Apostolic Christians Had All Things Common

[Michael The Disciple]

Do we REALLY want to be "Apostolic"? We use the book of Acts to prove baptism in Jesus name. We use the book of Acts to prove the Holy Spirit baptism with tongues.

When it comes to this.......the silence of unbelief.

42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. Acts 2:42-45

Who wants an Apostolic book of Acts Church?

32And 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. 33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Acts 4:32-35

I remember in 1982 preaching this over the pupit at the Apostolic Gospel Church in Springfield Ohio. As soon as I finished the message the Pastor came right behind me and said, "and having all things common is done by paying your tithes".

Oh friends the reason we dont have book of Acts power is because we refuse to follow the example of the apostles of Yeshua.

True early on the message of baptism in Jesus name and the Spirit baptism had a great anointing with it. But when YHWH calls his people to full obedience and they refuse it would seem his anointing begins to wane.

Is this not the plight of the modern day Apostolic movement?

Anyone want to see a move among the Churches to have all things common?

[Aquila]

In the house church movement we generally view this as sharing our entire lives. If my brother or sister has a need, and any of us have the ability to meet that need, we meet the need. My lawn mower is not just mine... it belongs to my brothers and sisters too. We've also taken up offerings to help those struggling under a utility bill or what have you. When we all pool together like a family, amazing things happen.

But I know this isn't about the house church movement. I was just sharing something I've experienced while walking among them.

[Carl]

Now this is what I like! Two of my favorite posters back to back agreeing on something. Great comments! What would it take to get us to that place where we have all things common?

[Truthseeker]

What would all things common look like today?

[Reader]

All believers everywhere during that time did not have "all things in common" so to teach this was a standard for all & today we need to do likewise is incorrect. It was among those in Jerusalem. This would have ended with the persecution in Jerusalem which scattered the believers.

[good samaritan]

Originally Posted by Reader

All believers everywhere during that time did not have "all things in common" so to teach this was a standard for all & today we need to do likewise is incorrect. It was among those in Jerusalem. This would have ended with the persecution in Jerusalem which scattered the believers.

I have always understood it this way also. Because of their current system in Jerusalem they were free to flee Jerusalem with no strings attached when it fell. I do agree the church should be more family structured than what we sometimes are. If we see needs in the body we are obligated to one another.

If the church operated more like this it would be good. The problem is there would also be those who come in among us and would take advantage. Paul never expected one man to work so another could live off of his brethren. That is why I think giving should always be freewill. People are always the best judge of whether or not they are being taken advantage of. The church shouldn't get involved in redistributing other people's finances.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

What would all things common look like today?

Sharing our lives, resources, and belongings in a spirit of brotherly love. That's my opinion.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Reader

All believers everywhere during that time did not have "all things in common" so to teach this was a standard for all & today we need to do likewise is incorrect. It was among those in Jerusalem. This would have ended with the persecution in Jerusalem which scattered the believers.

Really? Perhaps at a certain point baptism in Jesus name ceased? After all we know a great majority never practiced it after a while. Same with baptism in the Spirit with tongues. It gets hard to find historically.

Does that mean its no longer in Gods design, because men dont do it?

I believe it was universally practiced by the early Church.

Here is the example.

13For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. 2 Cor. 8:13-15

Acts 4:32 tells us they said nothing they had was their own. That is how it works.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Sharing our lives, resources, and belongings in a spirit of brotherly love. That's my opinion.

And that I believe is what they were doing. Obviously it does not mean to convey that everyone sold their homes and moved into one house. Then how would they be able to meet house to house?

But those who had excess....sold houses and lands. The rich distributing to the poor. Those who had something extra giving to those who had need.

Altho it must be balanced by the Spirits admonition that "if any man will not work neither shall he eat" 2 Thess 3:11.

[Truthseeker]

MTD, Whatt would it look like today? No vacation? No new cars? No savings? No retirement?