Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
Not found in the Old Testament, but repeatedly in the New. The Mosaic legislation (Lev. 25:35; Dt. 15:7) tended to promote a spirit of charity, and to prevent the occurrence of destitution among the people. Such passages as these, Ps. 41:1, 112:9; Pr. 14:31; Isa. 10:2; Amos 2:7; Jer. 5:28; Ezek. 22:29, would also naturally foster the same benevolent spirit.
In the time of our Lord begging was common (Mk. 10:46; Acts 3:2). The Pharisees were very ostentatious in their almsgivings (Mt. 6:2). The spirit by which the Christian ought to be actuated in this duty is set forth in 1 Jn. 3:17. A regard to the state of the poor and needy is enjoined as a Christian duty (Lk. 3:11, 6:30; Mt. 6:1; Acts 9:36, 10:2, 4), a duty which was not neglected by the early Christians (Lk. 14:13; Acts 20:35; Gal. 2:10; Rom. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-4). 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 (Jn. 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.