Poor People: All Things In Common

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:44-47 (NKJV)

As described in Acts, the early church thrived in a time of uncommon unity. New saints were learning continually…

  • Meeting in fellowship regularly,

  • Breaking bread together in communion,

  • Devoting unmeasured time to prayer,

  • Experiencing God's awesome Presence,

  • Witnessing marvelous signs and wonders,

  • Abiding in hope, joy, and thanksgiving,

  • Praising God in their triumphs and trials,

  • Adding new believers in Christ daily, 

  • And selflessly sharing their possessions!

'As it is written, 'He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little had no lack' ' (2 Corinthians 8:15).

Rich people were no longer hoarding wealth, and poor people were no longer in need.

Can you imagine such a gracious time… 

  • When Christians understood they owned NOTHING!

  • When all assets were called God's property!

  • When all shared their goods as Christ commanded!

Considering today's rich believers, how far have we strayed from His leadership? Jesus didn't just preach it, He lived it.

On the other hand, isn't the “All things in common” practice… somewhat like socialism or communism? * 

Sadly, yes AND no. Because when corruption mixes with truth, a disaster is waiting to happen. Lucifer is a tragic example of a good design failing without God.

Nevertheless, can we return to the sharing examples of the early church? Person to person, neighbor to neighbor, and community to community? Yes!

Poor People: All Things In Common (Part 31)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

* Definition of socialism: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/socialism?s=t

* Definition of communism: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/communism

Carey Arban