Topical Bible: Poor: Kindness to Paul

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The theme of kindness to the poor is a significant aspect of Christian teaching, and the Apostle Paul's experiences and teachings provide a profound insight into this virtue. Throughout his ministry, Paul encountered various forms of kindness and support from both individuals and communities, which not only aided him in his mission but also exemplified the Christian duty to care for the needy.

Paul's Own Experience of Need

Paul, despite being a prominent apostle, often found himself in situations of need. In his second letter to the Corinthians, he recounts the hardships he endured, including hunger and thirst (2 Corinthians 11:27). His experiences of poverty and need were not uncommon, as he traveled extensively to spread the Gospel, often relying on the hospitality and generosity of others.

The Macedonian Churches

One of the most notable examples of kindness to Paul comes from the churches in Macedonia. Despite their own severe trials and extreme poverty, the Macedonian believers exhibited extraordinary generosity. Paul commends them in 2 Corinthians 8:1-2, stating, "And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity." Their willingness to give beyond their means was a testament to their faith and love.

The Philippian Church

The church in Philippi was particularly supportive of Paul. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul expresses his gratitude for their partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now (Philippians 1:5). He acknowledges their repeated financial support, even when other churches did not contribute. In Philippians 4:15-16, Paul writes, "Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need."

The Role of Individual Believers

Individual believers also played a crucial role in supporting Paul. For instance, Priscilla and Aquila, a Jewish couple who were tentmakers like Paul, provided him with both companionship and material support. In Romans 16:3-4, Paul refers to them as his "fellow workers in Christ Jesus" who "risked their lives" for him. Their kindness extended beyond financial support, as they also offered their home as a meeting place for the early church.

Paul's Teachings on Kindness to the Poor

Paul's own experiences of receiving kindness deeply influenced his teachings. He emphasized the importance of generosity and caring for the poor within the Christian community. In Galatians 2:10, Paul recounts how the apostles in Jerusalem urged him to "remember the poor," a charge he was eager to fulfill. His letters often encourage believers to support one another, reflecting the early church's commitment to communal care and support.

Conclusion

Paul's life and ministry were marked by the kindness and generosity of others, which not only sustained him but also served as a powerful example of Christian charity. His teachings continue to inspire believers to extend kindness to the poor, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ.

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Romans 15:25
But now I go to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.
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Library

If Paul had Known any Mysteries Unrevealed to the Other Apostles ...
... which they escaped, and how they received kindness there, Paul ... 2. But that Paul taught
with simplicity what he ... rooms; how we should invite the poor and feeble ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xiv if paul had known.htm

Acts xxviii. 1
... three months they would have had all this kindness shown them ... "With the
soldier""for he was Paul's guard. ... For this reason the poor are for the most part ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liv acts xxviii 1.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
... in which he gratefully recalls the kindness he received ... and John were most friendly
to Paul and Barnabas ... to the Gentiles while remembering the poor in Jerusalem ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xii the epistle of.htm

The Epistle to Philemon.
... full of love and sympathy for a poor runaway slave ... who was born in the year when
Paul arrived as ... and shows that the natural feelings of kindness and generosity ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 98 the epistle to.htm

Paul in Malta and Rome.
... Those poor heathens, who had long been accustomed to ... The kindness which the inhabitants
showed to the strangers ... upon their coast, was continued to Paul and his ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxix paul in malta.htm

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ...
... 5. Now, the first thing in which Paul is here an ... the sin of him who repays simple
kindness and fidelity ... danger, to suffer injury, to aid the poor and needy? ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty second sunday after trinity.htm

In Rome
... Possessing only worldly wealth or honor, Demas was poor indeed, however much he
might proudly call his own ... In the kindness of his heart, Paul sought to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

Paul Before Felix.
... which he had collected for the relief of the poor. ... He could not, however, dismiss
Paul from his tribunal ... ordered him to be treated with kindness, and allowed ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvii paul before felix.htm

The Sower Cont.
... Paul found a thorny soil in Corinth which came behind in no ... of other things," since
none is too poor to covet ... are they who did unto Jesus the kindness they did ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 4 3-9 14-20 the sower 2.htm

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man.
... Haughtiness, greed, oppressing and tormenting the poor, wrath, envy"all this he ... These
begin to taste God's goodness and loving kindness, as Paul says, and ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/nineteenth sunday after trinity duty.htm