and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had 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.
- BSB Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.
- NKJV and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as 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 3:17But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does God’s love remain in him?
- 1 Tim 6:18–19that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
- Acts 4:34For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
- Jas 2:14–16What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him?
- Prov 19:17He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.
- Luke 18:22When Jesus heard these things, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have, and distribute it to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Come, follow me.”
- Acts 11:29As any of the disciples had plenty, each determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea;
- Isa 58:7–12Isn’t it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh?
- Luke 12:33–34Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don’t grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn’t fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys.
- Prov 11:24–25There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.
- 2 Cor 9:9As it is written, “He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.”
- Matt 19:21Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
- Luke 19:8Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much.”
- Ps 112:9He has dispersed, he has given to the poor. His righteousness endures forever. His horn will be exalted with honor.
- Eccl 11:1–2Cast your bread on the waters; for you shall find it after many days.
- Luke 16:9I tell you, make for yourselves friends by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when you fail, they may receive you into the eternal tents.
- Jas 5:1–5Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming on you.
- 2 Cor 9:1It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints,
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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
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