Untitled Sermon

Christian Socialism?

Firstly lets take a step back and look at the overall context. This is taking place after Jesus’ assetion into heaven and the toungs of fire.

12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

English Standard Version Chapter 2

12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ac 2:12–13). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

He continued from there to preach to them.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

In responce to this message, three thousand were added to their number. According to Josephus there were an estimated six thousand Pharisees in all Palestine. This was no small number for this community. (Keener, 1993)

six thousand Pharisees in all Palestine

Keener, C. S. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament (). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Okay, we are now up to speed on what is happening bringing us into our passage. In light of what happened lets start reading.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

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.

devoted in verse 42 and attending in verse 46 are the same word! it puts a much bigger emphasis on it than our idea of attending church in verse 42 the stress of the word is toward

hold fast to, continue in, persevere in (proskartereō)

proskartereō

προσκαρτερέω

Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 881). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 881). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

While in verse 46 it leans towards.

busy oneself with, be busily engaged in, be devoted to (proskartereō)

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. προσκαρτερέω

busy oneself with, be busily engaged in, be devoted to

(proskartereō)

Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 881). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

And they had fellowship or “Koinonia”

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. κοινωνία

close association involving mutual interests and sharing, association, communion, fellowship, close relationship

The word for generous (apheloets) is only used once in the ESV Bible Translation in this passage.

generous

The awe in this passage could also be translated fear, alarm, fright

the product of an intimidating/alarming force

fear, alarm, fright

William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 1062.

This indicates a much deeper reverence for what is happening here.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

And there was unity in the church… This wasn’t just a temporary moment! Let us look at and 4:34

English Standard Version Chapter 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.

English Standard Version Chapter 4

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.