Acts 4:32 gives us a snapshot into the heart of the new church, the body of Christ, now birthed onto the earth.
‘All the believers were one in heart and mind(a true unity, deep trust in one another). No-one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had’.
‘With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. From time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money and put it at the apostles feet and it was distributed to anyone as they had need(apostles were only acting as channels for the provision’). Acts 4:33-35
‘Power and grace’ sandwiched between deep unity and sacrificial giving. The body helped one another so the Gospel, Good News, could be preached with great power. The body supported one another and provided for one another. Together they could and did impact the whole city of Jerusalem and beyond, great strength in unity(a true heart unity, not just organisational). The Lord is seeking for a body of people to pour Himself into today and the potential is unlimited. The same conditions will apply for the love of God to flow unhindered through His people in power.
The chapter ends with a particular individual being named and introduced to the New Testament story.
‘Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold the field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet’.
The life of Barnabas was marked by encouragement, which is a ‘Giving gift’; he encouraged others to fulfill their potential. Encouragement is always going away from us to others and Barnabas exemplified the gift. Another reason we need to be in ‘the Body’ is to receive encouragement when we are in need. Sometimes our walk can be so tough that we need people with this gift(the real gift) around us to lift us up again(not just platitudes) and get us back on the road for Christ.
Barnabas had the heart of a true giver, he gave of his wealth to support the Apostles in their work.
God needs a body here to serve Him, what’s He calling us to do today to bring in the Kingdom?
God bless you today, may you be a part of His living body this day.