Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, contributions refer to offerings, gifts, or donations made by individuals or groups to support religious activities, the needs of the community, or the work of the ministry. These contributions are often seen as acts of worship, expressions of gratitude, and demonstrations of obedience to God's commands.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, contributions were an integral part of the religious life of Israel. The Mosaic Law outlined various types of offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings (Leviticus 1-7). These offerings were made to atone for sin, express thanksgiving, or fulfill vows. Additionally, the Israelites were commanded to give tithes, which were a tenth of their produce or income, to support the Levites, who had no inheritance of land (
Numbers 18:21-24).
The construction of the Tabernacle was funded by voluntary contributions from the Israelites. In
Exodus 25:1-2 , the LORD instructed Moses, "Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him." This freewill offering included gold, silver, bronze, and other materials needed for the Tabernacle's construction.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of contributions continues, with an emphasis on generosity and the heart's attitude. Jesus commended the poor widow who gave two small coins, highlighting her sacrificial giving (
Mark 12:41-44). The early church practiced communal living, where believers sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds to anyone in need (
Acts 2:44-45).
The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the topic of contributions in his epistles. He encouraged the Corinthian church to set aside a sum of money on the first day of the week to support the saints in Jerusalem (
1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Paul emphasized that contributions should be given willingly and cheerfully, as stated in
2 Corinthians 9:7 : "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver."
Spiritual SignificanceContributions in the Bible are not merely financial transactions but are deeply spiritual acts. They reflect the giver's relationship with God and their commitment to His work. The act of giving is seen as a response to God's generosity and provision. In
Malachi 3:10 , God challenges the Israelites to bring the full tithe into the storehouse, promising to "open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure."
Furthermore, contributions are a means of participating in God's mission. By supporting the church and its ministries, believers contribute to the spread of the Gospel and the care of those in need. The New Testament encourages believers to be generous and ready to share, storing up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age (
1 Timothy 6:18-19).
ConclusionContributions in the biblical sense encompass a wide range of offerings and gifts, each with its own purpose and significance. They are acts of worship, expressions of faith, and means of supporting the community and God's work on earth. Through contributions, believers demonstrate their trust in God's provision and their commitment to His kingdom.
Strong's Hebrew
8641. terumah -- contribution, offering (for sacred uses)... Word Origin from rum Definition contribution, offering (for sacred uses) NASB Word
Usage allotment (15), contribution (20),
contributions (10), heave offering
...Library
Paul a Prisoner
... On this occasion, Paul and his companions formally presented to the leaders of the
work at Jerusalem thecontributions forwarded by the Gentile churches for...
The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the...
... The family of the Chief of the Sanhedrin (Gamaliel) seems to have enjoyed the curious
distinction of bringing theircontributions to the Temple-Treasury, not...
The Formation of the CIM
... For the support of the workers already in China, our friends at home were sending
in unsolicitedcontributions from time to time, and every need was met....
Of the Term Mass.
... Thence a part was taken to be consecrated; the rest was distributed to the poor.
With this custom they also retained Mass as the name of thecontributions....
Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... Zerubbabel was also entrusted with largecontributions toward the expense of
rebuilding the temple, from the Jews who chose to remain behind....
Whyte -- Experience
... because He had verified it all in Himself for thirty experimental years." Now if
that is so demonstrably true of so many of our Lord'scontributions to Holy...
Preface.
... The American Editor has performed the humble task of ushering these works
into American use, with scantycontributions of his own....
Chapter seventeen
... The present hymnal of the church containscontributions by about sixty Danish
writers. Though the majority of these are represented...
Christian Furchtegott Gellert
... In 1742, when he was a young man of seven-and-twenty, he joined with a number of
his friends in bringing out a periodical called the "Contributions from Bremen...
Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock
... From Schulpforta he went to Leipsic, where he soon became intimate with the set
of young men who were bringing out the "Contributions from Bremen." They urged...
Thesaurus
Contributions (19 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Contributions (19 Occurrences). Acts 11:30 This they did,
forwarding their
contributions to the Elders by Barnabas and Saul. (WEY).
...Contribution (24 Occurrences)
... as there is need (Acts 2:44 2 Corinthians 8:14 f). The first occasion for calling
this fellowship into activity, by way of "contributions," was within the...
Barnabas (33 Occurrences)
... The two were at the end of this period sent up to Jerusalem with thecontributions
the church at Antioch had made for the poorer brethren there (11:28-30)....
Philippians (2 Occurrences)
... The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus, their messenger, withcontributions to meet
the necessities of the apostle; and on his return Paul sent back with him...
Poor (276 Occurrences)
... made it a condition, Paul says, "that we should remember the poor; which very thing
I was also zealous to do" (Galatians 2:10);contributions were accordingly...
Commentaries
... Chrysostom wrote continuous commentaries on Isaiah (only Isaiah 1-8:10 remaining)
and on Galatians; but his chiefcontributions were his Homilies, covering...
Kishon (6 Occurrences)
... the strong spring at Jenin.Contributions also come from the copious fountains
in the neighborhood of Megiddo. At Sa`adiyeh, again...
Lod (4 Occurrences)
... BJ, III, iii, 5). After the death of Julius Caesar the inhabitants of Lydda and
certain other towns, having failed to pay thecontributions Cassius demanded...
Lydda (3 Occurrences)
... BJ, III, iii, 5). After the death of Julius Caesar the inhabitants of Lydda and
certain other towns, having failed to pay thecontributions Cassius demanded...
Levy (19 Occurrences)
... etc. 7. (vt) To raise or collect by assessment; to exact by authority;
as, to levy taxes, toll, tribute, orcontributions. 8. (vt...
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