Acts 2:44
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And, all that believed - Οἱ πιστευοντες, The believers, i.e. those who conscientiously credited the doctrine concerning the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, and had, in consequence, received redemption in his blood. Were together - Επι το αυτο. "These words signify either, in one time, Act 3:1; or in one place, Act 2:1; or in one thing. The last of these three senses seems to be the most proper here; for it is not probable that the believers, who were then 3000 in number, Act 2:41, besides the 120 spoken of Act 1:15, were used all to meet at one time, or in one place, in Jerusalem." See Bp. Pearce. And had all things common - Perhaps this has not been well understood. At all the public religious feasts in Jerusalem, there was a sort of community of goods. No man at such times hired houses or beds in Jerusalem; all were lent gratis by the owners: Yoma, fol. 12. Megill. fol. 26. The same may be well supposed of their ovens, cauldrons, tables, spits, and other utensils. Also, provisions of water were made for them at the public expense; Shekalim, cap. 9. See Lightfoot here. Therefore a sort of community of goods was no strange thing at Jerusalem, at such times as these. It appears, however, that this community of goods was carried farther; for we are informed, Act 2:45, that they sold their possessions and their goods, and parted them to all, as every man had need. But, this probably means that, as in consequence of this remarkable outpouring of the Spirit of God; and their conversion, they were detained longer at Jerusalem than they had originally intended, they formed a kind of community for the time being, that none might suffer want on the present occasion; as no doubt the unbelieving Jews, who were mockers, Act 2:13, would treat these new converts with the most marked disapprobation. That an absolute community of goods never obtained in the Church at Jerusalem, unless for a very short time, is evident from the apostolical precept, Co1 16:1, etc., by which collections were ordered to be made for the poor; but, if there had been a community of goods in the Church, there could have been no ground for such recommendations as these, as there could have been no such distinction as rich and poor, if every one, on entering the Church, gave up all his goods to a common stock. Besides, while this sort of community lasted at Jerusalem, it does not appear to have been imperious upon any; persons might or might not thus dispose of their goods, as we learn front the case of Ananias, Act 5:4. Nor does it appear that what was done at Jerusalem at this time obtained in any other branch of the Christian Church; and in this, and in the fifth chap., where it is mentioned, it is neither praised nor blamed. We may therefore safely infer, it was something that was done at this time, on this occasion, through some local necessity, which the circumstances of the infant Church at Jerusalem might render expedient for that place and on that occasion only.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
all that believed were together, and had all things common--(See on Act 4:34-37).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And sold their possessions and goods..... Their houses and lands, their fields and vineyards, their goods, moveable or immoveable: and parted them to all men; that were of their society, not to others: as every man had need: the rich sold their estates, and divided them among the poor, or gave them such a portion thereof as their present exigencies required. This was done by Jews, and by Jews only; who, when they embraced the Gospel of Christ, were informed that the destruction of their city, and nation, was at hand; and therefore they sold their estates before hand, and put them to this use; which was necessary to be done, both for the support of the Gospel in Judea, and for the carrying and spreading of it among the Gentiles: but is not to be drawn into a precedent, or an example in after times; nor is ever any such thing proposed to the Christian churches, or exhorted to by any of the apostles.
Acts 2:44
The Fellowship of Believers
43A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs.44All the believers were together and had everything in common.45Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Apostles Doctrine
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones5.5K59:42Apostles DoctrineMAT 6:33ACT 2:40ACT 2:44ACT 2:46In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining ourselves in the light of the early Christians described in the book of Acts. He highlights the uncertainty of life and the need for Christians to be ready to meet death and eternity. The preacher also addresses the confusion surrounding the message of the gospel and asserts that the only hope for the world is the gospel of Jesus Christ. He then focuses on the manifestation of this new life and nature in the early Christians, highlighting their drastic transformation and their steadfastness in the Apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.
Continuing Steadfastly
By Paris Reidhead1.8K57:13PerseveranceMAT 3:2MAT 4:17LUK 24:47ACT 2:37ACT 2:44In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of a man named Mr. Harold Hill, who was once a hopeless alcoholic. Mr. Hill had lost everything - his family, his business, his health, and his hope. However, when someone told him about Jesus Christ, he accepted Him into his heart and experienced a transformation. Jesus set him free from 22 years of alcohol addiction, restored his health, family, and business. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus Christ makes all the difference and urges college students to take this message seriously.
Pilgrim's Progress - Part 4
By Alfred P. Gibbs1.5K58:20Pilgrim's ProgressPSA 50:5MAT 18:3MAT 18:20JHN 3:3ACT 2:44HEB 10:25HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the journey of a Christian pilgrim named Christian. Christian finds rest in a shady arbor built by the Lord of the hill, feeling refreshed and ready to continue his journey. Along the straight and narrow path, Christian encounters three men who are asleep and bound by chains placed by Satan. Instead of ignoring their plight, Christian is concerned for their salvation and tries to wake them up. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being born again, repenting, and accepting Jesus as the Lord of one's life in order to find the way to the celestial city.
Lukewarm No More - Part 12
By George Verwer96009:54LukewarmACT 2:44JAS 1:22In this video, David shares his experience of joining Operation Mobilization (OM) and how it transformed his life. He attended a conference in Canada where he heard a powerful speaker that changed his perspective. One of the key aspects of his time with OM was the emphasis on prayer, which revolutionized his prayer life. David also highlights the impact of sharing the gospel in different countries and witnessing many people turning to Christ. The video ends with a call for support and involvement in OM's mission.
Fren-10 Le Royaume De Dieu (The Kingdom of God)
By Art Katz6641:10:34Kingdom Of GodMAT 6:33ACT 2:44In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking the kingdom of God and the need for believers to take it by force. The speaker describes a ten-day period of fasting and prayer where the men and women dedicated themselves to seeking the Lord. The sermon highlights the theme of unbelief and how believers often reject the practical possibility of the kingdom of heaven. The speaker encourages the audience to realize that they have been privileged to experience a true encounter with God, not just through messages but through a genuine transformation of their lives. The sermon concludes with a call to pray for God's kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven, recognizing that the nations are in a state of extremity and only the kingdom of God can bring true stability and salvation.
Jesus and Discipleship
By Dean Taylor5691:10:35MAT 16:24ACT 2:44This sermon emphasizes the importance of discipleship, focusing on the need to abandon worldly associations, live in intimate fellowship, actively engage in ministry, and embrace the cross. It calls for a transformation in the church to reflect the sacrificial spirit of the early church and fulfill the ministry of reconciliation, becoming a colony of heaven on earth.
Question & Answer on Community
By Art Katz33546:21Christian CommunityACT 2:44In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the changes that have occurred in their community over the past twelve years. They discuss how the community has transitioned from a shared common life to a more individualistic mode of living. The speaker emphasizes the importance of community and the need for a refuge where people can come together and support one another. They also mention the concept of remaining in the conditions and situations that one is called to, and the importance of working through challenges and submitting to one another.
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost - Part 1
By John G. Lake1EXO 3:5MAT 3:11JHN 14:10ACT 1:8ACT 2:44ROM 8:91CO 6:191CO 14:131CO 14:19John G. Lake preaches about the significance of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, emphasizing its importance as the greatest event in Christian history, surpassing even the Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension, and glorification of Jesus. He highlights how the Baptism of the Holy Ghost was the ultimate fulfillment of Jesus' earthly ministry, bringing a universal ministry of Jesus to every man through the Spirit. Lake stresses the need for a reverent approach to the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, comparing it to Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush and emphasizing the sacredness of this experience.
Guidelines for the Godly Man
By Eli Brayley0GEN 4:6GEN 5:3LEV 19:28PSA 1:1PSA 5:3PSA 55:17PSA 103:2PRO 8:8PRO 10:11PRO 10:19PRO 15:3ISA 29:23MAT 5:16MAT 6:1MAT 12:37MAT 18:20MAT 23:25MRK 2:16LUK 3:11LUK 6:45LUK 12:57JHN 3:30JHN 14:5JHN 17:4JHN 17:15ACT 2:441CO 8:91CO 10:311CO 12:41CO 15:332CO 5:20GAL 2:20PHP 1:27PHP 3:81TI 4:82TI 2:21JAS 3:111PE 3:31PE 3:161JN 3:14Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to conform to the image of the Father, just as Jesus Christ did on earth, bringing glory to God in all things. This calling requires a solitary practice of devotion through regular study of the Word and prayer, done privately for God's eyes only. In the public sphere, the man of God must represent God on earth by displaying the fruit of the Spirit, maintaining an above-reproach lifestyle, and presenting Christ through every aspect of his being.
Homily 7 on the Acts of the Apostles
By St. John Chrysostom0ACT 2:37ACT 2:41ACT 2:44ACT 2:46John Chrysostom preaches on the powerful impact of gentleness in convicting hearts, emphasizing the need to approach others with mildness and humility when addressing wrongdoing. He highlights Peter's gentle yet convicting speech to those who had crucified Jesus, leading them to self-condemnation and repentance. Chrysostom underscores the importance of repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, urging believers to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. He commends the early believers for their unity, perseverance in doctrine, fellowship, and communal living, showcasing the transformation brought about by their faith and simplicity of heart.
The Good Samaritan
By Raymond Golsworthy0LUK 10:30LUK 19:10JHN 14:17ACT 2:44GAL 2:20EPH 2:1EPH 2:61TI 1:15TIT 3:51JN 1:71JN 4:9Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing the essence of the gospel message revealed by Jesus in this story. The narrative highlights the plight of the sinner, the impotence of mere religion, and the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to save and heal. Through the Samaritan's compassion, Christ's sacrificial love, cleansing blood, and indwelling Spirit are symbolized, offering a profound illustration of salvation and transformation.
The Descending River of God
By Raymond Golsworthy01KI 18:41PSA 65:9ISA 44:3LUK 11:1ACT 2:44ACT 3:19EPH 4:32COL 2:9Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the descending 'river of God' as described in Psalms 65:9, 10, emphasizing the spiritual refreshing and abundance of supply that comes from God's promises. The sermon explores the immediate effects of the rain, such as breaking down high ridges, drenching the furrows, and softening hearts, drawing parallels to humbling ourselves before God. The ultimate evidences of God's river descending are seen in the flourishing of local churches, abundant spiritual nourishment, and overflowing joy and worship, signifying true revival and the presence of God among His people.
Day 232, 1 John 1
By David Servant0JHN 14:6ACT 2:441JN 1:5David Servant delves into the final New Testament epistle believed to have been written around AD 85 or 90 by the apostle John. John wrote to protect Christians from heresies, particularly those denying the physical incarnation of Jesus. He emphasized the importance of obedience as evidence of true salvation, highlighting the need for believers to walk in the light by following Jesus' commandments. John addressed the misconception of sinless perfection among believers, emphasizing the necessity of confessing sins and receiving God's forgiveness for sanctification.
Faith Comes From Hearing Christian Preaching
By Ausbund0GEN 3:1MAT 6:24MAT 27:3ACT 2:44ACT 5:1ROM 10:17EPH 4:221PE 3:21Hans Betz preaches on the significance of faith coming from hearing Christian preaching, leading to the necessity of baptism as a covenant of a good conscience and a promise to live in God's will. Baptism symbolizes being clean in Christ and putting on His righteousness, shedding away lust, sin, and deceit. He emphasizes the importance of living in God's commune, free from greed and private property, and highlights the consequences of greed as seen in biblical examples like Ananias and Judas. Betz stresses the purity and holiness required in God's commune, where members share their gifts for the glory of God and live in unity.
The Wind Blows in Manitoba
By Denny Kenaston0MAT 28:19JHN 3:8ACT 2:44GAL 5:252TI 1:7Denny Kenaston preaches about the transformative power of the Spirit of God among the Hutterite people in Manitoba, highlighting their journey from a focus on communal living to a hunger for greater spiritual reality. Despite initial resistance and fear, a breakthrough occurs during tent meetings where many Hutterites make a public commitment to Christ, leading to baptisms and a new church being birthed in Oakville. The gospel continues to spread through Hutterite evangelists and cassette tapes, with calls coming in from other colonies. The Spirit moves where it wills, igniting fires of faith and prompting believers to live out their newfound convictions.
The Fellowship of the Mystery
By Raymond Golsworthy0ACT 2:44ACT 6:1ACT 11:231CO 1:101CO 12:12GAL 3:28EPH 1:22EPH 3:9PHP 2:4Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the importance of unity in Christ Jesus, emphasizing the concept of the church as one body, all believers being baptized into this one body by the Spirit. He addresses the mystery of God's plan for unity among believers, highlighting the dangers of divisions within the church, especially the recent trend of gaps between old and young Christians. Golsworthy urges for a return to the early church's unity and fellowship, cautioning against the acceptance of divisions that weaken the church's witness and power.
The Heresy of Christendom
By Peter Ainslie0MAT 7:20ACT 2:44GAL 6:21TI 5:8JAS 1:27Peter Ainslie preaches about the reality of Christianity, emphasizing that it is not about dogmas and creeds but about elevating character, purifying conduct, and perpetuating goodness. He highlights the importance of benevolence over religious definitions, urging the church to prioritize caring for the dependent and the aged as a vital part of Christian life. Ainslie stresses that the practice of benevolence is as crucial as faith, repentance, and baptism in reflecting the apostolic church's true essence.
(Reformers and Their Stepchildren) Kommunisten! - Part 1
By Leonard Verduin0MAT 19:21LUK 12:33ACT 2:441CO 7:301TI 6:17Leonard Verduin delves into the historical tension between the Reformers and their Stepchildren regarding the concept of 'community of goods,' as seen in the Belgic Confession and accusations of rejecting authority and introducing disorder. The sermon explores the ancient cliche of heretics seeking to abolish magistracy and decency, often associated with advocating 'community of goods.' Verduin highlights the biblical perspective on ownership, emphasizing that God is the ultimate owner and humans are stewards accountable for sharing with those in need. The sermon also addresses false accusations of 'community of wives' and 'goods in common' against the Stepchildren, revealing a lack of understanding and unfair treatment by the Reformers.
After the Noise
By Richard E. Bieber0ACT 2:441CO 1:10EPH 4:13PHP 2:3COL 3:13Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of unity in the Body of Christ, emphasizing the need for genuine love, harmony, and humility among believers. Drawing from the examples of the Corinthian church's division and the Ephesian church's maturity, he highlights the stages of spiritual growth from noisy spiritual children to mature men and women of God. The sermon underscores the power of the Holy Spirit working through unity, enabling the Body of Christ to bear fruit and fulfill its redemptive purpose.
(Through the Needle's Eye) 3 - Jesus Loves a Rich, Young Ruler, Part 2
By David Servant0MAT 19:21MAT 28:19LUK 19:8ACT 2:441JN 3:17David Servant preaches about the encounter of Jesus with the rich ruler, emphasizing the importance of obedience and repentance for salvation. He highlights the apostles' teachings on the necessity of repentance, obedience, and sacrificial giving, showing how true faith in Christ leads to a transformed life of love, generosity, and obedience to God's commandments.
(One Body in Christ) 6. Power Through Unity
By Zac Poonen0Spiritual WarfareUnity in the Body of ChristPRO 30:27ECC 4:9MAT 16:18MAT 18:18ACT 1:14ACT 2:44ACT 12:5EPH 4:3COL 2:15HEB 2:14Zac Poonen emphasizes the power of unity within the Body of Christ, illustrating that two or more believers working together can achieve far more than individuals acting alone. He warns against the dangers of isolation and division, which are tactics used by Satan to weaken the Church. Poonen clarifies that true unity is not an organizational construct but a spiritual bond under Christ's headship, forged by the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to strive for harmony and to recognize their collective authority in spiritual warfare, as demonstrated in the early Church. Ultimately, he calls for a return to understanding and living out the truth of being one Body in Christ to effectively combat the forces of darkness.
An Inconvenient Truth
By David Servant0MAT 25:41ACT 2:44GAL 2:9JAS 2:141JN 3:14David Servant delivers a powerful sermon on the biblical responsibility to care for the poor, highlighting the stark contrast between our indifference towards the suffering of others and our obsession with trivial matters. He emphasizes the apostolic priority of caring for the poor and challenges modern churches to follow this example. Drawing from Scriptures, he reveals how Jesus and the apostles placed great importance on helping those in need, making it a litmus test of authentic salvation.
(Reformers and Their Stepchildren) Kommunisten! - Part 2
By Leonard Verduin0DEU 24:10PRO 19:17MAT 25:35LUK 3:11ACT 2:44ROM 12:132CO 9:7GAL 6:2JAS 2:151JN 3:17Leonard Verduin discusses the economic principles and practices of the Anabaptist pioneers, highlighting their emphasis on communal sharing of resources to provide for those in need and their rejection of usury and excessive accumulation of wealth. The Anabaptists believed in helping the less fortunate out of brotherly love and without coercion, advocating for a Christian view of ownership that prioritizes compassion and stewardship. Despite facing persecution and being misunderstood, they stood firm in their belief in assisting those in need and promoting a more equitable distribution of resources.
Christian Giving and Soul Winning
By John R. Rice0PRO 3:9LUK 6:38ACT 2:442CO 9:62PE 3:18John R. Rice emphasizes the importance of growing in grace and knowledge as a Christian, highlighting the need for continuous learning and spiritual growth after salvation. He delves into the significance of giving and soul-winning, drawing examples from Acts 2 where early Christians shared everything they had and gave generously to support those in need. Rice discusses the story of Ananias and Sapphira, cautioning against hypocrisy in giving and emphasizing the importance of cheerful and sincere generosity. He also shares a missionary's testimony about the blessings and faithfulness of God when one commits to tithing and giving from the heart, illustrating the joy and prosperity that come from honoring God with one's substance.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And, all that believed - Οἱ πιστευοντες, The believers, i.e. those who conscientiously credited the doctrine concerning the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, and had, in consequence, received redemption in his blood. Were together - Επι το αυτο. "These words signify either, in one time, Act 3:1; or in one place, Act 2:1; or in one thing. The last of these three senses seems to be the most proper here; for it is not probable that the believers, who were then 3000 in number, Act 2:41, besides the 120 spoken of Act 1:15, were used all to meet at one time, or in one place, in Jerusalem." See Bp. Pearce. And had all things common - Perhaps this has not been well understood. At all the public religious feasts in Jerusalem, there was a sort of community of goods. No man at such times hired houses or beds in Jerusalem; all were lent gratis by the owners: Yoma, fol. 12. Megill. fol. 26. The same may be well supposed of their ovens, cauldrons, tables, spits, and other utensils. Also, provisions of water were made for them at the public expense; Shekalim, cap. 9. See Lightfoot here. Therefore a sort of community of goods was no strange thing at Jerusalem, at such times as these. It appears, however, that this community of goods was carried farther; for we are informed, Act 2:45, that they sold their possessions and their goods, and parted them to all, as every man had need. But, this probably means that, as in consequence of this remarkable outpouring of the Spirit of God; and their conversion, they were detained longer at Jerusalem than they had originally intended, they formed a kind of community for the time being, that none might suffer want on the present occasion; as no doubt the unbelieving Jews, who were mockers, Act 2:13, would treat these new converts with the most marked disapprobation. That an absolute community of goods never obtained in the Church at Jerusalem, unless for a very short time, is evident from the apostolical precept, Co1 16:1, etc., by which collections were ordered to be made for the poor; but, if there had been a community of goods in the Church, there could have been no ground for such recommendations as these, as there could have been no such distinction as rich and poor, if every one, on entering the Church, gave up all his goods to a common stock. Besides, while this sort of community lasted at Jerusalem, it does not appear to have been imperious upon any; persons might or might not thus dispose of their goods, as we learn front the case of Ananias, Act 5:4. Nor does it appear that what was done at Jerusalem at this time obtained in any other branch of the Christian Church; and in this, and in the fifth chap., where it is mentioned, it is neither praised nor blamed. We may therefore safely infer, it was something that was done at this time, on this occasion, through some local necessity, which the circumstances of the infant Church at Jerusalem might render expedient for that place and on that occasion only.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
all that believed were together, and had all things common--(See on Act 4:34-37).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And sold their possessions and goods..... Their houses and lands, their fields and vineyards, their goods, moveable or immoveable: and parted them to all men; that were of their society, not to others: as every man had need: the rich sold their estates, and divided them among the poor, or gave them such a portion thereof as their present exigencies required. This was done by Jews, and by Jews only; who, when they embraced the Gospel of Christ, were informed that the destruction of their city, and nation, was at hand; and therefore they sold their estates before hand, and put them to this use; which was necessary to be done, both for the support of the Gospel in Judea, and for the carrying and spreading of it among the Gentiles: but is not to be drawn into a precedent, or an example in after times; nor is ever any such thing proposed to the Christian churches, or exhorted to by any of the apostles.