Topical Bible: The Poor: Give to Specially If Saints

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of caring for the poor, highlighting a special obligation towards those who are fellow believers, or "saints." This principle is rooted in the understanding that the Christian community is a family, bound by love and mutual support.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for caring for the poor, with numerous laws and teachings that reflect God's heart for justice and compassion. In Deuteronomy 15:11, the Israelites are commanded, "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." This directive underscores the perpetual responsibility to support those in need.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament builds upon these foundations, with Jesus and the apostles reiterating the call to care for the poor, especially within the community of believers. In Galatians 6:10, Paul writes, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith." This verse highlights the priority given to fellow Christians, recognizing the unique bond shared within the body of Christ.

Acts of the Apostles

The early church exemplified this principle through their communal living and sharing of resources. Acts 4:34-35 describes how "there were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This practice ensured that the needs of all believers were met, demonstrating a profound commitment to mutual care.

Paul's Instructions

The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the issue of supporting the poor, particularly in his letters to the churches. In Romans 15:26, he notes, "For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem." This collection for the Jerusalem church illustrates the broader Christian responsibility to support impoverished believers, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

James on Faith and Works

James, the brother of Jesus, also emphasizes the necessity of tangible support for the poor. In James 2:15-16, he challenges believers, "If a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, stay warm and well fed,' but does not provide for their physical needs, what good is that?" This rhetorical question underscores the inseparability of faith and action, particularly in the context of aiding fellow Christians in need.

Theological Implications

The call to give to the poor, especially if they are saints, is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of the church as the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:26, Paul writes, "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." This interconnectedness implies a shared responsibility to alleviate the suffering of any member, reflecting the love and unity that should characterize the Christian community.

Practical Application

In practical terms, this biblical mandate encourages believers to prioritize their resources and efforts towards supporting fellow Christians who are in need. This can take various forms, including financial assistance, provision of food and clothing, and other acts of service that address the specific needs of the poor within the church. By doing so, believers not only fulfill a biblical command but also bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 12:13
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 6:10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to them who are of the household of faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Duty of Remembering the Poor
... sundry reasons why we ought to be specially mindful of ... I could help; I should like
to give Christ something ... by deeds too." And if all the poor saints were taken ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the duty of remembering the.htm

An Explanation of the Three Callings.
... wilt be perfect, go sell all that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou ... heartfelt
contrition he took this charge of the Lord as if specially aimed at him ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iv an explanation of.htm

The Gospel Cordial
... of the family; and it is to you who specially need such ... The rich shall not give more,
and the poor shall not ... less than half a shekel when they give an offering ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the gospel cordial.htm

Wherefore, that Thou May'st be Rightly Disposed Both for Thy Soul ...
... Not only to give poor men meat and drink: but to forgive ... of great but of little speech;
and specially ever till ... If thou sayest a thing of thyself that seems to ...
/.../chapter vi wherefore that thou.htm

Christian Sympathy
... a steward, when he has orders to give a poor ... say, "Dear me, that will make me poor!"
He never ... remember, you have nothing of your own; specially you Christian ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

How we are to Reduce all the Exercise of the virtues, and all Our ...
... tends, he adds the intention of inducing the poor man to ... helping a needy man, to
which almsgiving specially tends, one ... 546] To each end we must give its proper ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiii how we are.htm

Temptation
... it, then you might be tempted, as many a poor child has ... specially wrong, when they
think they are doing something specially right, and so give occasion to ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon vii temptation.htm

The Surprise of the Righteous
... And let us specially consider one point about it, which ... My work among Thy poor was
its own reward, a ... inward happiness beyond all that earth can give"and now ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxxvii the surprise of.htm

Courage
... of God"which St Peter's character and story specially force on ... that a man is right,
will give him a ... It has made poor unlearned men heroes and deliverers of ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xviii courage.htm

Acts 17:26 "One Blood. "
... Give him a visitor, and specially a clergyman ... who realizes that in Christ's holy
religion there is no respect of persons, that rich and poor are "made of ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter vi acts 17 26 one.htm