32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. Acts 4:32–33
Two things were of primary importance to the early church, to unselfishly care for one another, and the propagation of the gospel, namely, to spread the good news of the “resurrection of the Lord Jesus.”
It appears that excess possessions were being sold to free up resources to help one another, and without hesitation or compulsion. We read of “houses” and “land,” not one’s homestead.
It also appears that the apostles of the church were responsible for distribution (Acts 4:35, 37, 5:2). The gifts were “laid at their feet.” This was a community of believers, by the way, not a communal.
“For there was not a needy person among them.” Acts 4:34 and “They would be distributed to each as any had need. Acts 4:35
It is our responsibility to share with other less fortunate believers, not to bring about equity, but to meet pressing needs and to bear fruit as Christians.
Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful. Titus 3:14
Secondly, we may set as a goal the sharing of the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, but it all starts with our convincing those who have not believed that Jesus is alive. This responsibility lies at the feet of the pastors of the church (here the apostles), but also falls to us as well, to use the power (Holy Spirit) within us to proclaim convincingly the full facts of his death, burial, and resurrection.
A minor but major point I would make regarding the good news. I have noted that we tend to focus on Jesus’ death (Jesus died for you!), but shortchange his resurrection. Not that we fail in our evangelical efforts based on the quality or thoroughness of our gospel presentation, but we have nothing if Jesus did not rise from the dead!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
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