What other Scriptures emphasize the importance of supporting fellow believers in need? Acts 11:30—A Snapshot of Tangible Love “They did this, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul.” In Antioch, believers didn’t just feel compassion; they organized relief, entrusted it to trusted messengers, and met real needs. Scripture echoes this pattern again and again. Echoes in the Church’s Earliest Days • Acts 2:44-45: “All the believers were together and had everything in common… they shared with anyone who was in need.” • Acts 4:34-35: “There were no needy ones among them… they laid [the proceeds] at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.” The Collection for the Saints—Paul’s Ongoing Priority • Romans 15:26-27: Macedonian and Achaian believers “were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem… they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings.” • 1 Corinthians 16:1-3: “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income… to carry your gift to Jerusalem.” • 2 Corinthians 8:1-5: Macedonians “gave according to their ability and even beyond it… the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” • 2 Corinthians 9:7-12: “God loves a cheerful giver… this ministry of service is… supplying the needs of the saints.” Everyday Generosity for the Family of Faith • Galatians 6:10: “Let us do good to everyone, and especially to the household of faith.” • Ephesians 4:28: Work “so that he may have something to share with the one in need.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19: The wealthy are to “be generous, willing to share.” • Hebrews 6:10: God “will not forget… the love you have shown… as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.” Faith That Works • James 2:15-17: “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed… and you do not provide… faith by itself… is dead.” • 1 John 3:16-18: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need… let us love… in action and truth.” Old-Testament Roots That Still Nourish • Leviticus 25:35: “If your brother becomes poor… you shall support him.” • Deuteronomy 15:7-11: “Open your hand… give generously.” • Proverbs 19:17: “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD.” • Proverbs 21:13: Closing one’s ears to the poor brings unanswered cries. • Isaiah 58:7-10: True fasting “shares your bread with the hungry… then your light will rise.” Why This Matters—Gospel Motives • Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” • 2 Corinthians 8:9: “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” From Antioch’s offering to countless acts of quiet generosity today, Scripture paints a consistent picture: believers meet believers’ needs, reflecting the self-giving heart of Christ and drawing thanks and glory to God. |
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