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The Joy of Generosity | Part 1: What does the Bible say about giving?

November 28, 2022
Acts 4:32-37

³²Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. ³³And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. ³⁴There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold ³⁵and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. ³⁶Thus Joseph, who was  also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, ³⁷sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

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In Acts 4, Luke writes about Peter and John’s arrest and appearance before the Council of the Sadducees and religious leaders. They are accused of proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. In verse 8 we see Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly witness in the name of Jesus. 

Such was the power of Peter’s speech that the Council had nothing to say in response, and they released the Apostles. Peter and John’s boldness inspires the early Christians—they gather together as a church and pray for boldness to proclaim the name of Jesus. In Acts 4:31 we read that the Christians in the church were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. Luke emphasizes the unity of early Christians as the Spirit filled, and Spirit led church. Early Christians ordered their lives in light of the power of the resurrected Jesus. In verses 32-37, we see the work of the Spirit in and through early Christians—particularly with respect to addressing the material needs of fellow believers. In chapter 4, Luke records the work of the Holy Spirit in unifying the church, enabling the Christians to boldly proclaim the gospel, and to meet the needs of fellow Christians voluntarily, responsively, and sacrificially. 

1. In verse 32, we read, “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul.” What can we learn about the early church from this verse? 

2. In verse 32, Luke emphasizes the point that the early Christians had everything “in common.” How are we to interpret the word “common” here? (Hint: Jason briefly describes the word in the video).

3. In the video, Jason outlines Acts 4:32-27 under three main sections describing how the earliest Christians gave away their resources in radical proportions to meet the needs of others in response to the grace they had received in and through Jesus. What are the three ways the early church shared their money and possessions? How have you seen or experienced generosity at Central?

4. In verse 32, we read: “No one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own.” What can we learn about the early Christians’ view of property and material wealth from this verse? How ought it shape our own call to generosity?

5. In verse 34, Luke emphasizes how the early Christians shared in response to specific needs of fellow believers. What can we learn about the nature of economic sharing from this verse?

6. In verse 37, Luke mentions Barnabas. How do the radical actions of Barnabas, and the early church point us to the radical work of Jesus on our behalf? 

7. How does this passage give us hope as Christians living in the city that promotes individualism, greed, and power based on material wealth?

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