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Conversions in Acts
"Benevolence"

Introduction:
 

         1. In Acts 1:8, Jesus gave the apostles a specific plan for carrying out the Great Commission
             (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16).
         2. As Luke showed how this plan was implemented in Acts, he also wrote about a number of
             conversions that occurred.
         3. Studying these conversions helps us understand how we become Christians today.
         4. In conjunction with these conversions, Luke wrote about a number of important activities that
             relate to Christianity, including "benevolence."

Discussion:

I.           PRIOR  TO  THE  EVENTS  RECORDED  IN  ACTS,  JESUS  TAUGHT  HIS  FOLLOWERS  
​             TO  PRACTICE  BENEVOLENCE


         A. The second great commandment implies benevolence.
              1. This commandment is to "love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 22:39).
              2. Jesus showed that this includes caring for the needy in "the parable of the Good Samaritan"
                  (Luke 10:29-37).
         B. The benevolent care of others is one standard by which we will be judged (Matthew 25:31-46).

II.           IN  ACTS,  LUKE  WROTE  ABOUT  A  NUMBER  OF  OCCASIONS  WHEN  THE  EARLY  
             CHRISTIANS  PRACTICED  BENEVOLENCE


         A. The members of the Jerusalem congregation made great sacrifices to provide the needs of
              their fellow Christians.
             1. Acts 2:44-45
             2. Acts 4:32, 34-37
         B. The widows of the Jerusalem congregation received benevolent care (Acts 6:1-3;
              1 Timothy 5:3-4, 8, 16).
         C. Dorcas showed how individual Christians practiced benevolence (Acts 9:36, 39).
         D. The Christians in Antioch sent relief to the Christians in Judea (Acts 11:27-30; 12:25).
         E. Paul taught the elders of the church in Ephesus to practice benevolence (Acts 20:35).

III.          BENEVOLENCE  WAS  ALSO  ADDRESSED  IN  THE  NEW  TESTAMENT  EPISTLES

         A. Benevolence is included with many other Christian responsibilities (Romans 12:13).
         B. Benevolence must be practiced with the proper attitude (1 Corinthians 13:3).
         C. The Lord's plan for collecting funds is revealed in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
         D. Christians are to take advantage of opportunities to practice benevolence (Galatians 6:9-10).
         E. Christians are to work so the needy may be assisted (Ephesians 4:28).
         F. Those who will not work are not entitled to benevolent care (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
         G. Wealthy Christians are especially admonished to practice benevolence (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
         H. Christians are "to maintain good works" (Titus 3:8, 14).
         I.   God is "well pleased" when His children practice benevolence (Hebrews 13:16).
         J. John used benevolence to illustrate how Christian love must be active (1 John 3:17-19).
Webmaster Gary L. Wade