The premise of this study is that in order for the church of Christ to be faithful today, it must have the faithful characteristics that were present in the first church of Christ established in Acts 2. When we consider what made the original church faithful and imitate those traits, we also will be the faithful church of Christ. Merely because a building may have “Church of Christ” on the outside does not mean that those who assemble on the inside are pleasing to God. In the first two parts of this study, we noted that to be faithful like the early church we must first be devoted to spiritual things (i.e. the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, worship, and prayers, Acts 2:42), and then we must promote reverence for God in our lives (Acts 2:43). Let us now consider a third characteristic.

Not only did the early church show devotion to spiritual things and promote reverence for God, they were also known as people who would share---even sell---their possessions to help those in need. “And all that believed were together, and had all things common: And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:44-45). Their willingness even to sell their possessions was based upon the unity they felt with one another. This fact is stated in Acts 4:32, “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.” Their attitude of what is mine is ours, which sprang from their “one heart” and “one soul,” preached volumes! Note the result, “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33). The reason why the early church sold their possessions was to help those in need (cf. 1 Jn. 3:17). Note that “all…every man” in need was the potential scope of this assistance (Acts 2:45). It seems to this writer that to limit “every man” to “only saints” in Acts 2:45, as some do, would require the same for “every soul” (Acts 2:43) and “all the people” (Acts 2:47), but the context surely includes nonbelievers. Who else can be “added” to the church?

Three observations must be made concerning the early church’s selling of possessions and giving to those in need. First, this action was completely voluntary. This was not a form of communism. Obviously, everyone did not sell everything, for then all would be in need. However, consider Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-5). They were not struck dead by God because they failed to give all the money. Peter told Ananias that while the land was his, he had authority to use it as he saw fit, and when he sold it, the money was also in his power to use in accordance with proper stewardship (Acts 5:4). Ananias’ sin was lying to God (Acts 5:3)!

Second, the early church’s selling of possessions and giving to those in need was done on a limited scale. As mentioned above, everyone did not sell everything! Rather, opportunity is the limiting factor. Listen to Paul, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). There are two parts to opportunity: (1) there must be a genuine need, and (2) we must have the resources to meet that need. When both of these are present, we are obligated to help, yes, even rejoice at the opportunity! Although members of the church are to take priority, saints are not the only ones to whom we can extend benevolence, whether done individually or collectively.

Third, the early church’s selling of possessions and giving to those in need was a temporary and expedient way of meeting a permanent obligation. There may be more expedient ways to help in our culture. We must not bind any one method as the only way to help those in need. However, Jesus still gives the immortal principle, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

We cannot be the faithful church of Christ unless we are willing to help those in need, even if it means selling our possessions. Since the local church consists of individuals, and to be a faithful congregation, its members must be faithful, each of us must be willing to help those in need. Are we?

[to be continued]

- Brian Kenyon -