What the Bible says about Good Deeds
(From Forerunner Commentary)
The word in the New King James Version rendered "charitable deeds," and in the King James, "alms," is best translated as "mercifulness" or "mercy." There are some who believe the word should actually be "righteousness." This comes from the Hebrew concept of good deeds or alms. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word used most often for the idea is sadaka, translated most often as "righteousness." Rather than saying "doing good deeds," the Hebrews would say "doing righteousness."
The idea here is obviously righteous acts—good works. The Greeks did not have a word that worked exactly, and so Matthew chose the word that means "mercies."
Richard T. Ritenbaugh
"If I Have Not Charity"Related Topics: Alms | Charitable Deeds | Charity | Good Deeds | Good Works | Good Works, Manifesting | Letting Light Shine | Mercy | Pharisees
Christ compliments these people for their works, love, service, faith, and patience. He mentions "works" (ergon, "deeds, doings, labor") twice, probably for emphasis. These five traits are among the most highly prized of New Testament admonitions to Christians. Not only do these people have them, but they have continued to grow in them—even during the confusion, scattering, and apostasy the church is suffering! What a compliment, considering the woeful spiritual downfall and lackadaisical approach of so many.
Staff
The Seven Churches (Part Six): ThyatiraRelated Topics: Apostasy | Charitable Deeds | Church at Thyatira | Ergon | Good Deeds | Labor | Lackadaisical Attitudes | Scattering | Scattering of Church | Thyatira | Thyatira, Church of | Works