In biblical times, the practice of asking for alms was a common means of support for those who were poor, disabled, or otherwise unable to provide for themselves. The giving and receiving of alms is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the broader biblical principles of charity, compassion, and community responsibility.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament lays the foundation for the practice of almsgiving, emphasizing care for the poor and needy as a reflection of God's justice and mercy. In Deuteronomy 15:7-8 , the Israelites are commanded: "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs."

The prophets also speak to the importance of caring for the less fortunate. Isaiah 58:7 highlights the true nature of fasting and worship: "Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the practice of asking for alms is depicted in several narratives, often illustrating the transformative power of faith and the early Christian community's commitment to social justice. One notable example is found in Acts 3:2-6 , where Peter and John encounter a man lame from birth who was carried to the temple gate called Beautiful to beg for alms. When the man asks for money, Peter responds, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" This miracle not only meets the man's immediate need but also points to the deeper spiritual healing available through Christ.

Jesus Himself addresses the issue of almsgiving in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:2-4 , He instructs, "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

The act of asking for alms, as depicted in the Bible, underscores the inherent dignity of every individual and the responsibility of the community to care for its members. It reflects a worldview where material wealth is not an end in itself but a means to serve others and glorify God. The biblical narrative encourages believers to view almsgiving not merely as a duty but as an opportunity to participate in God's redemptive work in the world.

Practical Application

For contemporary Christians, the biblical teachings on alms and asking challenge believers to cultivate a spirit of generosity and to be attentive to the needs of those around them. The practice of giving should be motivated by love and compassion, seeking to honor God and uplift those in need. In a world where poverty and inequality persist, the biblical call to almsgiving remains a vital expression of faith in action.John 9:8
The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 3:2
And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
Nave's Topical Index

1871. epaiteo -- to beg
... ep-ahee-teh'-o) Short Definition: I beg, ask alms Definition: I beg, am a beggar,
ask alms. 1871 (from , "upon" intensifying , "ask") -- properly, asking, ie . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1871.htm - 6k

Whether one who is under Another's Power Can Give Alms?
... marriage, whether that property be gained by her own industry or by any other lawful
means, can give alms, out of that property, without asking her husband's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one who is under.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vii. 7, "Ask, and it Shall be ...
... etc. An exhortation to alms-deeds. ... He who was not willing to give, gave what
was asked, because the other fainted not in asking. How ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xi on the words.htm

Concerning Repentance and Alms-Giving.
... Concerning Repentance and Alms-Giving ... said to them, "Since I see that you are willing
to dwell in his house, I commend him and his house to you, asking that you ...
/.../similitude tenth concerning repentance and.htm

The Beggar Woman.
... had admired only the columns, being no wise ravished with the grace of the painting,
he went out, and saw before the gates a poor woman asking alms of those ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xiii the beggar woman.htm

How Brother Giles Went to St James the Great
... And as he went asking alms, and finding none who would give to him, he came one
evening by chance to a barn, where a few beans lay scattered on the ground. ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter ii how brother giles.htm

"He is More Honored than Jupiter These Days," the Philosopher was ...
... "We may know shortly. Every seventh day this year he has sat, like a beggar, at
his gate asking for alms. To-day we shall see him there.". "It is an odd whim.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 3 he is more.htm

Psalm CXXVI.
... source, thou wilt find them equal; she gave whatever she had, and he gave what he
had....But if they are beggars whose profession is asking alms, in trouble ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxvi.htm

How on the Death of Paulinus, Ithamar was Made Bishop of Rochester ...
... Some short time after, a poor man meeting the Bishop, and asking alms, he immediately
dismounted, and ordered the horse, with all his royal trappings, to be ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xiv how on the.htm

John xii. 42, 43
... with what eyes will ye look your husbands in the face, asking money for
alms, when ye spend most upon the covering of your bodies? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxix john xii 42.htm

The Foundation of the Monastery of St. Joseph. Persecution and ...
... be the best, for I have had many opinions about it; and I have seen in my own
experience, that to preserve our spirit, living on alms, without asking of anyone ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxvi the foundation of.htm

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