Apostolic Christians Had All Things Common

[Michael The Disciple]

He was explaining he was not attempting to take from them so that they would be poorer and the others richer, but rather that their giving would create an equality between them and those in Jerusalem. He never demanded any offering, nor that believers everywhere were to have all things common. When we consider a subject such as this, why not bring in all passages about giving? Paul also taught to give from your heart and not under compulsion. The Bible speaks of when we have the opportunity to do good to others. James spoke of seeing someone in need and telling them to be warmed and fed and yet do nothing about it.

And saints bringing their excess and laying it at the apostles feet seemed to be their way of doing something about it.

Having all things common was their way of saying that no one said anything that had was their own. It was then a matter of how much they were willing to distribute.

Anannias gave some of what he gained of his profits. There was nothing wrong with that. His sin was in saying he gave it all.

[Reader]

And saints bringing their excess and laying it at the apostles feet seemed to be their way of doing something about it.

I wouldn't trust many pastors to do this. As it stands, even with the tithes they demand, they do little to nothing to help out their own church members who are hurting.

Anannias gave some of what he gained of his profits. There was nothing wrong with that. His sin was in saying he gave it all.

Saying it was all so he could appear to have done like others did, too. I am in agreement with you on this.

[Originalist]

I see all things common in the early chapters of Acts, but not much after that. There does not seem to be anything to indicate this was an Apostolic command but maybe more of a necessity in some regions.

[Esaias]

Does it not read as if there "all things common" was a manifestation of the Spirit they all had? Of thr "fervent love of the brethren" they had?

Why do we seek to find reasons not to help our brethren? The church in Acts wasn't communist. People owned property. They just made all they had available to those who had need so that NONE SUFFERED LACK.

[Reader]

Why do we seek to find reasons not to help our brethren?

Don't recall seeing anyone doing such in this discussion.

[KeptByTheWord]

We have friends that tried to do exactly what the book of Acts did. They were a part of the Jesus movement, full of the Spirit, and eager to live as closely as possible to the experience of book of Acts church. So, about 30 years ago, sometime in the 70s, they sold all they had, and moved their entire family to a community where all things were held in common. It turned out to be the biggest mess they could have ever put their family through. I can't even begin to describe the things they went through, trying to follow the Lord, and have all things common with fellow believers. It failed, miserably. They lost everything, and all of their kids have strayed far from the Lord, because of the things they suffered while part of this commune. It wasn't quite as bad as the Jim Jones scenario, but lots of sexual abuse, misconduct, gross misuse of $$ and more.

So, the problem I have with trying to "mimic" the early church and their having all things in common would be that it may work for a while, but because we are human, and flesh, things degenerate, and people will get disillusioned, and while it may work for a season, it is not the answer for a lifetime.

Rather, I like what Esiasis said:

Why do we seek to find reasons not to help our brethren? The church in Acts wasn't communist. People owned property. They just made all they had available to those who had need so that NONE SUFFERED LACK.

I believe that the SPIRIT of having all things in common is closer to what the church in the book of Acts had (and what we should seek after), than the actual physical efforts of trying to live in a "commune" and physically having all things in common.

I do believe that the spirit of being willing to give to others and make up their lack is closer to the attitude and heart of the true NT churches, than an actual physical communing, and having all things common.

[DaveC519]

Originally Posted by 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.

"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth". (1 John 3:17-18)

"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble." (Ps 41:1)

"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." (Prov 19:17)

"Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." (Prov 21:13)

"He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor." (Prov 22:9)

"He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse." (Prov 28:27)

[DaveC519]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

I do believe that the spirit of being willing to give to others and make up their lack is closer to the attitude and heart of the true NT churches, than an actual physical communing, and having all things common.

Perhaps it comes down to church folk needing a positive example of this to see. Who here will be the first to be that example?

[Michael The Disciple]

I believe that the SPIRIT of having all things in common is closer to what the church in the book of Acts had (and what we should seek after), than the actual physical efforts of trying to live in a "commune" and physically having all things in common.

I never said they all lived in a commune. They evidently had homes or they would not have met house to house.

But they did have all things common. It was something important enough the Holy Spirit inspired it to but put in the sacred scriptures. It was not just a failed experiment as some here seem to suggest.

[KeptByTheWord]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

I never said they all lived in a commune. They evidently had homes or they would not have met house to house.

But they did have all things common. It was something important enough the Holy Spirit inspired it to but put in the sacred scriptures. It was not just a failed experiment as some here seem to suggest.

Past the Ananias and Saphira incident, there is no more record of the church "having all things in common". I don't believe it is mentioned again anywhere in the NT, which leads some to believe that perhaps the early zeal, fire, and excitement that brought thousands of people together perhaps changed into more of a spiritual thing, rather than so much physically living, eating, and working together. In the chapter about Steven, we see the seven men chosen to wait on the saints, so we know that they were sharing meals, and perhaps lodging together.

We know that they gathered together in houses to eat, and share the Lord's Supper as witnessed by 1 Cor. 11, yet Paul said that they had their own houses to eat and drink in first, so they wouldn't be gluttonous when coming together for the Lord's supper.

So, we know that by this remark by Paul that they weren't all living together, and having ALL things in common, even as it seemed perhaps they were doing in the early days of the church.

Which brings us to the fact that it is not so much a "physical" thing in having all things in common, but a spiritual love and care for the brothers and sisters in your fellowship to care, love and look out for each other, even as you would for your own self.

With that mindset, I agree with Aquila, who has experienced house church, as have we, and that is certainly the mindset that a house church generally builds upon - a close communion, love, and companionship among the people to help each other whether financially, physically, spiritually, or in any other way.

I do believe that spiritual fellowship within the body of Christ is not complete unless there is a willingness to give and help your brother or sister in their time of need.