Commentary on Acts 5-6
Chuck Smith explores the early church's practice of communal sharing in Acts 5-6, highlighting its spiritual beauty despite financial challenges and its implications for modern Christian community life.
In this sermon, Chuck Smith provides an insightful commentary on Acts chapters 5 and 6, focusing on the early church's practice of communal sharing and its spiritual significance. He examines the balance between generosity and practical challenges, drawing lessons for contemporary Christian living. Smith also addresses modern movements inspired by these early practices and highlights the importance of integrity and service within the church community.
Text
Chapter 5, the book of Acts.
At the end of the fourth chapter we have the second mention of the early pure communism that was practiced in the first church. Where those who had possessions sold them, and they shared. As we made note last Sunday night, financially it was disastrous. Spiritually it was a very beautiful gesture. That the wealthier Christians had such a great love for the Lord and for the body of Christ that they were willing to sell their possessions and put everything in a common kind of a purse. So that no one was in need in the early church. No one had to go without. But it did turn out to be a financial disaster to the extent that later on Paul had to take offerings from among the Gentile churches to support the poor brethren in Jerusalem. Because after the monies are expended, then what do you do?
There had been some advocating of the church community, in these days. There are certain churches that are attempting to reinstitute this practice in the original church. A famous vicar in London has recommended the Church Community Concept, Dr. John Stott. And he encouraged those of his congregation who had Mercedes and all to sell them, and they who had the large castles to sell them. To get a smaller economical car and to create a common kind of a purse for the church and for the church community. They called it the Church Community Concept. Not communal, but community. You each have your own houses and all, but yet there is the sharing of the wealth within the church. I don\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Review of early church communal sharing
- Spiritual benefits versus financial challenges
- Historical context and outcomes
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II
- Modern attempts to replicate early church community
- Discussion of the Church Community Concept
- Differences between communal and community sharing
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III
- Lessons from Ananias and Sapphira's story
- Importance of honesty and integrity in the church
- Consequences of hypocrisy
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IV
- Role of church leadership in managing resources
- Appointment of deacons to serve practical needs
- Maintaining unity through service and care
Key Quotes
“Spiritually it was a very beautiful gesture that the wealthier Christians had such a great love for the Lord and for the body of Christ that they were willing to sell their possessions and put everything in a common kind of a purse.” — Chuck Smith
“Financially it was disastrous to the extent that later on Paul had to take offerings from among the Gentile churches to support the poor brethren in Jerusalem.” — Chuck Smith
“They called it the Church Community Concept. Not communal, but community. You each have your own houses and all, but yet there is the sharing of the wealth within the church.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Practice generosity with a heart focused on love and unity rather than financial gain.
- Maintain honesty and integrity in all aspects of church life and giving.
- Support and serve the practical needs of the church community to foster unity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the early church's practice of communal sharing?
The early church members sold possessions and shared resources so that no one was in need, demonstrating deep love and unity.
Why was the communal sharing financially challenging?
Though spiritually beautiful, the practice was financially unsustainable, leading to the need for external support like Paul's collection for Jerusalem.
What is the Church Community Concept mentioned in the sermon?
It is a modern idea encouraging believers to share wealth within the church community without full communal living, inspired by early church practices.
What lesson does the story of Ananias and Sapphira teach?
It warns against hypocrisy and dishonesty in the church, emphasizing the need for integrity in giving.
How did the early church address practical needs among believers?
They appointed deacons to serve and manage resources, ensuring unity and care within the congregation.