Describe the liberality of the first Christians in Jerusalem. Acts iv: 32-35. Did they make an equal distribution of all their property, or did they give to persons only as they had need? 35. As distribution was made only to persons needing help, how fast were the sales of property made, and how long did they continue? If a church at the present day should find that it could not relieve its poor without selling property, what would be its duty?

      State the sin of Ananias and Sapphira. Acts v: 1, 2. What did they expect to gain by their lie? When a man exaggerates by representing his contributions as being greater in proportion to his means than they are, what sin does he commit? What do you suppose was the practical object of punishing Ananias and Sapphira so fearfully? Ans.--To give a warning in the beginning against lying and corrupt practices in connection with the Lord's treasury.

      Repeat the rule which Paul gave to the churches in Galatia and at Corinth about the collection for the saints. I Cor. xvi: 1, 2. Was this rule given in the form of a general precept concerning all contributions, or only as a special precept for that particular collection? What does it show as to the apostle's judgment concerning the most suitable time at which to make our contributions? Does it prohibit us from also contributing at other times?

      According to what ratio does Paul tell the [80] Corinthians to give? I Cor. xvi: 2. Does this mean that they must give each Lord's day according to their prosperity the previous week, or according to the entire ability with which the Lord has blessed them?

      Quote another saying of Paul on the subject of the amount we should give. II Cor. viii: 13. According to this passage, if a man gives without a willing mind, is the gift acceptable to God? If he declines to give when able, because his mind is not willing, does he sin? Does the sin lie in not giving, or in not being willing? When man is not willing to give when he ought to give, what is his character?

      Quote another statement of Paul on the same subject. II Cor. ix: 6, 7. According to this passage, in what ratio will a man reap the blessings attached to giving? What fact does Paul mention to encourage us on this point? 8.

      Repeat again what is said about cheerful giving. 7. If a man give grudgingly, will his money go as far in feeding the poor as if he had given cheerfully? What is the disadvantage, then, of giving grudgingly?

      What does Paul say about the living of those who preach the gospel? I Cor. ix: 14. On what principle does he justify this rule? 11. Did Paul himself exercise this right of support, or waive it? 12. For what other object, then, are we to give to the Lord's treasury besides providing for the poor?

[FBL 80-81]