Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:32-37, NRSV)
Community is a word we use in different ways. We live in communities. We are a part of communities, be that the one we live in, or one we are in because we attend a particular religious setting or other reasons. Scouts, sports teams, bands, they all have unique communities. But God intended for those who follow Him to intentionally be in community.
Here we see how that community worked. They held all of their possessions in common and gave to anyone when they needed something. No one had more than another because they cared for each other. This passage even tells of a member who sold a field and gave the proceeds to the apostles. No one wanted anything another follower didn’t have. That is community, being one together in the fact that Jesus died for us all.
Do we live up to this community?
aSacredRebel 