Thematic Bible: The early Christians


Thematic Bible



And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all men, as every man had need.

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of encouragement,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, read more.
Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reasonable that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren who dwelt in Judea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Verse ConceptsGiftsPoverty, Attitudes TowardsPoverty, Remedies ForAlmsgivingAltruismCharityGiving To The Poor

But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it has pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints who are at Jerusalem. It has pleased them greatly; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in material things. read more.
When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you to Spain.

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do you. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever you shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. read more.
And if it be fitting that I go also, they shall go with me.

Moreover, brethren, we want you to know of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their ability, I bear record, yea, and beyond their ability they were willing of themselves; read more.
Begging us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

For concerning the ministering to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you: Verse ConceptsMinistry, Qualifications ForBenevolenceWriting LettersSurplusministering



That you abstain from anything offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if you keep yourselves, you shall do well. Farewell. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessLove, In RelationshipsSexual Sin, Nature OfAbstaining From MeatsAbstinencePeople Consuming BloodChokingAvoiding EvilAvoid ImmoralityCreatures ChokedFood Offered To IdolsBloodSexual ImmoralitySexual Puritygoodbyes