“THE MARVELOUS FELLOWSHIP OF THE EARLY CHURCH” ACTS 4:32-37

The early church displayed an unusual oneness and unity of the Holy Spirit.  They exhibited a wonderful love for the Lord who saved them and they demonstrated their love in a very communal way – they shared with one another. The fellowship of the early church was precious and the believers had much in common.  They were drawn to one another by the Holy Spirit’s infilling; thus, the fruit of the Spirit was manifested in their lives (Galatians 5:22-23).  When believers are guided by the Holy Spirit, there will be complete unity in the body of Christ.

After Peter and John were released by the council, they went to the Christian brethren and told them all that had taken place (vv. 21-23).  When these brethren heard the report, they were on one accord as they raised their voices in prayer to God (vv. 24-30).  After their praise and prayer session, the Holy Spirit manifested His awesome presence (v. 31).   These believers were filled with the Holy Spirit.  To be filled with the Holy Spirit means to be under His control.  When we are submissive to the Spirit’s control, we will speak God’s truth with great boldness!

In verse 32, these believers manifested an unusual “oneness” in that they shared their physical possessions freely with one another.  They did this of their own free will.  Selfishness was foreign to the early church.  Their fellowship in sharing of their possession was not “Christian Communism.”  These believers had a communal concern for the needs of others.  As a result of the Holy Spirit’s infilling, the Apostles preached with boldness the resurrection of Jesus Christ (v. 33).

The early church believers manifested great kindness or favor to one another which had special needs.  These believers exhibited their sacrificial love and concern for one another, for verses 34-35 says, “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”  When property was sold and the money was brought for distribution, it was brought to the apostles (v. 35).  The Apostles then distributed it to those in need.

In verses 36-37, we are introduced to a very generous giver and encourager, whose name was Barnabas.  Every church needs a “Barnabas.”  He was a land owner, yet he gave.  He gave voluntarily, not out of a sense of compulsion.  It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit would fill our lives so that we should share freely of that which the Lord has blessed us.

May God Bless!