Acts 4:32-37·~1 min

Sharing among Believers

The multitude of believers is one in heart and soul, and no one claims possessions as exclusively their own. The apostles keep testifying to the resurrection with great power, grace rests on them all, and those with lands or houses sell them so distribution can be made according to need.

T³²he multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. ³³With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. ³⁴There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, ³⁵and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus whom the apostles call Barnabas, is introduced as one concrete instance of this generosity. He sells a field and lays the money at the apostles' feet.

³⁶Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (vvv meaning Son of Encouragement), ³⁷sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Section summaryThe believers are of one heart and soul, and possessions are no longer treated as private claims. As the apostles continue testifying to the resurrection, grace rests on the whole community, needs are met through shared gifts, and Barnabas becomes one named example of that common life.

Role in the chapterThis closing movement shows that bold witness and shared goods belong together. The resurrection testimony heard in public is matched by a form of life in which need is answered inside the body.