Acts 4:34 - Printer Friendly

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,

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.

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.

Acts 4 gives the first hints of the persecution the church will face throughout its history. Peter and John attract attention when Peter heals a well-known lame beggar, and Peter uses the publicity to tell others about Christ. The Sanhedrin cannot allow the apostles to continue teaching Jesus rose from the dead. They arrest, warn, and free Peter and John, but it's just the beginning. Soon, they will arrest and beat all the apostles (Acts 5:17–42). Then a mob will stone Stephen (Acts 7:54–60). And Saul will persecute Jesus-followers in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1–3) and beyond (Acts 9:1–2). The Sanhedrin fails to realize—if you send Jesus-followers fleeing into the world, they will take Jesus' message with them.

The summary of the book of Acts is provided in Jesus' words in Acts 1:8: ''But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'' In Acts 2:1–13, the Christ-followers receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:14—7:60 describes the rapid growth of the church in Jerusalem. Chapters 8—12 find Jewish persecution inadvertently spreading the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria. And in chapters 13—28, Paul and his companions spread the good news throughout the Roman Empire.