Scripture Daily

Context No. 905 of 4322 · Acts

Context · Reflection

Acts 4:32-37: in context

32The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all. 34For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need. 36Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, 37having a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

This is a snapshot of the first Christian community in Jerusalem. They were of one heart and soul; no one claimed his possessions as his own; they held everything in common. The apostles kept testifying to the resurrection, and great grace was on them all. There was no needy person among them, because those who owned lands or houses sold them and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet, to be distributed as anyone had need. Then Luke names one example: Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles nicknamed Barnabas, Son of Encouragement, who sold a field and brought the money.

Notice how the sharing is tied to the resurrection. In the middle of the description of their generosity sits the line about the apostles testifying to the risen Jesus with great grace on them all. The two are not separate. People who genuinely believe that death has been beaten, that their real inheritance is secure and eternal, can afford to hold their fields loosely and open their hands, because their treasure is not in the land they just sold. The open wallets are the visible shape of resurrection faith. And Luke does not leave it as an abstract ideal; he gives a name and a deed. Barnabas actually sold an actual field and actually brought the money, and the community actually had no one in need. This is not enforced communism but grace overflowing, love making private property porous. The Son of Encouragement encourages first with his land.

Does my grip on what I own look like someone who believes in the resurrection, or am I holding my fields as if this life is the only inheritance I will get?

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