What does Acts 4:37 mean?
Over five thousand people (Acts 4:4) have repented of their sins, accepted that Jesus rose from the dead, and dedicated their time to learning more about Jesus' teaching (Acts 2:42). Because so many of them are not from Jerusalem, those who have access to their assets willingly share what they have, even selling houses and property to provide for their new family members (Acts 4:32–35). Barnabas is one of these people.Luke deliberately placed the account of Barnabas' generosity just before the story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11). The husband and wife identify with the church but display only a semblance of the unity the Jesus-followers are known for. They sell some land and give Peter part of the money, telling him they are donating the full buying price. Peter doesn't care about the money—the money belongs to them and they are free to do with it as they choose. But their lie shows a deep disrespect of the Holy Spirit. They still value worldly recognition more than honest worship, which is the sin Jesus condemned the Jewish leadership of (Matthew 6:1–6). At a word from Peter, first Ananias and then Sapphira fall dead, impressing the importance of authentic worship on the other members of the church.
When Peter mentioned the twelve disciples had left their lives to follow Jesus, Jesus told them, "There is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time…and in the age to come eternal life" (Mark 10:29–30). There's no indication that Barnabas looked forward to God restoring his property, but his generosity is a wonderful example of love for the new brothers and sisters in Christ in the church.
Acts 4:32–37 is similar to Acts 2:42–47. After Peter's first sermon (Acts 2:14–41), new believers from all over the Roman Empire stayed in Jerusalem to learn from the apostles. Those who had means donated what they had so that no one had need. This system continues, but under slightly different circumstances. The church is now known by the Sanhedrin who very much disapproves of the message that Jesus rose from the dead (Acts 4:1–22). Still, the believers stay together, supporting each other both physically and spiritually.
Acts 4 continues the story started in Acts 3. Peter and John have healed a man born lame and preached that Jesus has risen from the dead. The Sanhedrin orders their arrest for teaching the resurrection. The Jewish officials warn Peter and John to stop speaking in Jesus' name. Peter and John refuse, but, since they have committed no crime, the Sanhedrin releases them. Peter and John return to their friends, and the Jesus-followers pray for boldness in the face of growing persecution. The church continues to grow, sharing all their possessions so that no one is in need.
