| Authority for Benevolence |
BenevolenceWho | What | To Whom | How | Authority | | A Christian | Visit | Any Orphan | Visit in their Affliction | James 1:26-27 | | A Christian | Visit | Any Widow | Visit in their Affliction | James 1:26-27
James 2:14-18, 24
Acts 9:36, 39 | | A Christian | Provide | Widow in Family | Provide Whatever is Needed | I Timothy 5:4, 8, 16
Matthew 7:9ff | | Church | Relieve | Widows Indeed | Provide Whatever is Needed | I Tim. 5:3, 6, 9-16
Acts 6:1ff | | A Christian | Provide | Needy Saints | Provide Whatever is Needed as We Have Opportunity | Matthew 25:35-40
James 2:5-17
Romans 12:13
Galatians 6:10 | | Church | Collect & Distribute | Needy Saints - Locally | Collect & Distribute as Need Demands | Acts 4:32, 34-35
Acts 6:1-4 | | Church | Collect & Send | Another Church for its Needy Saints | Collect & Send to Church Where Need Exists | I Cor. 16:1-4
2 Cor. 8:1-9, 15
Romans 15:25-56, 31 | | A Christian | Provide, Relieve, & Aid | Anyone Except as Prohibited (e.g., 2 Thess. 3:10) | By Good Works. Treat all men as we want ot be treated. Gal. 6:10 | I Timothy 6:17-19
Luke 6:31
Romans 12:20 |
Notice that the rows in blue pertain to activities that only Christians are authorized to perform, and that the rows in green pertain to activities that churches may participate in. The word "visit" as used above comes from the greek word "episkeptomai" which means "primarily, to inspect (a later form of episkopeo, to look upon, care for, exercise oversight), signifies . . . to visit the sick and afflicted . . . [and] to look out certain men for a purpose . . . ." Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words p. 1213 (Unabridged Edition, Mac Donald Publishing Company). See also Randy Baker's article in (*.pdf) format, "Authorized Uses of the Lord's Treasury." About | Articles, Sermons & Outlines | Credit | Joe Corley's Bible Basics | Handouts for Class | Life Lines | Links | Prove All Things | Spring Warrior Church of Christ | 