Alms
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Matt. 6:1, Acts 9:36)—by this word are meant works of Christian love, works of corporal mercy. The giving of alms constitutes an important Christian duty, prescribed to us in Holy Scripture (Acts 10:2–4). The provisions of the Law of Moses concerning the poor are, of course, well known to every attentive reader of the Bible—so thoroughly considered and humane were they. During the earthly life of the Lord Jesus, owing to the decline of the people’s prosperity, the seeking of alms, especially in the streets of Jerusalem, came into almost universal practice among the Jewish poor, and the distribution of alms became almost a necessary duty.