October 10

Acts 4: 24-37
24 When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, 25 it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant: 'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers have gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.' 27 For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. 32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33 With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35 They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"). 37 He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

The early church is portrayed as being fully committed to the proclamation of the gospel and in caring for each other. They were of “one heart and soul”. The result of this is that “there was not a needy person among them.” There have been many appeals to the “communism” described in verse 32 to support calls for a Biblical economy. It is true that the gospel has changed the hearts of those who follow Jesus.

It is the testimony to the resurrection of Jesus that is the focus. Their economic structure is not the focus. They are a changed people because of their mission. They are proclaiming Jesus. This is done with the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. Now their life and actions reflect the power and grace of their mission.

It is easy to focus on the structure, worship, or other aspects of the church. It is the message of the early church that shaped and structured it. Its message of the resurrected Jesus is seen even at the economic level. The stewardship of the gifts given the church is in the care of each other and in the proclaiming the resurrection.

Reflection questions:
1. What defines your congregation?
2. Do we know each other well enough to be able to make sure that there is no one in need?
3. How do we define our needs today? How is this affected by the resurrection of Jesus?