Dict: easton - Alms

Alms @ Not found in the Old Testament, but repeatedly in the New. The Mosaic legislation kjv@Leviticus:25:35; kjv@Deuteronomy:15:7) tended to promote a spirit of charity, and to prevent the occurrence of destitution among the people. Such passages as these, kjv@Psalms:41:1 kjv@Psalms:112:9; kjv@Proverbs:14:31; kjv@Isaiah:10:2; kjv@Amos:2:7; kjv@Jeremiah:5:28; kjv@Ezekiel:22:29, would also naturally foster the same benevolent spirit. In the time of our Lord begging was common kjv@Mark:10:46; kjv@Acts:3:2). The Pharisees were very ostentatious in their almsgivings kjv@Matthew:6:2). The spirit by which the Christian ought to be actuated in this duty is set forth in kjv@1John:3:17. A regard to the state of the poor and needy is enjoined as a Christian duty kjv@Luke:3:11 kjv@Luke:6:30; kjv@Matthew:6:1; kjv@Acts:9:36 kjv@Acts:10:2-4), a duty which was not neglected by the early Christians kjv@Luke:14:13; kjv@Acts:20:35; kjv@Galatians:2:10; kjv@Romans:15:25-27; kjv@1Corinthians:16:1-4). They cared not only for the poor among themselves, but contributed also to the necessities of those at a distance kjv@Acts:11:29 kjv@Acts:24:17; kjv@2Corinthians:9:12). Our Lord and his attendants showed an example also in this kjv@John:13:29). In modern times the "poor-laws" have introduced an element which modifies considerably the form in which we may discharge this Christian duty.