Acts 4:32-37
Chapter 4
32
Community of Goods
The entire community of believers was united in heart and mind. No one claimed individual ownership of any possessions; instead, they shared everything in common.33
With great power, the apostles testified to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, for they were living in a remarkable time of grace.
34
There was no one in need among them, for those who owned land or houses sold them and brought the proceeds to the apostles.
35
They laid it at their feet, and the apostles distributed it according to each person’s need.
36
This is what a man named Joseph did. He was a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas, meaning: ‘The encouraging one.’
37
He sold a piece of land he owned and gave the money to the apostles.
Commentaries
Community of Goods.
This updated summary expands on the community information. It highlights the “communion of goods”: “they had one heart and one soul. No one considered his possessions his own” (32), and “there was no needy person among them, because those who owned fields or houses sold them and gave the money to the apostles, who distributed it to each according to their need” (34-35). Could it be more utopian and idealistic? Luke reminds us of the importance of supporting one another and sharing responsibility for each other’s well-being. We must accept Luke’s words for what they are: an example, a call to action, a condemnation, a sting, and an evangelical warning.