Acts 4:35 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and laid it at the apostles ' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

NIV: and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

NASB: and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each to the extent that any had need.

CSB: and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.

NLT: and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

KJV: And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

NKJV: and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

The twelve apostles, who had followed Jesus for three years in poverty, are now responsible for the wealth of thousands of new Jesus-followers. They are exemplifying Jesus' example of servant-leadership (Matthew 20:25–28).

As Jesus traveled to Jerusalem, He met a rich young man who faithfully followed the Mosaic law. Jesus noticed a weakness in his character, however, and challenged him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. His love of money kept him from fully dedicating his life to God (Mark 10:17–22). After the man left, despondent, Peter pointed out that the disciples had abandoned everything to follow Jesus (Mark 10:28). Days later, the thief Judas (John 12:4–6) sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15). Now, thousands of people entrust the apostles with their money and possessions.

The apostles receive the offerings, but it's not clear who disburses them. As the church grows, the task grows more difficult, to the point that the widows from outside the Aramaic-speaking regions don't receive sufficient support. At the time, Jews living outside of Judea tried to move to Jerusalem in their later years, hoping to die in Jerusalem. It's possible the church includes a significant number of elderly widows.

When the Greek-speaking Christian Jews point out the inconsistency, the apostles consider the situation. The apostles' job is to bear witness to Jesus' resurrection, teach the new believers, and pray (Acts 1:8; 2:42; 6:4). The church selects seven men to take over the management of the donations (Acts 6:1–3). In doing so, the church remains unified, and more people share in leadership responsibilities.

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.