Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



All who became believers in Christ held everything for the common use; They sold their property and their goods, and shared the proceeds among them all, according to their individual needs.

Nor was there any one in need among them, for all who were owners of land or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the sales And laid them at the Apostles' feet; and then every one received a share in proportion to his wants. A Levite of Cyprian birth, named Joseph, (who had received from the Apostles the additional name of 'Barnabas'--which means 'The Consoler,') read more.
Sold a farm that belonged to him, and brought the money and laid it at the Apostles' feet.

About this time, when the number of the disciples was constantly increasing, complaints were made by the Jews of foreign birth against the native Jews, that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. The Twelve, therefore, called together the general body of the disciples and said to them: "It is not well for us to see to the distribution at the tables and neglect God's Message. Therefore, Brothers, look for seven men of reputation among yourselves, wise and spiritually-minded men, and we will appoint them to attend to this matter;

So the disciples, without exception, determined, in proportion to their means, to send something to help the Brethren living in Judea. And this they did, sending it to the Officers of the Church by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

After some years' absence I had come to bring charitable gifts to my nation, and to make offerings; Verse ConceptsGiftsPoverty, Attitudes TowardsPoverty, Remedies ForAlmsgivingAltruismCharityGiving To The Poor

Just now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem, to take help to Christ's People there. For Macedonia and Greece have been glad to make a collection for the poor among Christ's People at Jerusalem. Yes, they were glad to do so; and indeed it is a duty which they owe to them. For the Gentile converts who have shared their spiritual blessings are in duty bound to minister to them in the things of this world. read more.
When I have settled this matter, and have secured to the poor at Jerusalem the enjoyment of these benefits, I shall go, by way of you, to Spain.

With reference to the Collection for Christ's People, I want you to follow the instructions that I gave to the Churches in Galatia. On the first day of every week each of you should put by what he can afford, so that no collections need be made after I have come. On my arrival, I will send any persons, whom you may authorize by letter, to carry your gift to Jerusalem; read more.
And, if it appears to be worth while for me to go also, they shall go with me.

We would remind you, Brothers, of the love that God has shown to the Churches in Macedonia-- How, tired though they were by many a trouble, their overflowing happiness, and even their deep poverty, resulted in a flood of generosity. I can bear witness that to the full extent of their power, and even beyond their power, spontaneously, read more.
And with many an appeal to us for permission, they showed their love, and contributed their share towards the fund for their fellow-Christians.

With reference, indeed, to the Fund for your fellow-Christians, it is quite superfluous for me to say anything to you. Verse ConceptsMinistry, Qualifications ForBenevolenceWriting LettersSurplusministering






When I have settled this matter, and have secured to the poor at Jerusalem the enjoyment of these benefits, I shall go, by way of you, to Spain. Verse ConceptsThe Completion Of RedemptionCompletion

'Do not harm the earth, or the sea, or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God upon their foreheads.' I heard, too, the number of those who had been sealed. It was one hundred and forty-four thousand; and they were from every tribe of the Israelites.

When I have settled this matter, and have secured to the poor at Jerusalem the enjoyment of these benefits, I shall go, by way of you, to Spain. Verse ConceptsThe Completion Of RedemptionCompletion

For my hope is to visit you on my journey, and then to be sent on my way by you, after I have first partly satisfied myself by seeing something of you. Verse ConceptsEnjoyment, Material ThingsHope, Nature OfJourneyMissionaries, Support ForPlansPassing ByCompanionshipPeople HelpingHope Regarding Believers