Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.
Parallel translations
- WEB They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.
- KJV And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
- NKJV and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
- NASB and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need.
- NLT They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The early believers sold their property and possessions to meet one another's needs. Their faith reshaped how they held material things, putting people above stuff.
Overview
This describes the radical generosity that flowed from the Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost. Selling was voluntary and need-driven, not a forced communalism, as later texts make clear (Acts 5:4). Their open-handedness reflected the self-giving love of Christ, who though rich became poor for our sake (2 Cor. 8:9), and modeled a community where the gospel transformed even economic life.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 18
- 1 Jn 3:17If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
- 1 Tim 6:18–19Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
- Acts 4:34There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales,
- Jas 2:14–16What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
- Prov 19:17Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
- Luke 18:22On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
- Acts 11:29So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
- Isa 58:7–12Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
- Luke 12:33–34Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
- Prov 11:24–25One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
- 2 Cor 9:9As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
- Matt 19:21Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
- Luke 19:8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.”
- Ps 112:9He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.
- Eccl 11:1–2Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
- Luke 16:9I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.
- Jas 5:1–5Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.
- 2 Cor 9:1Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you.
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 2:45 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.