All Things Common
Lessons from the 1st Century Church | A Study through the Book of Acts • Sermon • Submitted
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· 4 viewsThe first century believers came together as one and sold their possessions and supplied for one another as they had need.
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Introduction
Generosity as defined by Webster’s Dictionary is, The quality of being kind and generous. As we come to our text, we see generosity as a defining characteristic of the 1st Century church. Up till this point, we have seen the that a Spirit filled, Spirit lead church, as demonstrated by the 1st Century church has courage, commitment, boldness, and finally we find that they have generosity. This generosity that they show to one another is an example of Jesus’ call to His disciples. As tells them, if you love me, you will follow my commands. He later states, by this will all men know that you are my disciples, that ye love one another.
What many within the church and the church as a whole is missing is generosity. The contemporary church of America is truly missing courage, commitment, boldness, and generosity. Do we miss any or all of these here at Macedonia? If so, we as a body of faith, the bride of Christ, must begin to make the necessary changes so that we truly can be a Spirit filled, Spirit lead church that is a demonstration of God’s power that is exemplified through courage, commitment, boldness, and generosity.
Focus Passage
32 And the multitude of [them that believed] were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of [the things which he possessed] was [his own;] but they had [all things] common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither 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,] 35 And [laid them down] at the apostles’ feet: and [distribution was made] unto [every man] [according as] he had need. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, [(which is,] being interpreted, The son of [consolation,) a] Levite, and [of the country of Cyprus,] 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Outline
The 1st Century Church was Unified (vv.32-33)
The 1st Century Church was Unified (vv.32-33)
The 1st Century church had unified pulse - ‘were of one heart and of one soul’
When the first century church began on the Day of Pentecost, we find it was unified and firmly knit together. As Peter stood with the eleven, he declared their unity as one and under the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:14). The 1st Century church’s pulse was a unified commitment to glorify God. The 1st Century church, Spirit filled and Spirit lead came unified as one and committed themselves daily to the studying of God’s Word, communion with one another, and worship through the observance of the Lord’s Supper and prayer.
42 And they [continued steadfastly] in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The 1st Century Church had a unified generosity
We must learn, as contemporary believers that which the 1st Century church understood from the get go. There is no room for selfishness and greed within the body of Christ or the economy of God, neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
Luke had already revealed this truth to us previously in the book of Acts, once again at the Day of Pentecost, And all that believed were together, and had all things common (Acts 2:44). The 1st Century church, Spirit filled, and Spirit lead, showed great generosity, care, and provision for one another. This practice of selling all that you had and sharing among each other is only mentioned here within our text. This exact mode of living is not an order to be followed by the contemporary church, however, the principle is. We are called to care for one another. We are called to take care of those of our family and especially of those of the household of faith
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto [them who are of the household] of faith.
The 1st Century Church has a unified objective
Luke writes, And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The objective of the 1st Century church was spread the Gospel. Is this our objective here at Macedonia? If so, are we truly unified with this objective? If not, we need to make the necessary changes as individuals and as a body to make it our objective. This was the sole purpose of the 1st Century church, to glorify God. They did this through the share of the Gospel. May this be our sole purpose. As a result of being unified in pulse, generosity, and objective, we find that the church was blessed by the hand of God, and great grace was upon them all. They found favor with the people, which is what stunted the initial attacks and threats on the church.
21 So when they had [further threatened] them, they [let them go,] finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for [that which was done.]
26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
Will the church face enemies? Yes! Will the church face attacks? Yes! However, when a church is Spirit filled, Spirit led, and have all things common, God will do as he says, and draw all men unto himself and the church will be blessed by growth.
47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily [such as should be saved.]
The 1st Century Church was Unselfish (vv.34-35)
The 1st Century Church was Unselfish (vv.34-35)
34 Neither 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,] 35 And [laid them down] at the apostles’ feet: and [distribution was made] unto [every man] [according as] he had need.
God has blessed each of us in different ways. He may have blessed us financially. He may have blessed us with properties. He may have blessed us with differing talents or abilities, but God has blessed us. He calls us to be good stewards of the blessings that he has given us. When we are good stewards of those blessings that God has given us, especially the financial realm, things happen.
The 1st Century Church took care of her own - ‘Neither was there any among them that lacked’
The 1st Century Church was focused on stewardship not ownership - ‘for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them’
The 1st Century Church was about family not fad - ‘and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto ever man according as he had need’
The 1st Century Church was unified, unselfish, and unafraid. They prayed for boldness to preach God’s Word and to remain faithful, and God blessed that request. We also find one other characteristic, the 1st Century Church Encouraged.
The 1st Century Church Encouraged (vv.36-37)
36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, [(which is,] being interpreted, The son of [consolation,) a] Levite, and [of the country of Cyprus,] 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Luke, looking for a prime example of what was taking place within the 1st Century Church, chose a member named Barnabas. Barnabas would late become a faithful servant of the Lord throughout the book of Acts. We find that his name, although debated at times, means The son of consolation, meaning solace, care, exhortation. We find that Barnabas was an encourager. We need more of those within the church today. Barnabas, as an encourager, as an example to follow, sold all that he had and brought it to the church as an offering before God, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. He was not concerned about all that he had, but he was concerned for the wellbeing of others, his obedience to the Lord, and to faithful and sacrificial giving. May we in turn learn to being more concerned for the wellbeing of others, our obedience to the Lord, and to faithful and sacrificial giving to God. As stated previously there is no room for greed or selfishness within the household of faith and the economy of God.
Conclusion
Let us first make sure our calling and election in Christ Jesus. Let make sure that we nailed down our salvation in the Lord. Then, let us as individuals, as a church learn to be unified, unselfish, unafraid, and practice encouragement.