The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. 34 There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, 35 and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. 36 Thus Joseph, also named by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, 37 sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the apostles.
Early followers of Christ, followers of “the Way (Acts 9:2),” believed that the risen Christ would soon return and take them with him to share in eternal life with the Father. The community being built by the apostles was of “one heart and mind” sharing their possessions with each other in the unity brought about by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:44-45). The signs and wonders done by the apostles in Jesus’ name were the works of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:12-16). By their powerful deeds, the apostles demonstrated that they were continuing the work of Christ who had been raised from the dead.
Members of the community voluntarily sold property from time to time, based on the needs of the community, and donated the proceeds for the apostles to distribute so that no one would be in need. The community took Jesus’ teaching literally, "Sell your belongings and give alms (Lk. 12:33)." And again, "Everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple (Lk. 14:33)." Barnabas, Paul’s companion later in Acts, also sold property and donated the proceeds for the apostles to distribute.
Almighty God, look with mercy upon those you have chosen and grant them the grace to live in peace and love in the unity of the Holy Spirit. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
__________________________________
References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
Comments