Life In The Early Christian Community (Acts 4:32-37)

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. 34 There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, 35 and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. 36 Thus Joseph, also named by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, 37 sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the apostles.

Under the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, the members of the early Christian community were committed to each other and united in faith.  They shared their possessions, broke bread together, and prayed together (Acts 2:42-45).  The breaking of bread was a central liturgical ritual in the early Christian gatherings, where believers commemorated the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The signs and wonders performed by the Apostles in Jesus’ name were done through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:12-16).  By their powerful deeds, the Apostles demonstrated that they were continuing the work of Christ who had been raised from the dead.  It also confirmed the truth of their message and established their authority as representatives of Jesus Christ.  

Members of the community voluntarily sold their property to meet the needs of the community and donated the proceeds for the Apostles to distribute so that no one would be in need.  The Apostles served as stewards of the community's resources.  Jesus spoke of the radical commitment required to be his disciple, “Sell your belongings and give alms (Lk. 12:33),” which emphasized the importance of generosity and detachment from material wealth.  Jesus also said, “Everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple (Lk. 14:33).’  Joseph, also called Barnabas, who became Paul’s companion later in Acts (Acts 9:26-27), sold property and donated the proceeds for the apostles to distribute.  Barnabas was living out the principles of discipleship.  

Almighty God, look with mercy upon those you have chosen and grant them the grace to live in peace and unity as the early Christian community did.  Grant us the grace to share willingly with others, to be stewards of your blessings, and to live out the principles of discipleship with joy and commitment.  This we pray through Christ our Lord.  Amen!

__________________________________

References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.

                Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.