Called to Communism or Called to Sacrifice

Acts 2: "42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."



In 1848, Karl Heinrich Marx wrote a book that changed modern history. In The Communist Manifesto, Marx argued against private land ownership and for state ownership of factories and farms. He advocated a classless society using the stirring slogan: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs!”


People often point to similarities between Marx's ideals and passages in Acts. There are, however, some profound differences between Communism and the early church. For one thing, giving among the disciples was purely voluntary. Moreover, Acts 12:12 shows that believers owned houses. But even more importantly, the early church was motivated by a unity of love and sincerity of heart (2:46), only possible because of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.



These new believers were grounded in the apostles' teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer (2:42). Outsiders were struck by the unity of this new community (v. 43) and were drawn to it, showing that evangelism occurs both through powerful preaching (Acts 2:14-36) and godly lifestyles and service.


Next we find the noteworthy example of Barnabas, who lived up to his name (“son of encouragement”) by selling a field to help those in need. In stark contrast, we read about Ananias and Sapphira. Peter's words make it clear that this couple wasn't obligated to sell their property. Apparently, they wanted to enjoy the kind of reputation that Barnabas did, only they weren't as generous as he was. Their sin was hypocrisy.


The verb “kept back” used in Acts 5:2 is the same word used in the Greek translation of Joshua 7, which describes how Achan withheld for himself that which was devoted to the Lord. Like Achan, God's judgment on Ananias and Sapphira was immediate and purified God's people. Nothing destroys the unity of the church more quickly than hypocrisy.



Concerning Acts 4:32-37, John Calvin wrote, “They sold their own possessions in those days; in our day it is the lust to purchase that reigns supreme.” Today this same lust still reigns. Sharing one's possessions doesn't come naturally. Yet we all need to be challenged that thinking we actually own our possessions, withholding our tithes and failing to help the needy is a serious sin—particularly when we often want to be known as generous, committed Christians.