1. Benevolence: The Individual Christian and The Church Acts 4:32-35

2. Introduction Generosity of many people Seen on a daily basisSeen on a daily basis Far more generous than othersFar more generous than others

3. Introduction What is benevolence? “A disposition to do good; an act of kindness; a generous gift.” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary)“A disposition to do good; an act of kindness; a generous gift.” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary) Early Christians (Acts 4:32-37)Early Christians (Acts 4:32-37) Cornelius (Acts 10:2)Cornelius (Acts 10:2)

4. Introduction Questions to consider What does the Bible say?What does the Bible say? What has influenced the thinking of Christians on this subject?What has influenced the thinking of Christians on this subject? Is there a pattern to follow?Is there a pattern to follow?

5. Old Testament No organized effort Men are “organization crazy”Men are “organization crazy” Largely an individual effortLargely an individual effort Administered to “strangers” as well as fellow IsraelitesAdministered to “strangers” as well as fellow Israelites

6. Old Testament Detailed instructions Part of the harvest left in the field (Deuteronomy 24:19-22)Part of the harvest left in the field (Deuteronomy 24:19-22) No interest charges to fellow Israelite (Leviticus 25:35-46)No interest charges to fellow Israelite (Leviticus 25:35-46) Could become slaves to repay the debt, but only until the year of the JubileeCould become slaves to repay the debt, but only until the year of the Jubilee

7. Old Testament Summary Always be needy people (Deuteronomy 24:19-22)Always be needy people (Deuteronomy 24:19-22) Obligation placed on individualsObligation placed on individuals

8. New Testament Primarily individual responsibility Self & family (1 Timothy 5:8, 16)Self & family (1 Timothy 5:8, 16) No help to the slothful (2 Thessalonians 3:10)No help to the slothful (2 Thessalonians 3:10) Help anyone in need (James 1:27)Help anyone in need (James 1:27) Preference to Christians (Galatians 6:10)Preference to Christians (Galatians 6:10)

9. New Testament Limited role for the church Collections made for the saints and distributions to the saints (Acts 2:45; 4:32-35; 11:29; Romans 15:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 9:1, 12, 13)Collections made for the saints and distributions to the saints (Acts 2:45; 4:32-35; 11:29; Romans 15:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 9:1, 12, 13) Not providing for the worldNot providing for the world

10. New Testament Limited role for the church Churches assisted each other under certain circumstancesChurches assisted each other under certain circumstances Help sent to the church which had the needHelp sent to the church which had the need

11. New Testament Summary Need not created (Acts 11:27-30)Need not created (Acts 11:27-30) Goal was equality, or freedom from want (2 Corinthians 8:14)Goal was equality, or freedom from want (2 Corinthians 8:14) Amount depends on the needAmount depends on the need Only ongoing help in the New Testament were the enrolled widows (1 Timothy 5:9, 10)Only ongoing help in the New Testament were the enrolled widows (1 Timothy 5:9, 10)

12. Conclusion Individual’s role not as limited Church’s role restricted