The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. Acts 4:32 WEB
This verse describes the level of commitment and unity present in the early church. After coming together for the feast of Pentecost, the faithful received the Holy Spirit. What followed is Peter’s first sermon. In it, he gave a reasoned argument for Jesus fulfilling prophecy. In addition, he preached Christ crucified and the apostles gave witness to his resurrection from the dead. As a result thousands of listeners gave their lives to Christ.
Peter’s message was simple. He says in Acts 2:36, “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. WEB” Upon hearing this, many were convicted of the wickedness of their sins. Peter responds to their contrite hearts in the example set by Christ. He says in Acts 2:38, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. WEB”
One Body in Christ
Paul describes the church as diverse parts that work in unity like a body. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 he writes, “For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. WEB” Although we differ in talent, function, and ability, as Christians, we share things in common. Most importantly, we are each a part of the body of Christ.
As members of the body of Christ, the Lord calls us to share one another’s burdens and support one another as one body. For those who repent from sin and believe in Christ, we share in forgiveness and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Led by the Holy Spirit, the early church took the radical approach of sharing all things in common as one unified body.
We Can’t Serve Two Masters
Considering the love of material things as a barrier between themselves and God, the early Christians dedicated all they possessed to the community of believers as a whole. As Christ says in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon. WEB”
Valuing service to God more than the acquisition of personal wealth is consistent with the teaching of Christ. When a man asked what he must do to achieve eternal life, the Lord taught obedience to the commandments. After the man indicated that he kept the commandments, Jesus said in Luke 13:22, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me. WEB” To avoid the pitfalls of material greed, the early church shared all things in common.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for the guidance of your Holy Spirit. Give me wisdom to make the most of gifts you give. Guide me to use the resources you place in my hands to the glory of your kingdom. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Law of God
