Donations for the poor, mentioned frequently in the New Testament (Matt. 6: 1-4; Luke 11: 41; Luke 12: 31-34; Acts 3: 3; Acts 10: 2; Acts 24: 17). Throughout his travels Paul gathered and distributed donations for the needy saints in Jerusalem (Rom. 15: 25-27; 1 Cor. 16: 1-2; 2 Cor. 8: 9; Gal. 2: 10). This was an organized and united welfare program of the Church. Although not mentioned in the O.T. as alms, the principle is given in many instances; for example, Deut. 24: 19. See also Ps. 41: 1; Ps. 112: 9; Prov. 14: 21; Prov. 19: 17; Prov. 22: 9; Prov. 28: 27; Acts 9: 36; Acts 11: 29-30; Philip. 4: 18; 1 Tim. 6: 18-19.