Acts 2:41-47

[GregoryTurner]

Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Why is this not in practice today?

Grace be with you,
g

 

[christianmomof3]

That did not last for very long after it began.

Acts 5:
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property
2 And put aside for himself some of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it. And he brought some part of it and laid it at the feet of the apostles.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to deceive the Holy Spirit and to put aside for yourself some of the proceeds of the land?
4 While it remained, was it not your own? And when it was sold, was it not under your authority? Why is it that you have contrived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.
5 And when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and expired; and great fear came upon all those who heard this.
6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up; and carrying him out, they buried him.
7 And it happened that after an interval of about three hours, his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in.
8 And Peter answered her, Tell me whether you have sold the land for this much? And she said, Yes, for this much.
9 And Peter said to her, Why is it that it was agreed between you two to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.
10 And she fell down instantly at his feet and expired. And the young men came in and found her dead; and carrying her out, they buried her with her husband.

Acts 6:1 And in these days, as the disciples were multiplying in number, a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews occurred, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily dispensing.

1 Cor. 11:
18 For first of all, when you come together in the church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and some part of it I believe.
19 For there must even be parties among you, that those who are approved may become manifest among you.
20 When therefore you come together in the same place, it is not to eat the Lord's supper;
21 For in your eating, each one takes his own supper first, and one is hungry and the other is drunk.

 

[Sphinx777]

Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Why is this not in practice today?

Grace be with you,
g

Cenobite (also spelled cœnobitic, koinobitic) monasticism is a monastic tradition that stresses community life. Often in the West, the community belongs to a religious order and the life of the cenobitic monk is regulated by a religious rule, a collection of precepts. The older style of monasticism, to live as a hermit, is called eremitic; and a third form of monasticism, found primarily in the East, is the skete.

The English words "cenobite" and "cenobitic" are derived, via Latin, from the Greek words κοινός and βίος (koinos and bios, meaning "common" and "life"). The adjective is κοινοβιακόν in Greek. A group of monks living in community is often referred to as a "cenobium".

Cenobitic monasticism exists in various religions, though Buddhist and Christian cenobitic monasticism are the most prominent.

The organized version of Christian cenobitic monasticism is commonly thought to have started in Egypt in the 4th century AD. Christian monks of previous centuries were usually hermits, especially in the Middle East; this continued to be very common until the decline of Syrian Christianity in the Late Middle Ages. This form of solitary living, however, did not suit everyone. Some monks found the eremitic style to be too lonely and difficult; and if one was not spiritually prepared, the life could lead to mental breakdowns.

For this reason, organized monastic communities started to be created, so that monks could have more support in their spiritual struggle. While eremitic monks did have an element of socializing, since they would meet once a week to pray together, cenobitic monks came together for common prayer on a more regular basis. The cenobitic monks also practised more socializing because the monasteries where they lived were often located in or near inhabited villages. For example, the Bohairic version of the Life of Pachomius states that the monks of the monastery of Tabenna built a church for the villagers of the nearby town of the same name even "before they constructed one for themselves." This means that cenobitic monks did find themselves in contact with other people, including lay people, whereas the eremitic monks tried their best to keep to themselves, only meeting for prayer occasionally.

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Is there any OT significance to the "3000". Never really studied on the number used but generally anytime numbers are used, it will relate to something in the OT. Here is where 3000 is used in some of the places:

1Chronicles 29:4 Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:

1Chronicles 12:29 And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.

Joshua 7:4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.

Judges 15:11 Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.

Judges 16:27 Now the house was full of men and women; and all the rulers of the Philistines were there; and there were upon the roof about three thousand men and women, that beheld while Samson made sport.

 

[New_Wineskin]

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Why is this not in practice today?

Over the past 2000 years , too many christian leaders have taken the lion's share of what was held in common for everyone instead of being last and waiting to make sure that they took care of everyone else , first .

 

[GregoryTurner]

Ok that was confusin....lol

I should have placed an emphasis on v. 45. Where all the posessions were sold and divided to all who had need???

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

Ok that was confusin....lol

I should have placed an emphasis on v. 45. Where all the posessions were sold and divided to all who had need???

Does it say they sold ALL their goods/possessions or what they didn't need?

Maybe the end of that "age/generation" was coming soon.

Acts 2:45 And the acquisitions and the goods they disposed/sold and thru-parted them to all forasmuch as any need he had.

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from the generation, the crooked, this."

1 Peter 4:7 Of All-things yet The End Has-Neared; be sane then, and be sober into the prayers,

 

[Awakening 38]

Hi GregoryTurner,

I would agree with LittleLambofJesus in that the passage does not imply that they sold all their possessions and property ... only so much as they needed to help those who were need.

As to why such a thing isn't in practice today, I guess particularly in the Western societies pagan ideas have had quite a big influence as we are more materialistically driven and self-centred in the way that we approach life. I think that we as a society are hesitant to give away a lot of our possessions because we're so caught up in living the 'American dream' lifestyle, a philosophy that completely saturates our society.

It is something to think about though, it's something for me to think about.

Kind regards,
A38.

 

[Awakening 38]

As an additional side note for interest, Craig Keener (1993:330) pointed out that such charitable behaviour as described in Acts 2:43-45 "reportedly continued among Christians well into the second century, and it was long ridiculed by pagans until pagan values finally overwhelmed the church".

Keener, C. 1993. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, Illinois.

 

[marksman007]

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Why is this not in practice today?

Can I boldly suggest and I am hiding behind the door so as to avoid the missiles, that the verses were written to describe the NT church and how it functioned.

It doesn't happen today because in the main, the NT concept of church does not exist. In comparison, we don't eat together, we don't share our goods, we don't care for one another, we don't believe in the supernatural power of God, we don't believe in the priesthood of all believers, we would rather believe in the priesthood of the few which the cross did away with, we do not take up our cross daily because we would rather take up our comfortable living, we don't believe that we are called to establish God's kingdom we are only interested in establishing our church, we don't believe that there is a war going on in the heavenlies we act as though their is a holiday going on in Hawaii.

And finally, we don't really believe that Jesus is coming back again, at least not until we are dead and gone, so why worry.

 

[Photini]

Does it say they sold ALL their goods/possessions or what they didn't need?

Maybe the end of that "age/generation" was coming soon.

Acts 2:45 And the acquisitions and the goods they disposed/sold and thru-parted them to all forasmuch as any need he had.

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from the generation, the crooked, this."

1 Peter 4:7 Of All-things yet The End Has-Neared; be sane then, and be sober into the prayers,

IIRC, the early Christians did believe that Christ was returning soon...in their time even. So it doesn't surprise me at all that they would sell all of their possessions.

FWIW, men and women who enter the monastic life still do this to this day. They have no possessions of their own, except for their clothes and very few random items (Bible, prayer rope, etc..).

 

[GregoryTurner]

Can I boldly suggest and I am hiding behind the door so as to avoid the missiles, that the verses were written to describe the NT church and how it functioned.

It doesn't happen today because in the main, the NT concept of church does not exist. In comparison, we don't eat together, we don't share our goods, we don't care for one another, we don't believe in the supernatural power of God, we don't believe in the priesthood of all believers, we would rather believe in the priesthood of the few which the cross did away with, we do not take up our cross daily because we would rather take up our comfortable living, we don't believe that we are called to establish God's kingdom we are only interested in establishing our church, we don't believe that there is a war going on in the heavenlies we act as though their is a holiday going on in Hawaii.

And finally, we don't really believe that Jesus is coming back again, at least not until we are dead and gone, so why worry.

Amen, brother, Amen!
I see this just about everywhere I look. Just to share a short story with you...
In the place where I work, everyone there are "church going, bible believing, Jesus loving Christians". I over heard someone talking about a place that takes on anyone who has need for food, clothing, etc and they were set up outside the building asking for anyone to donate anything. The conversation turned to me asking did they stop... "It is not my fault they are hungry and have need"... This same person states, "I try to live right". Also, "I do not read the Bible as much as I should, I listen to the preaching on Sunday mornings".

What a HORRIBLE mindset!!! First off, Jesus states that if you love Him, you will keep His words. How can you keep His words if you do not read them? Just what are pastors/teachers teaching today? Are leaders in the churches becoming more like Joel Osteen with watered down doctrine? Where is the BOLDNESS that is examplified within the text of the four Gospels? To what extent are we to go and make disciples of all nations and people? Are preachers going for this mindset in Acts 2:45 and trying to keep it for themselves, scratching the "itching ears" of those who can give them more money? Too many pastors are teaching this "prosperity" sermon saying that Jesus was wealthy. I am reminded of Jesus stating that the birds of the air had nests but the SOn of Man had no where to lay His head... When He sent out disciples to preach He told them to take no provisions with them...

Sorry for rambling but I just have to say this somewhere. We need to get in the mindset of Philippians 2:1-11 and love those who are under false teaching. Even though we will be hated and treated with evil looks and actions. Remember, if the world hates you, it hated Jesus first...

Grace be with you,
g

 

[GregoryTurner]

Does it say they sold ALL their goods/possessions or what they didn't need?

Maybe the end of that "age/generation" was coming soon.

Acts 2:45 And the acquisitions and the goods they disposed/sold and thru-parted them to all forasmuch as any need he had.

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from the generation, the crooked, this."

1 Peter 4:7 Of All-things yet The End Has-Neared; be sane then, and be sober into the prayers,

That is what I was asking... Did they sell all they had and divided among each other? Jesus told a rich man to sell all that he had and give to the poor... Did the disciples know this and do this here in Acts 2?

Grace be with you,
g

 

[Awakening 38]

Hi GregoryTurner,

You asked:

Did they sell all they had and divided among each other? Jesus told a rich man to sell all that he had and give to the poor... Did the disciples know this and do this here in Acts 2?
​

I believe that Jesus' command to the rich young man (Mark 10:17-22) was specifically for him (though we can learn from it). I love how Jesus dealt with Him: He could have rebuked the young man when he said that he had kept all the law since he was young (v. 19) by saying something like "I'm God and you can't pull that one on me!" But v. 20 gives us a look into Jesus' heart - it says that He looked at him and loved him and He decided instead to get to heart of the issue in v. 21 where He demonstrates to this young man by His command that God isn't the first one in his life - his money and possessions were. This was one obstacle that God would have him over come.

I think in Acts 2 and other places the Christians did what they did because God was already number one in their lives and they held the welfare of the needy above their own personal pleasure and comfort that they gained through possessions and wealth. In other words, they were motivated by love. They didn't suffer from the same problem as the young man in Mark 10.

Kind regards,
A38.

 

[marksman007]

Hi Greg,
Your little story reminds me of a saying "here am I Lord, send him". One thing I am very aware of and that is where God seems to be working with supernatural power is countries where people haven't got two cents to rub together. Seems to me the gospel is more powerful when you are not rich especially when Revelation records the Laodicean church saying it was rich and had need of nothing.

I have asked myself what are pastors teaching today, judging by some of the rubbish that is spoken in christian forums and so called christians defending abortion as a right. You might like to look at my blog which is linked to my web page listed in my profile.

 

[spiritman]

The words of Jesus were very dear to the early church.

Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

They loved and believed that they were all part of the same family, the family of God. They could share, give, and consider their possessions as common.

Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

 

[HandmaidenOfGod]

Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Why is this not in practice today?

Grace be with you,
g

I believe much of this still is in practice today, but to varying degrees. During the time Acts was written, the Church was viewed as a "cult" by both Jewish and Roman leaders. There were no parish councils to decide on budget, no funding, and frankly, the Apostles were all outlaws to one degree or another. Therefore the it was critical for Christians to come together and support one another in this manner not just for spiritual edification, but for survival.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church we still see examples of charity and breaking of bread. My parish's Philopticos Society collects money to give to the poor, those in need, and various charities. Every Sunday after Liturgy, the parishoners gather together for coffee hour.

As Photini mentioned, the Church also has monastic communities where people give up all of their earthly posessions to do the most important job of all: to pray for the world.

In conclusion, I believe the Church of Acts does exist today, and there is plenty of evidence to support this belief.

 

[GregoryTurner]

This should be the same today. I have come to think that this is one reason why there are so many divisions. Society teaches the "me, me, me" philosophy and it trickles over to church goers as well. Why does it trickle to church goers? Because they are not firmly planted in the Word.

I am putting together two studies: "Leadership is just about dead" & "Having the mindset Jesus carried from heaven down here to earth". If everything we own is God's, then why not give and give and give storing up for ourselves treasures in Heaven? There are people who give to the poor, visit the sick, clothe the needy, etc but I have found that we all as followers/disciples of Christ have abundance we should also give in abundance. This does not necessarily mean monetary means. Lemme share another story, not to boast of myself but of God...

My wife and I would go to church and lead worship. Then we would go out to eat with the pastor and a few others from the church. Along the way passing people walking down the street who were in shabby clothes and obviously hungry. This went on for about a month or two until it hit me... How horrible of me to go and fill my stomach while people are on the street hungry. The $40 I used for my wife, my kids and I to eat could have been used to feed the guy down the road. That $40 could have bought 2 loaves of bread, a jar of mayo & mustard, some lunch meat, and a gallon sweet tea. We also would have had enough left over to buy the guy a new jacket to keep him warm in the cold weather. Well, we were on our way to eat and I passed one such person. We were on our way to the church and I had to turn around. We did not get to feed that guy that day becuase church was about to start. We did give him $20 and told him that if he was still there after church, we would bring him some food and another jacket. Well, someone must have either give him something else or took him to eat or he found another person willing to help because I never saw him after that. It has often left me wondering if that was an angel, and I was unaware...

Grace be with you,
g

 

[New_Wineskin]

My wife and I would go to church and lead worship. Then we would go out to eat with the pastor and a few others from the church. Along the way passing people walking down the street who were in shabby clothes and obviously hungry. This went on for about a month or two until it hit me... How horrible of me to go and fill my stomach while people are on the street hungry. The $40 I used for my wife, my kids and I to eat could have been used to feed the guy down the road. That $40 could have bought 2 loaves of bread, a jar of mayo & mustard, some lunch meat, and a gallon sweet tea. We also would have had enough left over to buy the guy a new jacket to keep him warm in the cold weather. Well, we were on our way to eat and I passed one such person. We were on our way to the church and I had to turn around. We did not get to feed that guy that day becuase church was about to start. We did give him $20 and told him that if he was still there after church, we would bring him some food and another jacket. Well, someone must have either give him something else or took him to eat or he found another person willing to help because I never saw him after that. It has often left me wondering if that was an angel, and I was unaware...

Well , see now ... that is great !! But , it is completely different than the OP . You did it the right way . You went by what the Lord was telling you as an individual . You didn't put it in a pot so that leaders would decide .

If you did what the OP was about , you wouldn't have been able to do what you did - you wouldn't have the concept that you could distribute what is given to you as the Lord tells you . You would hae already given your money to the collectors .

 

[GregoryTurner]

Why not? I am a leader.