Acts

They Had Everything in Common

Acts 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. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 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. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Spirit powered courage leads believers to being:

One

-What were these early Christians like? They were clearly united. They not only prayed together but were one in heart and mind—perhaps because of the way they prayed together! The witness to the resurrection continued. The Christians were neither a monastic order nor a closed society like some cults. Christianity contains clear-cut social implications, and sharing with others is one of them (John 13:35).

Unity without verity [truth] is no better than conspiracy. John Trapp

Unity without the gospel is a worthless unity; it is the very unity of hell. J.C. Ryle

Openhanded

-This passage shows us a distinctly Christian view of possessions which centers not in ownership, but stewardship; not in creed, but need; not in fad, but family.

Charity sees the need, not the cause. German proverb

Outspoken

-Looking back at the prayer, we see its fulfillment in their power for witness and their clear focus of that witness—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unlike so many congregations today, these early Christians knew their identity and precisely what God expected of them. They moved forward with courage to achieve their goals.

Evangelism is not simply a matter of bringing individuals to personal faith, though of course that remains central to the whole enterprise. It is a matter of confronting the world with the good, but deeply disturbing, news of a different way of living … the way of love. N.T. Wright

1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Psalm 31:21 Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city. 22  I had said in my alarm, “I am cut off from your sight.” But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help. 23  Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. 24  Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!