Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 108:429 (Jan 1951)
Article: Giving under Grace Part 3
Author: Ray Charles Stedman

BSac 108:429 (Jan 51) p. 68

Giving under Grace
Part 3

Ray Charles Stedman

(Continued from the October-December Number, 1950)

{Editor’s note: The footnote in the original printed edition was numbered 28, but in this electronic edition is numbered 1.}

II. Teaching of the Other Passages

Having now examined the major sections of Scripture dealing with the subject of giving, there yet remain a number of scattered verses to be considered. Despite their isolation these Scriptures are not to be thought of as unimportant. In fact, as we shall see, they afford several important principles to be observed and contribute the major number of suggestions as to whom gifts should be made. This study is not exhaustive since not all texts on giving are examined. Only those passages are considered in which some hitherto untouched factor is found. The order in which these texts appear in Scripture will be followed.

Matthew 10:8—”Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” The first part of this verse, given as instruction to the twelve apostles in the pre-cross period, may be disregarded as not pertinent to the subject. But the last statement constitutes a vital precept as furnishing the basis for giving.

Nothing is more fundamental than this divine injunction: “freely ye have received, freely give.” In it the very essence of the spirit of giving is formulated. By it selfishness and vanity are excluded, and impartiality and sympathy obtained. These brief words are aglow with the warmth of divine love and mercy, and are fragrant with the very breath of grace. To the unsaved, who know nothing of the mercies of God freely bestowed, they are cold phrases devoid of meaning; but to the one who has once tasted the free gifts of grace in salvation they kindle in his breast the warm fires of gratitude and awaken the deep well-springs of affection, till an overpowering love opens his heart and his purse-strings to a needy world, and parsimony and penury in charity become impossible. Giving is here seen as the highest expression of the divine character; therefore, Christians are to give as God gave.

BSac 108:429 (Jan 51) p. 69

Acts 6:1—”And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” This brief report of a first-century church quarrel provides the first indication of who might be properly regarded as subjects of charity. Evidently widows, who because of age or the care of children are not cap...