The Early Church

Acts 4:32-37

The Believers Share Their Possessions

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

The Early Church saw people who were from very different back grounds living out life together regardless of individual circumstances, for example some were wealthier than others. But regardless of individuals circumstances the unity and love of believers for one another radically changed their attitude towards possessions - it became 'ours' rather than 'mine'.

But they didn't all immediately give up their goods in a gigantic jumble sale. Mind you if someone came into the charity shop and said they had sold their flat or house and wanted to give the money to the church, then we would probably consider their offer. Nor was this the start of New Testament communism. They exercised wisdom given to them through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in their lives. In the earlier church there was integrity, accountability and sacrificial generosity. As you can read further into Acts you see the apostles were having a ball –miracles were happening right in front of their eyes, healings occurred, the church was growing in abundance – There must have been a great buzz around, every day the adrenalin most have been pumping around their body’s wondering what was going to happen that new day, how was the holy spirit going to impact their community.
I wonder how many of us, especially in the Western world, would have been convinced and brave enough to join the early believers. The apostles didn't attempt to make the gospel more interesting in order to win people of the kingdom. The new believers knew they were coming into relationship with a holy God who hates sin.
Jesus had walked with His apostles for three life-changing years. They had seen Him teach, heal, suffer, die and ascend to heaven. He had trained, them well, and they, in turn, now empowered by the Holy Spirit, were teaching, healing, suffering and would eventually die and be welcomed into heaven. That same power is still available to us today.The Holy Spirit that came in power at Pentecost, that the early church experienced is still available today to each one of us.
Let’s choose to say yes to Jesus today.