In these lessons we have looked at what the Bible says to Christians about giving.  God is not satisfied with less than 100%. He wants our all.  That is true of our time and intellect.  It’s also true of our money.  First century Christians begged for the privilege of sharing.  It was done of their own free will.  It didn’t matter how much or how little they had.  They were giving because of their relationship with God and those created by him.  It was done as a part of a balanced Christian life (Bible study, prayer, meditation, evangelism, sharing, etc.) just as Jesus modeled for them.  Early Christians planned their giving and carried out their plans.  Their plans and attitudes were based on doing what they could with what they had, not upon what they could/would do if only they had more.

I suppose that there were church coffers back then.  The Bible doesn’t talk much about that.  I know that the first church had lots of people giving to it and funds were being distributed as there was a need.  I know that first century Christians sent money to help those Christians in other parts of the world who were in need.  But I believe, if you look at the giving being done by the early Christians, when they saw a need, they took care of it if at all possible.  They didn’t wait for Sunday or depend on tithing at church.  The Bible admonishes, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10 ESV).  They worked together on some projects such as relief for Christians in other areas.  And, individually, they took care of the people they met as there were needs that they could meet.  Giving was a natural part of their joyful Christian living experience.