Luke the physician wrote how Peter, “with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles, and all that believed were together, and had all things common, and in chapter two and verse forty-five of the book of Acts Luke shared how the believers, “sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men” where we read:
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
The verse begins, “And sold their possessions and goods, ...” Luke began with the words, “and sold their possessions” which means “and disposed of their property, land and estates by bartering or merchandising” “and goods” or “and wealth and substance”. Luke shared how the new believers “sold” their belongings and did the following with them.
The verse continues, “... and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” Luke added the words, “and parted them to all men” or “and divided and distributed their possessions and goods to each, every, the whole and everyone of the believers who assembled”, “as every man had need” which means “when each person whether male or female lacked, were destitute or in want”. Luke shared how the believers in the first church “distributed” their “possessions and goods” to those among them when they were in want or lacked necessities.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “giving” this first group of believers in Jesus were. If they “owned” things, they sold them so other believers who were in need would have the provision. This outward demonstration of the love of God within them was amazing, and their reliance upon one another was a beautiful act of sharing. God loves people, and He desires to have a personal relationship with them through His Son Jesus. Those who yield to Him are forgiven of their sins and become part of the family of God. Caring and sharing with others is a part of the belief and trust in Jesus, and anyone who yields to Him will be given a loving heart that cares for others more than themselves.
Next time Luke shares how the believers were, “continuing daily with one accord in the temple”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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