Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of "assist" encompasses a range of actions and attitudes that reflect support, help, and service to others. This idea is deeply rooted in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, where assisting others is seen as a reflection of God's love and a fundamental aspect of living a life of faith.Old Testament The Old Testament frequently highlights the importance of assisting others, particularly within the community of Israel. The Law given to Moses includes numerous commands to help those in need, such as the poor, widows, and orphans. For example, Deuteronomy 15:11 states, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land; therefore I command you to open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land." This command underscores the expectation that God's people should actively assist those who are less fortunate. The book of Proverbs also emphasizes the value of assistance, often linking it to wisdom and righteousness. Proverbs 19:17 declares, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse suggests that assisting others is not only a moral duty but also an act that God Himself honors and rewards. New Testament In the New Testament, the theme of assistance is further developed through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Jesus' ministry was characterized by acts of compassion and service, as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the afflicted. His parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is a profound illustration of what it means to assist others, transcending social and ethnic boundaries to show mercy and love. The apostle Paul also speaks extensively about assisting others within the body of Christ. In Galatians 6:2 , he writes, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." This exhortation highlights the communal aspect of the Christian faith, where believers are called to support and assist each other in times of need. Paul's letters often include commendations for those who have assisted him and others in ministry. For instance, in Romans 16:1-2 , he commends Phoebe, a deaconess of the church in Cenchreae, for her assistance: "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchreae. Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her with anything she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me." Theological Implications Theologically, the call to assist others is rooted in the character of God, who is described as a helper and sustainer of His people. Psalm 54:4 affirms, "Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul." As believers are called to imitate God, assisting others becomes a natural expression of their faith and a demonstration of God's love in action. Assisting others is also seen as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work within the believer. The fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, includes qualities such as kindness and goodness, which naturally lead to acts of assistance and service. Practical Application In practical terms, assisting others can take many forms, from providing physical help and financial support to offering emotional encouragement and spiritual guidance. The early church set an example of communal assistance, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 : "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." Believers today are encouraged to continue this legacy of assistance, recognizing that in serving others, they are serving Christ Himself. As Jesus taught in Matthew 25:40 , "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To give support to in some undertaking or effort, or in time of distress; to help; to aid; to succor.2. (v. i.) To lend aid; to help. 3. (v. i.) To be present as a spectator; as, to assist at a public meeting. Greek 714. arkeo -- to assist, suffice ... to assist, suffice. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: arkeo Phonetic Spelling: (ar-keh'-o) Short Definition: I am sufficient, I suffice, am content ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/714.htm - 7k 4878. sunantilambanomai -- to take hold with at the side, hence to ... 4943. sunupourgeo -- to help together 1884b. eparkeo -- to help, aid 292. amunomai -- to ward off 3936. paristemi -- to place beside, to present, stand by, appear 4815. sullambano -- to collect, ie to take, by impl. to take part ... 1884. eparkeo -- accursed Strong's Hebrew 8334. sharath -- to minister, serve... root Definition to minister, serve NASB Word Usage assist (1), attendant (4), attended (2), became his personal servant (1), minister (26), ministered (4 ... /hebrew/8334.htm - 6k 3027. yad -- hand Library Whether all the Angels who are Sent, Assist? And this Circumstance Would Assist Rather than Hinder the ... How Alexander [Bala] in his War with Demetrius, Granted Jonathan ... Rules for visits, Exorcisms, and How People are to Assist the Sick ... How Our Saviour's Loving Attractions Assist and Accompany us to ... The Emperor Constantius Repairs to Sirmium, Recalls Liberius, and ... Through-The-Week Activities for Boys' Organized Classes The Christian Honoring God by his Dying Behavior. But Unbelievers Cry, "How Can the Flesh, which Has Been Putrified ... How Antony Made Herod and Phasaelus Tetrarchs, after they had Been ... Thesaurus Assist (17 Occurrences)... 2. (vi) To lend aid; to help. 3. (vi) To be present as a spectator; as, to assist at a public meeting. Multi-Version Concordance Assist (17 Occurrences). ... /a/assist.htm - 11k Euodia (1 Occurrence) Note (129 Occurrences) Further (121 Occurrences) Help (1694 Occurrences) Assir (5 Occurrences) Assisted (9 Occurrences) Quarries (4 Occurrences) Zebulun (46 Occurrences) Nehemiah (9 Occurrences) Resources About GotQuestions.org | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an acolyte? | GotQuestions.org Why did God restrict the age that a priest could serve (Numbers 8:24 26)? | GotQuestions.org Assist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Assist (17 Occurrences)Luke 10:40 Acts 13:5 Romans 15:24 Romans 16:2 Philippians 4:3 1 Timothy 5:16 Numbers 1:5 Numbers 3:6 Numbers 8:26 Numbers 18:2 1 Chronicles 23:28 1 Chronicles 23:29 2 Chronicles 8:14 2 Chronicles 13:10 Ezra 1:4 Ezra 8:20 Job 29:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |