What was the result of the generosity of the members of the early church?
(Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37; 9:36; Rom. 12:1-18; 2 Cor. 8:7-15; James 1:27; 2:1-9) Blog Aug. 25-31, 2019
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Human beings were created to work. Our work became more difficult when sin entered. Since then no fruit is produced without diligent human effort and the resistance of nature. God has made ample provision for all our needs so that out of our abundance we may supply the needs of others. Throughout the Old Testament God emphasized his desire that the poor, the unfortunate, and the stranger be cared for and that he despised the worship of those who neglected to do this. When Jesus came he spent his time helping those in need even though he also was poor, needy, homeless and mistreated.
According to the book of Acts (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37; 6:1-4; 9:36)
1. What characteristics stand out about the early church? Those of unity & generosity.
2. Did the early church contain both rich and poor people? Yes, some had property & others were needy. 3. Was the early church organized like a communist society in which everyone was given an equal share of the wealth? No, those who gave of their possessions did so voluntarily from their abundance while those who were needy received provisions according to their need – not equally.
4. What was the result of the generosity of the members of the early church? None of its members lacked.
5. What remedy was instituted when division over the distribution of wealth arose in the early church? The leaders proposed & effected a reorganization of the early church to include a group of deacons who would administer the financial needs of the community so that the leaders could dedicate themselves to prayer & ministering the Word of God.
6. Was business skill the requirement desired in a deacon? No, they were to be honest & full of the Holy Spirit & wisdom (the fear of God).
7. For what was the disciple Dorcas known? For being full of good works, almsdeeds, & making clothes for widows.
According to Paul (Romans 12:1, 8, 13, 20; 2 Cor. 8:7-15)
8. What does Paul say that giving for the support of needy saints proves? The sincerity of ones love.
9. What does Paul say should come before giving for the support of needy saints? A willing mind.
10. What example does Paul give to inspire church members to give for the support of needy saints? The example of Jesus who was rich but became poor for our sakes.
11. According to what standard does Paul say that God expects us to give for the support of needy saints? According to what we have.
12. In Romans 12:1 what reason does Paul give for offering ourselves in service to God? That mercies of God.
13. In Romans 12 how does Paul say that giving should be done? In a very simple way.
14. In Romans 12:13 what does Paul include in brotherly love? Giving for the needs of the saints.
15. In Romans 12 what does Paul say we should do for a hungry enemy of ours? We should feed him.
According to James (James 1:27; 2:1-9)
16. What important components does James place in true religion? Those of caring for the afflicted fatherless & widows while keeping oneself unspotted from the world.
17. What attitude does James say should not be found among church members? The attitude of favoritism.
18. When visitors come to our church what difference should we make on how we treat the those that are rich? None; we should treat all visitors alike with courtesy & love.