That there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 4:34-35
“The wealthy among us help the needy… Those who are prosperous and willing, give what each thinks fit. And what is collected is deposited with the president, who gives aid to the orphans and widows.”
Justin Martyr (c. 160) 1.185, 186.
In the early Christian writings we see that willing gifts are deposited with those God has placed in authority. We commonly think “apostle” or “pastor” but the term “president” also appears.
In modern times, this is the equivalent of the senior offices in church and nonprofit ministries. This important as it relates to generosity for at least two reasons.
Firstly, God loves willing giving that is directed to His servants, such as apostles, pastors, and presidents. Such gifts must not flow from compulsion or obligation, but from prosperous and caring hearts.
Secondly, these collections must be administrated rightly by God’s servants. Faithful administration is as important as gospel proclamation or care of the poor. This is a core elements of the teaching on this trip.
Notice why these two items are so important. If we focus on care of poor and without giving care to handling of financial collections, the willing giving will dry up. God’s servants must care about both spiritual and financial deposits.