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].
Deacon » Selected by the people
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. read more.
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And the statement pleased the whole group, and they chose Stephen (a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit), and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus (a convert from Antioch), whom they stood before the apostles. And they prayed [and] placed [their] hands on them.
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And the statement pleased the whole group, and they chose Stephen (a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit), and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus (a convert from Antioch), whom they stood before the apostles. And they prayed [and] placed [their] hands on them.
Faithfulness » Exhibited in » Situations of trust
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.
I appointed as treasurer over the storehouses Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, Pedaiah from the Levites, and as their hand Hanan son of Zaccur, son of Mattaniah, for they were considered faithful. [The responsibility given] to them was to distribute to their brothers.
They did not [have to] settle accounts with the men into whose hands they placed the money to give to the workers, for they [were] dealing honestly.
Tables » An article of furniture » Figurative » Of charities
So the twelve summoned the community of disciples [and] said, "It is not desirable [that] we neglect the word of God to serve tables.