thinking bible.

You asked

how does this early christian practice relate to or differ from old testament laws concerning poverty and land?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Acts 2:44-45

All those who believed were together, and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.

This passage describes the early Christian community in Jerusalem, shortly after Pentecost. Luke, the author of Acts, portrays them as unified in belief and practice, sharing their resources to care for everyone among them.

What does a commitment to meeting basic needs mean for how we think about ownership and access to resources today?

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Read alongside it

  • Deuteronomy 15:7-8

    This Old Testament law commands open-handed generosity to the poor within the community, ensuring no one is needy.

  • Acts 4:32-35

    Another description of the early Christian community, emphasizing their unity and the system of sharing that ensured 'there wasn't anyone among them who lacked'.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:13-15

    Paul encourages equitable sharing among different churches, so that abundance can supply lack, and vice-versa.

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