Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: Alms-deeds refer to acts of charity or the giving of aid to the poor and needy. The term "alms" is derived from the Greek word "eleēmosynē," which means compassion or mercy. In the context of the Bible, alms-deeds are seen as expressions of love and obedience to God's commandments, reflecting His compassion and mercy towards humanity. Biblical Context and Significance: Alms-deeds are a significant aspect of biblical teaching, emphasizing the importance of caring for the less fortunate. The practice is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where the Israelites were commanded to care for the poor, widows, and orphans. In Deuteronomy 15:11 , it is written, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land; therefore I command you to open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land." In the New Testament, alms-deeds are further emphasized by Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus taught that acts of charity should be done with sincerity and humility, not for public recognition. In Matthew 6:1-4 , Jesus instructs, "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Theological Implications: Alms-deeds are not merely acts of social justice but are deeply theological, reflecting the character of God and His kingdom. They are a tangible expression of the love and grace that believers have received from God. In Acts 10:4 , Cornelius, a Roman centurion, is commended for his alms-deeds: "Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, 'What is it, Lord?' The angel answered, 'Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.'" The practice of alms-deeds is also linked to the concept of stewardship, where believers are seen as caretakers of God's resources, entrusted to use them for His glory and the benefit of others. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 , Paul writes, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." Practical Application: In the life of the early church, alms-deeds were a vital part of community life. The believers shared their possessions and provided for those in need, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 : "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." Today, alms-deeds continue to be an essential practice for Christians, encouraging them to live out their faith through acts of kindness and generosity. The call to perform alms-deeds challenges believers to look beyond themselves, to see the needs of others, and to respond with compassion and love, reflecting the heart of God in a broken world. Greek 1654. eleemosune -- mercy, pity, spec. alms ... alms. From eleos; compassionateness, ie (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction -- alms(-deeds). see GREEK eleos. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1654.htm - 6k Library Of Almsdeeds (Ten Articles) Whether the Different Kinds of Almsdeeds are Suitably Enumerated? Whether Corporal Almsdeeds have a Spiritual Effect? Of those who Fancy that the Sins which are Intermingled with Alms ... On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vii. 7, "Ask, and it Shall be ... On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vi. 19, "Lay not up for ... Whether Corporal Alms are of More Account than Spiritual Alms? Whether the Works of Satisfaction are Suitably Enumerated? Against the Belief of those who Think that the Sins which have ... Whether one Ought to Give Alms to those Rather who are More ... Thesaurus Almsdeeds (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Almsdeeds (1 Occurrence). Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation ... /a/almsdeeds.htm - 6k Alms-deeds (1 Occurrence) Almsgiving (3 Occurrences) Interpreted (19 Occurrences) Female (95 Occurrences) Tabitha (2 Occurrences) Dorcas (3 Occurrences) Alms (13 Occurrences) Deeds (309 Occurrences) Resources What is the book of Tobit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is virtue signaling? | GotQuestions.org Can keeping the Five Pillars of Islam get me to heaven? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Alms-deeds (1 Occurrence)Acts 9:36 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |