Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Alms » Instances of giving » The early Christians
And all who believed were in the same [place], and had everything in common. And they began selling [their] possessions and property, and distributing these [things] to all, to the degree that anyone had need.
For there was not even anyone needy among them, because all those who were owners of plots of land or houses were selling [them] [and] bringing the proceeds of the things that were sold and placing [them] at the feet of the apostles. And it was being distributed to each as anyone had need. So Joseph, who was called Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated "son of encouragement"), a Levite of Cyprus by nationality, read more.
sold a field that belonged to him [and] brought the money and placed [it] at the feet of the apostles.
sold a field that belonged to him [and] brought the money and placed [it] at the feet of the apostles.
Now in these days, [as] the disciples were increasing [in number], a complaint arose by the {Greek-speaking Jews} against the {Hebraic Jews} because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution [of food]. So the twelve summoned the community of disciples [and] said, "It is not desirable [that] we neglect the word of God to serve tables. So, brothers, select from among you seven men {of good reputation}, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will put in charge of this need.
So from the disciples, {according to their ability to give}, each one of them determined to send [financial aid] for support to the brothers who lived in Judea, which they also did, sending [the aid] to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
So after many years, I came to practice charitable giving and offerings to my people,
But now I am traveling to Jerusalem, serving the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. For they were pleased [to do so], and they are obligated to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual [things], they ought also to serve them in material [things]. read more.
Therefore, [after I] have accomplished this and sealed this fruit [for delivery] to them, I will depart by way of you for Spain,
Therefore, [after I] have accomplished this and sealed this fruit [for delivery] to them, I will depart by way of you for Spain,
Now concerning the collection for the saints: just as I gave directions about [it] to the churches of Galatia, so you do also. On the first [day] of the week, each one of you {put aside} [something], saving up {to whatever extent he has prospered}, in order that whenever I come, at that time collections do not take place. And whenever I arrive, whomever you approve by letters, I will send these to take your gift to Jerusalem. read more.
And if it is worthwhile for me to go also, they will travel with me.
And if it is worthwhile for me to go also, they will travel with me.
Now we make known to you, brothers, the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, that with a great ordeal of affliction, the abundance of their joy and the extreme depth of their poverty have overflowed to the wealth of their generosity. I testify that [they gave] according to [their] ability, and beyond [their] ability, by their own choice, read more.
requesting of us with much exhortation the favor and the fellowship of the ministry to the saints,
requesting of us with much exhortation the favor and the fellowship of the ministry to the saints,
For it is unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the ministry to the saints,
For God [is] not unjust, [so as] to forget your work and the love which you demonstrated for his name [by] having served the saints, and continuing to serve [them].
Liberality » Instances of » Christians » In corinth
And not only [this], but he was also chosen by the churches [as] our traveling companion together with this gift that is being administered by us to the glory of the Lord himself and [to show] our readiness [to help].
For it is unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the ministry to the saints, because I know your readiness [to help], [concerning] which I keep on boasting to the Macedonians about you, that Achaia has been ready [to help] since last year, and your zeal has stirred up the majority [of them]. But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you would not prove to be empty in this case, so that you may be prepared just as I was saying, read more.
lest somehow if Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared, we--{not to speak of you}--would be humiliated in connection with this project. Therefore I considered [it] necessary to urge the brothers that they should go on ahead to you and make arrangements in advance for your generous gift that was promised previously, so this would be prepared as a generous gift and not as grudgingly granted. Now [the point is] this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one [should give] as he has decided in his heart, not {reluctantly} or from compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to cause all grace to abound to you, so that in everything at all times, [because you] have enough of everything, you may overflow in every good work. Just as it is written, "He scattered widely, he gave to the poor; his righteousness remains {forever}." Now the one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed, and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow, being made rich in every [way] for all generosity, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God, because the service of this ministry is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but also is overflowing through many [expressions of] thanksgiving to God. Through the proven character of this service [they will] glorify God because of the submission of your confession to the gospel of Christ and the generosity of [your] participation toward them and toward everyone,
lest somehow if Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared, we--{not to speak of you}--would be humiliated in connection with this project. Therefore I considered [it] necessary to urge the brothers that they should go on ahead to you and make arrangements in advance for your generous gift that was promised previously, so this would be prepared as a generous gift and not as grudgingly granted. Now [the point is] this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one [should give] as he has decided in his heart, not {reluctantly} or from compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to cause all grace to abound to you, so that in everything at all times, [because you] have enough of everything, you may overflow in every good work. Just as it is written, "He scattered widely, he gave to the poor; his righteousness remains {forever}." Now the one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed, and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow, being made rich in every [way] for all generosity, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God, because the service of this ministry is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but also is overflowing through many [expressions of] thanksgiving to God. Through the proven character of this service [they will] glorify God because of the submission of your confession to the gospel of Christ and the generosity of [your] participation toward them and toward everyone,
Tact » Paul » In stimulating benevolent giving
Now we make known to you, brothers, the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, that with a great ordeal of affliction, the abundance of their joy and the extreme depth of their poverty have overflowed to the wealth of their generosity. I testify that [they gave] according to [their] ability, and beyond [their] ability, by their own choice, read more.
requesting of us with much exhortation the favor and the fellowship of the ministry to the saints, and not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and [then] to us, by the will of God. So we urged Titus that, just as he had previously begun [it], thus he would also complete for you this [act of] grace. But just as you excel in everything--in faith and in speaking and in knowledge and with all diligence and in the love from us [that is] in you--so may you excel in this grace also. I am not saying [this] as a command, but proving the genuineness of your love by means of the diligence of others.
requesting of us with much exhortation the favor and the fellowship of the ministry to the saints, and not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and [then] to us, by the will of God. So we urged Titus that, just as he had previously begun [it], thus he would also complete for you this [act of] grace. But just as you excel in everything--in faith and in speaking and in knowledge and with all diligence and in the love from us [that is] in you--so may you excel in this grace also. I am not saying [this] as a command, but proving the genuineness of your love by means of the diligence of others.
For it is unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the ministry to the saints, because I know your readiness [to help], [concerning] which I keep on boasting to the Macedonians about you, that Achaia has been ready [to help] since last year, and your zeal has stirred up the majority [of them]. But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you would not prove to be empty in this case, so that you may be prepared just as I was saying, read more.
lest somehow if Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared, we--{not to speak of you}--would be humiliated in connection with this project. Therefore I considered [it] necessary to urge the brothers that they should go on ahead to you and make arrangements in advance for your generous gift that was promised previously, so this would be prepared as a generous gift and not as grudgingly granted.
lest somehow if Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared, we--{not to speak of you}--would be humiliated in connection with this project. Therefore I considered [it] necessary to urge the brothers that they should go on ahead to you and make arrangements in advance for your generous gift that was promised previously, so this would be prepared as a generous gift and not as grudgingly granted.