Topical Bible: The Poor: Regard For: Paul

◄ The Poor: Regard For: Paul ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the early Christian Church, demonstrated a profound regard for the poor, which is evident throughout his epistles and missionary activities. His concern for the impoverished was not merely theoretical but was deeply integrated into his ministry and teachings.

Paul's Commitment to the Poor

Paul's commitment to aiding the poor is first highlighted in his interactions with the other apostles. In Galatians 2:10, Paul recounts the agreement made with the pillars of the Jerusalem church, stating, "They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do." This verse underscores Paul's dedication to ensuring that the needs of the impoverished were not neglected in his ministry.

The Collection for the Saints

One of the most significant demonstrations of Paul's regard for the poor is his organization of a collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. This initiative is mentioned in several of his letters, including 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, where he instructs the Corinthian church on how to prepare for this collection: "Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia." This collection was a tangible expression of unity and support among the early Christian communities, reflecting Paul's deep concern for the welfare of the less fortunate.

Theological Underpinnings

Paul's regard for the poor is rooted in his theological understanding of the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 8:9, he writes, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich." This passage highlights the sacrificial nature of Christ's incarnation and serves as a model for Christian generosity and care for the needy.

Encouragement to Generosity

Paul frequently encouraged the churches to practice generosity and support for the poor. In Romans 15:26, he notes the contributions made by the churches in Macedonia and Achaia for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. His letters often include exhortations to share resources and support those in need, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where he 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 Instructions

Paul's regard for the poor also included practical instructions for the church. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, he advises Timothy to instruct the wealthy to be generous and willing to share, thus laying up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age. This directive reflects Paul's understanding that care for the poor is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship and stewardship.

Conclusion

Paul's regard for the poor is a testament to his commitment to living out the Gospel's call to love and serve others. His teachings and actions provide a model for Christian communities to prioritize the needs of the impoverished and to embody the love of Christ through acts of generosity and compassion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 15:25
But now I go to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Tillage of the Poor
... There is 'much food in the tillage of the poor.'. ... Fill your place; and if you, like
Paul, have borne ... treasure, has its true application in regard to Christian ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the tillage of the poor.htm

Paul's Longing
... oftenest it be a concealed, mutual affection and regard. ... for the true strengthener
is not Paul, but the ... preach our own opinions, to preach poor platitudes, to ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/pauls longing.htm

St. Paul Quite in Accordance with St. Peter and Other Apostles of ...
... But with regard to the countenance [5268] of Peter and ... division of their work, as
that Paul should go ... Their agreement, also, "to remember the poor" [5293] was ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter iii st paul quite in.htm

Paul's First Prayer
... Poor Ananias was afraid to go to Saul; he thought it ... praying servant after all; if
he does not regard religion himself ... Here was an argument for Paul's sincerity ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/pauls first prayer.htm

The Trial at Caesarea
... Felix, had borne a similar testimony in regard to Paul's ... payment of a large sum of
money Paul might secure ... Furthermore, he was himself too poor to pay such a ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 39 the trial at.htm

Character and Condition of the Churches to whom the Epistle was ...
... we are justified in assuming this in regard to the ... not to be found in it; while with
Paul, on the ... it was addressed consisted of rich and poor; and undoubtedly ...
/.../the epistle of james practically explained/ 4 character and condition.htm

Paul's Desire to Depart
... Nor does Paul speak of the believer's death as being a sudden ... shall be girt with
a crown of glory, thy poor panting heart ... How differently do men regard death. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/pauls desire to depart.htm

Of the State of the Primitive Church, and the Mode of Government ...
... has nothing but what belongs to the poor (Ambros ... in other respects their practice
corresponded with Paul's description ... In regard to our third head, however"viz ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 of the state.htm

The Redemption of the Body
... We have further to keep in view Paul's other representation in 2nd ... messenger in regard
to the rapidity, between photograph and poor daub in regard to the ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the redemption of the body.htm

If Paul had Known any Mysteries Unrevealed to the Other Apostles ...
... 2. But that Paul taught with simplicity what he knew, not ... testimony of Anna and of
Simeon with regard to Christ ... rooms; how we should invite the poor and feeble ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xiv if paul had known.htm