The Believers Share Their Possessions
THE BELIEVERS SHARE THEIR POSSESSIONS
ACTS 4:32-37
Again we’re told that the group—now numbering several thousand—really cared for one another.
This is another summary of what life was like for the earliest Christian company. Body, mind and spirit were involved. For the first, there was a pooling of material resources. Was this a good thing, do you suppose, involving as it did the liquidation of capital assets (4:34,37)? And was it the cause of the poverty of the Jerusalem church in later years (Acts 11:29: 2 Corinthians 8:9)? Luke is content simply to report the facts as a proof of Christian concern for the well-being of all, at least for the immediate future, and as a lesson in generosity.
The unanimity of the church is marvelously portrayed in the words “of one heart and soul” (4:32), fulfilling Jeremiah 32:39. And this oneness of mind is the more striking in view of the growth of the church. The term “company” is literally “the multitude” (RV), an evidence of the rapid expansion of the gospel’s influence.
On a spiritual level, 4:33 testifies to the effectiveness of their ministry. Note again the central doctrine in the preaching and witnessing. Is it prominent in the church’s proclamation today?
Joseph or Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, is picked out for special mention. He is related to John Mark (Colossians 4:10); and Acts 12:12 may indicate the family connection in Jerusalem where he owned some land. He sold this estate and, turning the asset into money, brought the purchase-price as a gift to the common fund. By this introduction the way is prepared for the later part which he will play in the missionary outreach of the church (Acts 9:27; 13:2).
Looking back over this section, we may ask one or two questions, to which no settled answer is possible, but which provoke our thinking. Was it an expectation of the Lord’s near return which motivated the selling of land and houses—and perhaps therefore the teaching to the Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 2:2; 3:6-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:1ff.) was a needed corrective? What were the specific aids to Christian unity which these believers used? Fellowship in prayer and service; an agreed gospel message and apostolic teaching; a common meal, at which their unity was symbolically expressed (1 Corinthians 10:17)? How did the apostles give their testimony (4:33)?
Note 4:36: Barnabas’ name means strictly speaking “son of Nebo” = son of the prophet. The Greek term for “prophecy,” however, includes encouragement (1 Corinthians 14:3).