, I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go before to you, and make ready beforehand your bounty, which has been so much talked of before, that this might be ready as a bounty, and not as a gift extorted from you. But remember this, that he who sows sparingly, shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully, shall also reap bountifully. Let each one give, as he purposes in his heart; not with grief, nor from necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to confer every gift upon you abundantly, that you, always having all sufficiency in every thing, may have enough for every good work; as it is written: He has scattered abroad; he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever. Now, he that furnishes seed to the sower will both furnish bread for food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; that you may be enriched in every thing, for all liberality which produces through us thanksgiving to God; because the administration of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints, but also abounds in many thanksgivings to God; (since through the proof which this service gives, they glorify God for your acknowledged subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution for them, and for all;)
lest, possibly, should the Macedonians come with me, and find you unprepared, we (not to say you) might be made ashamed by this same confident boasting. Therefore, I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go before to you, and make ready beforehand your bounty, which has been so much talked of before, that this might be ready as a bounty, and not as a gift extorted from you. But remember this, that he who sows sparingly, shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully, shall also reap bountifully. Let each one give, as he purposes in his heart; not with grief, nor from necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to confer every gift upon you abundantly, that you, always having all sufficiency in every thing, may have enough for every good work; as it is written: He has scattered abroad; he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever. Now, he that furnishes seed to the sower will both furnish bread for food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; that you may be enriched in every thing, for all liberality which produces through us thanksgiving to God; because the administration of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints, but also abounds in many thanksgivings to God; (since through the proof which this service gives, they glorify God for your acknowledged subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution for them, and for all;)
Tact » Paul » In stimulating benevolent giving
We make known to you, brethren, God's gracious gift, which has been given in the churches of Macedonia; that under an afflicting trial, their overflowing joy, and their deep poverty, abounded to the riches of their liberality; for I testify that according to their power, and beyond their power, they gave voluntarily, read more.
beseeching us, with much entreaty, that they might give, and take part in the ministering to the saints; and they did this, not only as we had hoped, but they gave them selves first to the Lord, and then to us, through the will of God; so that we exhorted Titus, that, as he had previously begun, so he would bring to an end this gift among you also. Now as you excel in every thing, in faith, and in speech, and in knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gift also. I do not speak this as a commandment, but on account of the zeal of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
beseeching us, with much entreaty, that they might give, and take part in the ministering to the saints; and they did this, not only as we had hoped, but they gave them selves first to the Lord, and then to us, through the will of God; so that we exhorted Titus, that, as he had previously begun, so he would bring to an end this gift among you also. Now as you excel in every thing, in faith, and in speech, and in knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gift also. I do not speak this as a commandment, but on account of the zeal of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
For of the relief which is for the saints, it is needless for me to write to you. For I know your readiness of mind, on account of which I boasted of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago: and your zeal has incited very many. But I have sent the brethren, that our boasting of you in this respect may not be in vain; that you may be ready, as I said: read more.
lest, possibly, should the Macedonians come with me, and find you unprepared, we (not to say you) might be made ashamed by this same confident boasting. Therefore, I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go before to you, and make ready beforehand your bounty, which has been so much talked of before, that this might be ready as a bounty, and not as a gift extorted from you.
lest, possibly, should the Macedonians come with me, and find you unprepared, we (not to say you) might be made ashamed by this same confident boasting. Therefore, I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go before to you, and make ready beforehand your bounty, which has been so much talked of before, that this might be ready as a bounty, and not as a gift extorted from you.