Not found in the Old Testament, but repeatedly in the New. The Mosaic legislation (Lev. 25:35; Deut. 15:7) tended to promote a spirit of charity, and to prevent the occurrence of destitution among the people. Such passages as these, Psa 41:1;112:9; Prov. 14:31; Isa. 10:2; Amos 2:7; Jer. 5:28; Ezek. 22:29, Ezek. 22: would also naturally foster the same benevolent spirit.
In the time of our Lord begging was common (Mark 10:46; Acts 3:2). The Pharisees were very ostentatious in their almsgivings (Matt. 6:2). The spirit by which the Christian ought to be actuated in this duty is set forth in 1-John 3:17. A regard to the state of the poor and needy is enjoined as a Christian duty (Luke 3:11;6:30; Matt. 6:1; Acts 9:36;10:2, 10: 4), a duty which was not neglected by the early Christians (Luke 14:13; Acts 20:35; Gal. 2:10; Rom. 15:25; 1-Cor 16:1). They cared not only for the poor among themselves, but contributed also to the necessities of those at a distance (Acts 11:29;24:17; 2-Cor 9:12). Our Lord and his attendants showed an example also in this (John 13:29).
In modern times the "poor-laws" have introduced an element which modifies considerably the form in which we may discharge this Christian duty.