Here is an exercise for discernment: For today’s building of the church, should we…
- devote ourselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayers? Acts 2:42
- pool our possessions, having “all things in common”? Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-34
- attend the temple every day? Acts 2:46; 3:1
- boldly preach Christ as the only way to be saved? Acts 4:12-13
- ask details about donations? Acts 5:8
- obey God rather than men, when the two conflict? Acts 5:29
- select seven men to handle a new ministry? Acts 6:3
On what basis did you reply “Yes” or “No”? Was it emotional—this one felt right, that one did not? Was it tradition—this is how we always do it? Human preferences differ wildly and change with time. How much better to let Scripture lead! If you are familiar with the Bible, your reply likely was based on related Scriptures. You saw that every item in Acts 2:42 was supported by other passages. There is plenty of background, including Matthew 28:18-20, for learning from the inspired apostles. The same is true for prayer, the breaking of bread (the Lord’s Supper), fellowship, boldly preaching Christ, and obeying God. But numbers 3, 5 and 7 lack repetition or support elsewhere, which suggests that they were not setting exact models or precedents for us. However, they always have teaching value. For example, we do not have Peter’s special power and authority, but Acts 5:1-11 still warns us not to lie to God.
Likewise, number 2—pooling all possessions—arose from having to care for thousands converted in Jerusalem. Many had come long distances on the annual Passover and Pentecost pilgrimage. They were not prepared for a long stay to learn from the apostles (Acts 2:5, 41-47). To meet this overwhelming need, members pooled their resources. That was a unique level of need and joint response. However, great generosity remains an ongoing Christian virtue. True disciples already have made the decision to hand over all their possessions, and life itself, to Christ (Luke 6:30, 38; 14:26-33). They remain, therefore, ready to share when any need arises (Acts 11:28-30; 1 Timothy 6:18; Titus 3:1).
While discussing generosity, we should consider 1 Corinthians 16. What was the context that led to the instructions of 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, and what was the collection for? (See Acts 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1, 3; 2 Corinthians 8:4, 19; 9:1, 12.) With what sort of time frame were Paul and his original readers working? (See 2 Corinthians 8:10; 9:2; 1 Corinthians 16:2-3.) What was commanded (“directed”), and what was not commanded? (See 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:8.) What attitudes did the apostle want to inspire in the givers? (See 1 Corinthians 8:2-5; 2 Corinthians 9:5-8.) As you find answers from these Scriptures, how do you see them applying today?