9 April 2024
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. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
Acts 4:32-37, NRSV
The generosity and willingness to share of this early Christian community is often referred to in the Acts of the Apostles. There is no sense that this common ownership of things was being imposed upon them by their leaders, Rather, their willingness to share came from their deep experience of God’s love and especially in the joy and hope gained from Jesus’ resurrection. We might now use the word “stewardship” to describe their attitude to the use and value of things. It is clear that things mattered less than people and that unity in belief and purpose mattered more than individual wealth. This “attitude of gratitude” is one that presents a challenge for us as we can find a great deal of comfort and security in our possessions. Perhaps it is worth reflecting on the fact that the early Christians for whom acts of generosity were a natural reaction to God’s generosity, were strengthened by their actions – no-one suffered want and all were respected.
- What would it have felt like to belong to the community described here?
- Where is your generosity needed by others?
Pray for all who suffer want of any kind and for a more generous sharing of the earth’s resources.
