Believers Had Everything in Common [Acts 4.32-37]

Acts 4 is one of my favorite chapters in all the Bible. From the once cowardly Peter’s bold speech before the religious leaders, to the powerful prayer of the early church that actually shook the ground where they stood—the chapter is chock full of Holy Spirit filled actions!!! Sometimes overlooked is the way the Spirit provoked those early believers to behave, changing their hearts from selfishness to godly communal living.


[Acts 4.32-37]

4.32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What happened in vv. 23-31?  Do you think there is any relationship between persecution and prayer and people binding together in the way described in vv. 32-27?

+ Verse 32 says “the FULL (emphasis added) number of those who believed were of one heart and soul”.  What does that mean?  Have you ever experienced something similar?  When this happens, how do things change?  Why do you think this phenomenon doesn’t happen more often?  Can it or was this a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit and just a first century Christian “thing”?

+ Is “giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus” a big thing to you?  Would people who know you give the same answer? (ouch!!!)  What does “great grace was upon them all” mean?  Does using that word mean this is something that is given and not earned, or put another way, can people get and obtain this “great grace”?

+ Compare and contrast these verses to Deuteronomy 15.1-11.  God commanded the Israelites to initiate The Sabbatical Year in Deuteronomy.  Does He command the sort of living described in our verses from Acts today?  Why or why not?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ [Acts 2:42-47] 

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

This section of Scripture (discussed in last Friday’s Daily), along with the verses we examined today, shows us what a church could (should?) be like.  However, notice what comes first.  A devotion (love, loyalty, and enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause) to/for:

  1. The apostles teaching or what we have set before us in the Bible today

  2. The fellowship, or a group of people you truly “do life” with.

  3. Breaking of bread, which could mean sharing food with your fellowship and/or a celebration of the Lord’s Supper

  4. Prayers, to the Lord and on the behalf of others

These verses aren’t a command to go sell all your possessions and give it to the poor or to the Lord’s work, THEN you will be living the Christian life.  It’s a call to follow Christ wholeheartedly, THEN this kind of life can/will be the byproduct.  I have been privileged and blessed see glimpses of this lifestyle in Community Groups and on the Elder Team here at DH.  There is a true sense that if something happened to one of us, it was as if it happened to ALL of us.  There isn’t anything I would hold back if a brother or sister in my fellowship was in need, and the sense is that is how the others feel toward me!!!  If you are not in a Community Group, find one—or let us help you find one.  Trust me, there is no better way live!!!

Heavenly Father, forgive us for being selfish with our time and possessions.  Truly, all good gifts come from you, the Father of lights (James 1:17).  Convict us in areas of our lives where we need to be more generous, especially to those in the family of faith.  Lord, add to our number here at DH those who are being saved.  Amen.

[II Corinthians 9.6-7]

9.6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?