March 29, 2023 – Wednesday
Acts 2:44-45 NIV
44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
Comments
Jesus has already ascended and told His disciples to wait on the Holy Spirit. In this chapter the Holy Spirit came and filled all of them on the day of Pentecost. Originally the day of Pentecost was the Jewish festival of Shavuot celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover. Now, in Christianity, Pentecost is celebrated on the 50th day (the seventh Sunday) after Resurrection (Easter) Sunday.
As it was the festival of Shavuot, Jerusalem was crowded with visitors from all over the Roman Empire. When the Holy Spirit filled all the disciples and they spoke to many of the visitors and the visitors heard them in their own home language. This was followed by Peter preaching to them (2:14-36). About 3,000 people came to believe and were added to the number of believers in Jesus as the risen Messiah.
With 3,000 new believers staying in Jerusalem, what was to be done to house and feed them? After all, they did not have jobs in Jerusalem. Sharing had to take place if all were to survive. That’s why 44 All the believers were together and had very thing in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. This was not done through some form of government order but was done wholly on a voluntary basis.
Keeping that in mind, we further read, 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. The revival continued.
Bottom Line: There are good reasons for believers to gather together and share our needs with one another. There is usually someone who can help with the needs, but they have to know about them first.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the advice in these words about helping one another in time of need. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek