We have already seen this week that the early Christians were great givers, specifically in the realm of benevolence.  Luke wrote, “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need” (Acts 2:44-45).  Luke reveals more of the benevolent spirit the early saints had in the fourth chapter of Acts.

Acts 4:34-35 (ESV)
³⁴  There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold ³⁵  and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

The words, “There was not a needy person among them,” should be the aim of every local church of Christ.  Relieving needy saints is a part of the three-fold work of the church (Ephesians 4:12), and the first-century church took it seriously.  While faithful local churches must avoid engaging in the social gospel and spending the Lord’s money on fun, frolic, recreation, and entertainment, they must also do the work Jesus has given them to do in the area of benevolence.  We know that the early church did this.

Acts 2:42 (ESV)
⁴²  And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

The word “fellowship” in this verse comes from the Greek word “koinōnia” and at times referred specifically to benevolent work (Acts 6:1; Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 9:13). 

How did the early church finance its work of benevolence?  In the beginning, saints sold land and houses to take care of those in need; however, there is no evidence that this continued to be the way that they provided for those in need.  Instead, they gave as they had the ability to do so.

Acts 11:29-30 (ESV)
²⁹  So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. ³⁰  And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Did the churches back then have a common fund or treasury that they contributed to in order to fulfill the work of the church?  It appears so.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (ESV)
¹  Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. ²  On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.

Is this storing up something that Christians were to do at home?  Some scholars think so; but, why would Paul demand they do so on a specific day, that is, on the first day of the week?  The fact that the first day of the week was the appointed time that the saints were to assemble (Acts 20:7), an assembling that they were not to forsake (Hebrews 10:25), my conclusion is that the money they stored up was put in a common treasury.  This act of giving took place regularly to meet the needs of the church and was, at least in part, the fellowship that the church continued to practice from the start (Acts 2:42).

A final point about the giving of the early church is that they did not tithe as was commanded under the Law of Moses.  The new command for the church was for Christians to give as they were prospered by God.  The exact amount is left up to individual Christians.  This pattern of giving continues today since it is the only pattern of giving on the first day of the week that we have.  Let’s give to the Lord generously as the early church did.  Remember, you will reap according to how you sow (2 Corinthians 9:6).

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.