Generosity and Mission in Acts: Insights and Examples from Scripture
Explore the themes of generosity and mission through biblical passages from Acts, highlighting the importance of caring for the vulnerable and sharing generously. Reflect on exemplars like Barnabas, Dorcas, and the early Christians who sold possessions to assist those in need. The narrative also delves into instances of misuse of possessions and emphasizes the call to emulate Christ's grace-filled generosity in our lives.
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GENEROSITY AND MISSION IN ACTS V J SAMKUTTY
Some OT Texts Sabbath year there should be no poor among you (Deut.15:4) Jubilee ethics Lev.25 Job I was a father to the needy (29:16) Whoever is kind to the needy, honours God (Prov.14:31) The weak, fatherless, poor, oppressed, and needy (Ps.82:3-4) True fasting (Isa.58:6-9) Requirement of the Lord justice, love, humility (Mic.6:8)
Jesus and Generosity Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Mt.5:43-45). Compassionate Samaritan (Lk.10:30-37) As much as they wanted (Jn 6:11) Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions (Lk.12:15). Rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16) Jesus generosity and Macedonian example (2 Cor.8:9) It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me (Mt 25:45 ).
Generosity in Acts Sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need (2:45) Apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer (2:42) Not a needy person among them (4:34-35) Barnabas (4:36-37) sold a field he owned Dorcas (9:38-43) she was always doing good and helping the poor Cornelius (10:2) gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly Collection for Jerusalem each one according to ability (11:29) Possessions generosity and charity Generosity manifestation of the work of the Holy Spirit
Misuse of Possessions in Acts Judas Ananias and Sapphira Simon the magician Owner of the slave girl Magicians and businessmen in Ephesus Misuse of possessions evil influence
Paul and Generosity Macedonian Grace (2 Cor.8) In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity (v.2) generosity in poverty They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability (v.3) generosity beyond ability They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us (v.5) generosity set on priority See that you also excel in this grace of giving (v.7) generosity as ministry Fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God (Phil.4:18, cf. Heb.13:16; Acts 10:4 ) generosity as piety
Why Generosity in Mission? Christological - Christ s grace Ethical - response to Christ s grace Vocational - call to abound in grace Practical - real need Devotional - pleasing sacrifice Eschatological - giving to the Lord Pneumatological expression of the work of the Holy Spirit Missional - obedience to Great Commission Holistic demonstration of Gods love
For it is disgraceful that, when no Jew ever has to beg, and the impious Galileans [Christians] support not only their own poor but ours as well, all men see that our people lack aid from us. Teach those of the Hellenic faith to contribute to public service of this sort (Emperor Julian). The various particulars will change from situation to situation, but generous giving rather than selfish compassionate commitment to doing what will most help the genuinely needy, must remain a priority for God s people (C. L. Blomberg). hoarding, accompanied by
