One of the elements of the three-fold work of the church is benevolence.  There is no question that the New Testament church was benevolent.  When brethren were in need, the church stepped up.

Acts 2:44–45 (ESV)

⁴⁴ And all who believed were together and had all things in common.  ⁴⁵ And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 

These acts of benevolence continued, recorded for us in chapter four, and it gives us some insight into how the distributions were made.

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.

This benevolent work was not just Christians acting individually, it was the work of the local church at Jerusalem.  Once the money gained by the sold property was given to the apostles, it then belonged to the Lord, and anything done with it became a work of the church.  This is implied by the rebuke of Ananias by Peter in Acts 5:3-4.

Later on, as the church continued to develop, funds used for benevolence were given to the elders of a local church rather than to the apostles.  We see this when a famine arose in Judea and brethren wanted to help those affected by it.

Acts 11:27–30 (ESV)
²⁷ Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸ And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 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.

We find the church acting benevolently once again when another famine arose in the area and Paul decided to encourage Gentile churches to financially help the poor saints of Judea.  Paul spoke of this in his letter to the saints at Rome.

Romans 15:25–26 (ESV)
²⁵ At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.  ²⁶ For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.

This was the same collection spoken of by Paul in 1 Corinthians 16.

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.

It is easy to see that the church helped one another when there was a need.  There are two things we should point out about the benevolent work of the church.  First, the benevolence was limited.  Every record we have of the church working to relieve those who were in need, shows the church relieving saints.  Individual Christians are obligated to help everyone they can (Galatians 6:10), but the work of the church is to help needy saints. Reread every passage in the New Testament that shows the church acting benevolently, and you will see that is the pattern.   Second, the church never transferred its obligation to relieve needy saints to another organization.  The local church is the only benevolent organization the Lord needs and has authorized.

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