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.
In this passage, the early Christian community exemplifies a profound unity, described as being “of one heart and mind.” Despite the challenges and opposition they faced, their shared faith and commitment to one another led them to live in harmony, even to the point of sharing possessions in common. This radical generosity was not merely a social experiment but a response to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit among them.
The struggle here is not just external persecution but also internal—remaining united in the face of challenges that might otherwise divide them. In the midst of this struggle, God triumphs by fostering growth and unity within the community. The apostles boldly continue to preach, and the faithful are encouraged and emboldened to support one another, creating a model for the Church that would extend far beyond their time.
For Christians today, the passage offers a reminder that while the communal sharing of material goods may not be as practical in every context, the unity of heart and mind in the faith should always be the goal of every Christian community. The early Church faced external opposition, but their internal unity and dependence on prayer were what gave them strength. Similarly, Christians today face trials, but it is through prayer and the support of a united faith community that we, too, can stand firm. The triumph that God brings in times of struggle is not always the absence of hardship, but the growth, conversion, and mission that come from persevering together in faith.
Just as the early Christians prayed and received courage, so too must we turn to God in prayer, asking for the strength to face the struggles in our own lives with unity and purpose. Through prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to empower us in our mission to live out the Gospel.
Lord Jesus Christ, You united Your followers in one heart and mind through the Holy Spirit. We pray for the grace to be of one heart in faith, to share in the joys and struggles of one another, and to rely on prayer for strength in times of adversity. May we be bold in proclaiming Your Gospel and united in love for one another. Amen!
May God bless all who walk the path of faith.
Sources
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: The Pentateuch. Four Courts Press, 2017
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
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