​Charity played an important role in the early Church. Justin Martyr (100-165 A D) gives a description of an early church service in his apology, and it is noted that an offering was taken that was then distributed to orphans, widows, those in sickness, those in bonds, to strangers and to all in need.

The Church did not invent public charity. Rome cities had many temples, baths, libraries, statues and arches that had been donated by wealthy families; the gifts, however, were for general civic purposes and the givers were prominently recognized (in modern parlance, there were naming opportunities).

The Old Testament gives Jews a responsibility to care for widows and others, but this was usually for those in the Jewish community. We think of a Mitzvah as a good deed, but the word actually means commandment. As in the story of widow’s mite, the scribes prominently made their donations. In contrast, the giving of the early church members was entirely voluntary, and the gifts were made by believers of all economic levels. Since the gifts were distributed corporately, there was no personal glory involved in giving. Finally, the purpose was to alleviate identified needs, regardless of whether they arose inside the Church or not.

​As time went by the Church continued its charitable programs. Christians established hospitals during the time of Constantine, and by the middle ages, a time when a large portion of the population was destitute, essentially all aid for the poor came from the Church. This Christian charitable obligation continues today and is an important part of our witness. For some of the Biblical guidance read Hebrews 13:1-3 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

​Jim

Adapted from a message originally posted in June 2017