July 16 | Disciples Help the Poor

Series | The Life of Discipleship

Scripture | Acts 2:45, “They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”

Lesson 16 | Disciples Help the Poor

The book of Acts serves as a historical record for the early church.  The name “Acts” actually means, “The Acts of the Apostles and Disciples.”  The book was written by Luke, who was a companion of Paul and a physician, with the intent of leaving behind a legacy for future generations of disciples to follow and aspire to.

In the beginning of the book, after Luke described the day of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, he wrote a basic overview of what the church of the first disciples looked like in those early days.  The above text is taken from that summary and is helpful to know because it highlights the generosity and love the disciples had for the needy.

Likewise, the Gospels clearly show that the disciples were just following Jesus’ example and teachings; (1) Jesus stated He came to preach to the poor in Luke 4:18, (2) He commanded a rich man to sell all he had and give it to the poor in Matthew 19:21, (3) He commanded His disciples to invite the poor, the cripple, and the outcasts to their banquets and treat them equally in Luke 14:13, (4) Jesus taught to regularly give to the poor in Matthew 6:3, and lastly, (5) He gave a chilling insight that He would judge them based on their acts of compassion to the needy in Matthew 25:35-40.

It is of no surprise to see in the first moments of the church’s conception that the more prosperous disciples were selling what they could afford to do without to give to those who were in need.  Plus, Paul in his epistle to Timothy made it clear that caring for widows was extremely important and should never be neglected, 1 Timothy 5:3-16.  And James, half brother of Jesus and leader of the early church, wrote that care for orphans and widows was true religion, James 1:27.

As a result, all disciples should live a lifestyle of compassion for the poor and needy.  Whether it is giving regularly to acts of charity, taking mission trips, volunteering in local charities, or helping those around you with less- all true disciples should have a generous heart for the poor.  

Reflection | Do you give regularly to the poor and needy?

Action | (1) Repent for the sins of greed and selfishness if you haven’t been like Jesus and the disciples in regards to the less fortunate. (2) Ask God to show you what you can do to help others. (3) Lastly, ask God to bless you to be a blessing to others all the days of your life.   

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | 1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32, Romans 3:9-31, Psalm 12:1-8, & Proverbs 19:13-14. Click here to read online.