The Book of Acts

The Believers Share Their Possessions

Acts 4:32-37 _NLT

“All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.”- Acts 4:32

            This portion of scripture is important in that it reveals to us the mindset of the early believers. They were not hoarders, but rather generous with their goods, making sure no one in their group did without. Poverty didn’t exist within the early church, for they were all of the same mind. The believers would sell off their land and / or house and give the money gained to the apostles. The apostles were in charge of the dispersing of monies and goods as they were needed. 

            Barnabas, another apostle, is first mentioned in this scripture grouping. His real name was Joseph, but because of his nature he was dubbed Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement”. He was an important person with regards to spreading the gospel for first Paul, who had been converted, then the apostle Mark. Everyone gets down from time to time and I’m quite certain both Paul and Mark were no exception. But there was Barnabas speaking a word of encouragement to bolster its’ recipient. 

            Barnabas went on Paul’s very first missionary trip and several others as well, then when Barnabas suggested Mark (referred to in scripture as John Mark) come with them a sharp dispute between Paul and Barnabas ensued causing the two men to split. * Barnabas went with Mark and Paul left with the apostle Silas.  In spite of their disagreement, the end result was that both tandems were successful in spreading the gospel, doubling the output.

            The key to this set of verses is the attitude the early church had toward their brothers and sisters in the faith. We don’t always have to agree with everyone. A person’s need, if proven to be legitimate, is of far greater importance than squabbling over differences of opinion. We are to take care of those less fortunate and not waste our time and money accumulating goods that end up being superfluous. In my opinion, the simpler the life, the less distractions that have the potential to compete with God for our time. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

* The apostle Mark had accompanied Paul & Barnabas on their first missionary trip, only to leave them in the middle of the trip to go back home. Because of this Paul would not allow Mark to accompany he and Barnabas to Antioch. This is what cause the split between the two apostles. It was later on in both their ministries that Paul and Mark were reunited.