and laid them at the apostles’ feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need.
Parallel translations
- KJV And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
- BSB and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.
- NKJV and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
- NASB and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each to the extent that any had need.
- NLT and bring the money to the apostles to give to 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
They laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each according to need. The church organized care so that no one lacked.
Overview
Laying gifts 'at the apostles' feet' signified entrusting them for fair distribution under apostolic oversight. The principle of giving according to need shows wise and compassionate stewardship. This generosity was orderly as well as heartfelt, meeting real needs within the body. It models how the love of Christ shapes a community to share its resources thoughtfully for the good of all its members.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 6
- Acts 5:2and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
- Acts 2:45They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.
- 2 Cor 8:20–21We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us.
- Acts 4:37having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
- Acts 6:1–6Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.
- Acts 3:6But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”
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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 4:35 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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