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Acts 4:34
ESV 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
NIV that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales
NASB For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales
CSB For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold,
NLT There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them
KJV Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
NKJV Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,

What does Acts 4:34 mean?

Before Jesus' ministry fully started, John the Baptist accumulated a large following by preaching that people should repent of their sins. To "repent" means to acknowledge that one's actions do not align with God's wishes and to resolve to follow God. To that end, John exhorted his followers to "bear fruits in keeping with repentance" (Luke 3:8). When the people asked for specific ways to do this, John said, "Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise" (Luke 3:11).

During Jesus' ministry, He met with a rich young ruler (Mark 10:17–27). The man asked how he could "inherit eternal life" (Mark 10:17). Once Jesus confirmed the man faithfully followed those Ten Commandments that applied to interactions with other people, He told him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor. Conventional wisdom at the time assumed that God blessed the righteous with material things, therefore the rich must be godly. Jesus explained that people show their godly hearts by how they use their possessions, not by how many possessions they have (Matthew 6:19–21).

That the members of the new church share their possessions shows they share a common goal and the heart to work together for that goal (Acts 4:32). In God's providence, this generosity also proves to be wise. We don't know the exact timeline of the early chapters in the book of Acts, but before very long, these believers will have to flee Jerusalem (Acts 8:1). The second stage of Jesus' plan for His witnesses will begin as His followers spread out over Judea and Samaria. The apostles will stay. But many in this group won't need their homes in Jerusalem anymore.
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