Acts of Mercy (ἐλεημοσύνη)

The Greek word ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosýnē) is commonly translated as “almsgiving,” “charity,” or “charitable deeds.” However, it is derived from ἔλεος (éleos), meaning “mercy.” The term is often used to denote compassionate giving to the poor or needy, conveying the act of providing relief from the effects of sin—thus, a demonstration of mercy.

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of hypocrites who sound a trumpet when they give alms, ensuring they are seen by others in order to receive praise (Matthew 6:2). In contrast, when acts of mercy were performed, His followers were not to make a display of their giving—not even letting the right hand know what the left hand was doing (Matthew 6:3). Those who gave alms in this discreet manner would receive their reward from God the Father; however, those who sought the praise of men for their acts of mercy had already received their reward

The giving of alms is often associated with providing money to support those who are unable to care for themselves—typically individuals who were crippled. In Acts 3:3, as Peter and John were going up to the Temple to pray, they encountered a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb. His family would lay him daily at the gate called Beautiful, where he would ask for alms from those entering the Temple. Peter had neither silver nor gold to give; instead, God gave Israel a sign by healing the man at Peter’s request (Acts 3:6–7). This miracle filled all who knew the man with wonder and amazement, resulting in over five thousand Jews believing in the resurrection of their Messiah (Acts 4:4).

In Acts 10:2, we are introduced to the household of Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian cohort, who was known for giving alms. While he was praying in the evening, God sent an angel to him, instructing him to send for Peter, for his prayers and alms had ascended as a memorial before God. Because of this man’s faith—expressed through his actions—God used him to demonstrate to the Jews that Gentiles were being accepted into the Church. While Peter was speaking about the death and resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit fell upon them in the same manner as He had in the upper room on the day of Pentecost, providing a sign to the Jews (Acts 10:44–45).

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha—translated as Dorcas—who was full of good works and acts of mercy. She cared for the widows in the area by making tunics and other garments for them (Acts 9:38). Tabitha became sick and died. When the disciples heard that Peter was nearby, they sent for him. God used this situation to once again give a sign to the Jews concerning the testimony of the apostles by restoring her life as Peter prayed for her (Acts 9:40). This sign led many throughout Joppa to believe in the Lord (Acts 9:42).

Almsgiving is the act of providing relief from the effects of sin. Although it could be misused by heretics as a means of gaining praise from men, when practiced rightly, it served to assist those who were unable to care for themselves by providing them with the essentials necessary for biological life.