Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, a "benefactor" is someone who provides help or support, often in the form of financial aid or other resources, to those in need. The concept of a benefactor is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's provision and the call for His people to emulate His generosity.Old Testament Context The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding the role of a benefactor through the laws and teachings given to Israel. The Mosaic Law includes numerous provisions for caring for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner. For instance, Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God." This commandment highlights the expectation for landowners to act as benefactors by leaving portions of their produce for those in need. The wisdom literature also emphasizes the virtue of generosity. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse underscores the idea that acts of benevolence are not only beneficial to the recipient but are also seen as service to God Himself. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of a benefactor is further developed through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Jesus often spoke about the importance of giving and serving others. In Luke 6:38, He teaches, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." This passage encourages believers to be generous, promising that such generosity will be rewarded. The role of a benefactor is also illustrated in the early church. Acts 4:34-35 describes how the early Christians shared their possessions: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This communal sharing reflects the spirit of benefaction that characterized the early Christian community. Jesus as the Ultimate Benefactor Jesus Himself is portrayed as the ultimate benefactor. His life and ministry were marked by acts of compassion and provision. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and offered spiritual nourishment to all who sought Him. In John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." This statement encapsulates His role as the provider of both physical and spiritual sustenance. Moreover, Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross is the supreme act of benefaction, offering salvation and eternal life to humanity. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 8:9, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich." Christian Responsibility The New Testament epistles further instruct believers to follow the example of Christ in being benefactors. In 1 Timothy 6:17-18, Paul advises, "Instruct those who are rich in this present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share." The call to be a benefactor is not limited to material wealth but extends to all aspects of life, including time, talents, and spiritual gifts. Christians are encouraged to use their resources to serve others, reflecting the love and generosity of God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One who confers a benefit or benefits.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BENEFACTORben-e-fak'-ter (Greek euergetes, Luke 22:25): There is here a probable allusion to two kings of Egypt (Ptolemy III and VII), who had the surname "Euergetes," of whom the period of the first was 247-242 B.C., and of the second, 147-117 B.C. Jesus draws the contrast between worldly kingdoms, in which the title "benefactor" is given those who rule with all the splendor of earthly display and luxury, and His kingdom, in which it belongs only to those whose work is that of humble, obscure and often menial service. Greek 2110. euergetes -- a doer of good, ie a benefactor ... a doer of good, ie a benefactor. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: euergetes Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-erg-et'-ace) Short Definition: a benefactor ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2110.htm - 6k 5363. philanthropia -- love for mankind, kindness 3011. leitourgos -- a public servant, a minister, a servant Library God the Universal Benefactor. God, Our Creator and Benefactor. Whether a Man Ought to Love More his Benefactor than one He Has ... Whether a Man is Bound to Give Thanks to Every Benefactor? Whether in Giving Thanks we Should Look at the Benefactor's ... Whether the Debt of Punishment that Arises through Ingratitude in ... The Bloody and Deceitful Man Parting Promises and Warnings On the Holy Martyr, S. Babylas. The Law, Even in Correcting and Punishing, Aims at the Good of Men ... Thesaurus Benefactor... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who confers a benefit or benefits. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BENEFACTOR. ben-e-fak'-ter ... /b/benefactor.htm - 7k Ptolemy Benediction Nimrod (4 Occurrences) Gratitude (6 Occurrences) Mehetabeel Benefactors (1 Occurrence) Adoration Cyrus (20 Occurrences) Woman (4043 Occurrences) Resources Who was Theophilus at the beginning of Luke and Acts? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Phoebe in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about flattery? | GotQuestions.org Benefactor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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