Sharing for Needs
Acts 4:32-37 … This passage is critical to understanding the early church. There was a harmony of fellowship: “were of one heart and one soul.” There was no needy person in that fellowship. Why?
Sharing of personal goods. There was unity in mind and heart, v. 32a, “32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; … There was sharing of possessions, v. 32b, “neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.” … There was power and witness by apostles, v. 33a, “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.” … There was the grace of God on them, v. 32b, “And great grace was upon them all.” The unity was expressed in the sharing. Everyone shared what they had. Did they have shared ownership? Communal living? No. Read verses 34-35 … 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked.” Believers sold property and brought the proceeds to the apostles to give to those in need. The giving was wholly voluntary. See verses 36-37 … 36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. There was a keen awareness that all we have belongs to God Himself. We are to be ready always to give it to meet needs. What are you holding onto today? Transfer in your heart all your possessions to the Lord. Let Him control them.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
