Alms

From BibleEncyclopedia.Net

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; Psa_112:9; Pro_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; Luk_6:30; Mat_6:1; Act_9:36; Act_10:2, Act_10:4), a duty which was not neglected by the early Christians (Luk_14:13; Act_20:35; Gal_2:10; Rom_15:25-27; 1Co_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; Act_24:17; 2Co_9:12). Our Lord and his attendants showed an example also in this (Joh_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.