Alms:
Not found in the Old Testament, but repeatedly in the New. The Mosaic legislation (Lev 25:35; Deu 15:7) tended to promote a spirit of charity, and to prevent the occurrence of destitution among the people. Such passages as these, Psa 41:1; 112:9; Prov. 14:31; Isa 10:2; Amo 2:7; Jer 5:28; Eze 22:29, would also naturally foster the same benevolent spirit.
In the time of our Lord begging was common (Mar 10:46; Act 3:2). The Pharisees were very ostentatious in their almsgivings (Mat 6:2). The spirit by which the Christian ought to be actuated in this duty is set forth in 1Jo 3:17. A regard to the state of the poor and needy is enjoined as a Christian duty (Luk 3:11; 6:30; Mat 6:1; Act 9:36; 10:2,4), a duty which was not neglected by the early Christians (Luk 14:13; Act 20:35; Gal 2:10; Rom 15:25-27; 1Cr 16:1-4). They cared not only for the poor among themselves, but contributed also to the necessities of those at a distance (Act 11:29; 24:17; 2Cr 9:12). Our Lord and his attendants showed an example also in this (Jhn 13:29).
In modern times the "poor-laws" have introduced an element which modifies considerably the form in which we may discharge this Christian duty.
The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.
Loading
Loading
Interlinear |
Bibles |
Cross-Refs |
Commentaries |
Dictionaries |
Miscellaneous |