Acts 4:32-37. The Believers Share Their Possessions.

"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. 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 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 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet." Acts 2:42-47

In Acts 4, we see a beautiful continuation of what God began through Jesus and now continues through His people by the power of the Holy Spirit. If Luke’s Gospel tells the story of what the Holy Spirit did through Jesus, the book of Acts tells the story of what the Holy Spirit is doing through the church — and still does through us today.

After Pentecost, the believers didn’t retreat in fear despite facing threats and opposition. Instead, they prayed for boldness. God answered by filling them afresh with His Spirit — the Spirit of love, power, and perseverance.

Luke writes:

“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 .” (Acts 4:32)

This radical generosity didn’t mean everyone sold everything and gave up wages overnight — rather, it was the outworking of genuine family love. The early Christians understood that in Christ, they were truly brothers and sisters. Just as extended families share their burdens and resources, so too did the people of God.

In many parts of the world today — in Uganda, Nigeria, and beyond — families still live this way, supporting each other sacrificially. But in the West, we’ve often lost this sense of family, becoming isolated and individualistic. The church, however, is called to be different — a people reconciled vertically with God and horizontally with each other.

If a brother or sister in our fellowship faces crisis — an illness, loss of income, eviction — it should not be acceptable to say, “That’s their problem, not mine.” We are called to open our homes, our spare rooms, and our hearts. We bear one another’s burdens, because we are family.

Luke goes on:

“ 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.” (Acts 4:33)

This “great power” — this mega power — is the same Spirit we have today. It turns fearful hearts into bold witnesses. It fills us with supernatural love for one another. It reminds us daily that we are saved, sealed, and sent by God’s Spirit to show and share Christ with the world.

May we live as the early church did: united in heart and mind, sacrificial in love, and bold in our witness — all by the power of the same Holy Spirit.

How might you respond this week?

• How does this picture of church family challenge the way you see your own role in your local fellowship?
  
• Is there someone in your church family you can support in a practical way this week?