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Question 4

The chapter describes early Christian alms going to burying the poor, supporting orphans, aiding shipwreck victims (often strangers), and helping imprisoned believers; which of those specific practices feels most absent (or most costly) in the church today, and what excuses do we tend to use to justify that absence?

Another way to ask: Early Christians gave to bury the poor, care for orphans, help shipwreck victims (strangers), and support imprisoned believers. Which of these is most missing or most expensive for the church today, and what excuses do we use to avoid it?

Direct Answer Based on the transcript, several early practices feel rare today—especially caring for strangers in crisis and materially supporting imprisoned believers—often excused by redefining church spending or treating almsgiving as optional.

Support from Transcript:

Tertullian says Christians used gifts “to support and bury poor people,” and “to supply the needs of boys and girls destitute of means and parents,” and “old persons” confined at home.
He adds that alms “help those who have suffered shipwreck,” even “a total stranger who was shipwrecked.”
He also describes supporting believers “shut up in the prisons… for their faithfulness,” and supporting “them and their families.”
Bercot contrasts early Christian spending with later priorities: they didn’t give money “to build or ornate church buildings” or “handsome salaries to ministers.”
He explains modern discomfort: the term “almsgiving” can even carry a negative connotation because of historical abuses and reactions.

Discussion Follow-ups When we avoid these costly mercies, do we tell ourselves it’s “not our responsibility,” “they might misuse it,” or “the church has other priorities”? Which excuse sounds most like self-protection rather than love?

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