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Jumpstarter 7 of 10

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Question 7

The early church examples (Barnabas: “Give to everyone who asks you”; Hermas: “Give to all the needy…not hesitating as to whom you are to give”; Justin and Tertullian describing funds for widows, orphans, prisoners, shipwrecked) present a very outward-facing compassion; what would have to change in our schedules, spending, and sense of “deserving” in order to resemble that?

Another way to ask: The early church gave generously to many kinds of people in need. What would need to change in your time, spending, and view of who “deserves” help to live more like that?

Direct Answer Bercot’s collection of early Christian quotes suggests we would need to re-prioritize our time and money away from comfort and institutional extras and toward direct, active care for needy people—widows, orphans, prisoners, and even non-Christians in public need. It would also require letting go of hesitation about who “deserves” help, while still keeping the church’s care for fellow believers as a first priority.

Support from Transcript:

Barnabas: “Do not… draw [your hands] back when it comes to giving… Give to everyone who asks you,” echoing Jesus.
Hermas: “Give to all the needy… not hesitating as to whom you are to give or not give. Give to all.”
Justin Martyr says collections were distributed for “orphans and widows,” and he notes the church didn’t invest in buildings (“met in homes… rented storefronts”).
Tertullian lists the chest’s uses: “support and bury poor people,” help “boys and girls… old persons,” the “shipwreck[ed],” and believers “in the mines… prisons.”
He adds Christians helped even pagan poor: “Our compassion spends more in the streets than yours does in the temples.”

Discussion Follow-ups What would it look like to budget generosity first, before lifestyle upgrades? How might you balance “give to all” with wise stewardship and real relationships with the needy?

Jumpstarter 7 of 10