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Benevolence is "disposition to do good;
an act of kindness; a generous gift." (Webster's Seventh New
Collegiate Dictionary) The New Testament has many accounts of
benevolence. In the majority of the examples and commands, the
individual Christian is responsible for the benevolent acts. The
church as a whole only provided benevolence to needy saints.
| 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 |
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the
churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the
week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that
there be no collections when I come. |
| Romans 15:26 |
For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution
for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. |
| Romans 12:13 |
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. |
| Romans 16:2 |
that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and
assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a
helper of many and of myself also. |
| 1 Corinthians 16:15 |
I urge you, brethren -- you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the
firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry
of the saints |
| 2 Corinthians 8:4 |
imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship
of the ministering to the saints. |
| 1 Timothy 5:9-11,16 |
Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not
unless she has been the wife of one man, well reported for good
works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has
washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has
diligently followed every good work. But refuse the younger
widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to
marry...If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let
the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. |
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