In the context of the Bible, the concept of volunteering is closely associated with the idea of willingly offering oneself or one's resources for the service of God and others. This act of self-giving is seen as a reflection of one's faith and devotion, often resulting in blessings and spiritual growth.

Old Testament Examples

1. The Willing Offering for the Tabernacle: In Exodus 35:21, the Israelites are called to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle. The passage states, "And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments." This voluntary act of giving was a demonstration of their commitment to God and His dwelling among them.

2. Gideon's Volunteers: In Judges 7, Gideon is instructed by God to reduce the number of his army. Initially, 32,000 men gathered, but God said to Gideon, "The people with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me’" (Judges 7:2). Eventually, only 300 men remained, those who willingly stayed, demonstrating their trust in God's deliverance.

3. David's Mighty Men: In 1 Chronicles 12, men from various tribes of Israel volunteered to join David in Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him, as the LORD had said. These men are described as "mighty men of valor" (1 Chronicles 12:21), who offered themselves freely to support God's anointed king.

New Testament Examples

1. The Early Church: In Acts 2:44-45, the early Christians are described as having "all things in common" and selling their possessions and goods to distribute to anyone as he had need. This voluntary sharing was a powerful testimony of their unity and love for one another, reflecting the teachings of Christ.

2. Paul's Missionary Journeys: The Apostle Paul often relied on the voluntary support of fellow believers for his missionary work. In Philippians 4:15-16, Paul acknowledges the Philippians' generosity: "Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need."

3. The Macedonian Churches: In 2 Corinthians 8:3-4, Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their generosity: "For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, they pleaded earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints." Their voluntary giving, despite their own poverty, exemplified the grace of God working in their lives.

Theological Implications

Volunteering in the biblical sense is an expression of love and obedience to God. It is not merely an act of charity but a spiritual discipline that reflects the heart of a believer. The Bible encourages believers to serve willingly and joyfully, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver."

The act of volunteering is also a response to God's grace. As believers recognize the immense sacrifice of Christ, they are moved to offer themselves in service to others, following the example of Jesus, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).

In summary, volunteering in the Bible is a profound expression of faith, love, and commitment to God's purposes. It is a voluntary act that brings glory to God and edifies the body of Christ.(imp. & p. p.) of Volunteer.5068. nadab -- to incite, impel
... 1), make offerings willingly (1), moved (2), moves (1), offer (1), offered (1),
offered willingly (3), offerings willingly (1), volunteered (3), volunteers (1 ...
/hebrew/5068.htm - 6k

Melted by Kindness
... now says He will cross. It is the only time in which we read that Jesus
volunteered to go into any house. He never offers to go ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/melted by kindness.htm

Choked Channels.
... his face away said: "Well, I'ma member of church, but"I don't believe I'm very much
of a christian." Then I looked at him and he frankly volunteered a little ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/choked channels.htm

A God-Given Field (1894-1900)
... A few months after our arrival in China an old, experienced missionary kindly
volunteered to conduct Mr. Goforth and his colleague, who had just arrived ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/iv a god-given field 1894-1900.htm

From the Beginning of 1785 to the End of 1786
... Accordingly these brethren volunteered their services for this work. On their arrival
they were cordially received at Halifax, where they landed. ...
/.../chapter 1 from the beginning.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... [31] Only one preacher, therefore, Thomas Burch, who volunteered for Canada from
the United States, arrived there; the other, Nathan Bangs, who was appointed ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible II,1-4.1. Prin. of Politics X. That the leaders took
the lead in Israel, That the people volunteered readily, Bless Jehovah! ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

Chapter twenty-three
... He added in a quiet voice that all who volunteered to make the pledge to do as
Jesus would do, were asked to remain after the morning service. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-three.htm

The Call Intensified
... win. "Have I painted a discouraging picture? Am I frightening good men
who might have volunteered and done well? I think not. I ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xviii the call intensified.htm

Dragged on his Way
... One of them even volunteered to accompany him to Cucusus, and, if possible, to save
him from dying of sufferings which, as he wrote to the deaconess Theodora ...
/.../chapter liii dragged on his.htm

An Impossible Neutrality
... that afternoon. I was once talking with a cultivated gentleman who volunteered
to tell me his attitude toward religion. He wished ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/lxiv an impossible neutrality.htm

Volunteered (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Volunteer. Multi-Version Concordance
Volunteered (4 Occurrences). Judges 5:2 "Because the ...
/v/volunteered.htm - 7k

Volunteer (2 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To enter into, or offer for, any service of one's own free will, without
solicitation or compulsion; as, he volunteered in that undertaking. ...
/v/volunteer.htm - 8k

Volunteers (1 Occurrence)

/v/volunteers.htm - 6k

Pharaoh (245 Occurrences)
... these rare treasures. At length one of those in the secret volunteered to
give information regarding this burial-place. The result ...
/p/pharaoh.htm - 60k

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Volunteered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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