All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There was no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it al the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
So goes the description of the early Church, conceived out of the crucifixion of Christ, birthed out of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, grown under the weight of the persecution of the surrounding Roman empire. In those days, the Romans presented a brute military presence, marching through territories claiming, "Peace through Victory!" crucifying those who resist. This young budding church, though, was a thorn in the flesh of the an otherwise dominating empire. This Church refused to pledge their allegiance to Caesar. They refused to shout out, "Caesar is Lord." They refused to contribute to the machine that had built up the most powerful world super-power at that point in history. They were underground. They were subversive. They were rebels. They were generous, forgiving, and welcoming.
Oh, how I long to see that community. In previous posts, I have talked about the idea of giving it all away for the sake of others, pouring ourselves out, hoarding nothing for our own sake, but giving it all away. I see here in Acts 4, it says, "No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." That's powerful. Could you imagine seeing that fleshed out? Does that mean that everyone sold everything and gave it to the church? I would imagine not, as that would leave everyone homeless. Look further down that passage in verse 34:
"For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money form the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need."
As needs arose, the body responded. If a widow needed medical attention but could not afford it, a field could be sold to provide for her need. If mouths were going unfed because the resources were not available, a house could be sold to provide resources. It was all community property.
But even if the field or house were not sold, no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, whether they sold it to give the profits to the church or remained with it. It was still not a possession to be claimed. It was all community property. It was all a gift that was given, and could easily be taken away.
My house...not my house, but community property.
My car...not my car, but community property.
God has provided these things, not for me to hoard, but to be used for His glory, for His name's sake, for His Kingdom work. Is that what I'm doing with them? Oh, how I hate questions like that. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is so selfish and weak.
That would change things a bit, wouldn't it. More later. My head is spinning in that tonight.
