Alms

Although this word is not found in the Old Testament, it is used repeatedly in the New Testament. The Mosaic laws (Lev. 25:35; Deut. 15:7) tended to promote a spirit of charity, and were meant to prevent the destitution among the people. Such passages as the following would also naturally foster the same benevolent spirit (Ps. 41:1; 112:9; Prov. 14:31; Isa. 10:2; Amos 2:7; Jer. 5:28; Ezek. 22:29).

During Jesus' time, begging was common (Mark 10:46; Acts 3:2). The Pharisees were very ostentatious in their alms givings (Matt. 6:2). The spirit by which the Christian ought to be compelled in this duty is set forth in 1 John 3:17. A regard for the state of the poor and needy is declared to be a Christian duty (Luke 3:11; 6:30; Matt. 6:1; Acts 9:36; 10:2,4), a duty which was not neglected by the early Christians (Luke 14:13; Acts 20:35; Gal. 2:10; Rom. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-4). They cared not only for the poor among themselves, but contributed also to the necessities of those at a distance (Acts 11:29; 24:17; 2 Cor. 9:12). Our Lord and his attendants showed an example also in this (John 13:29).