“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭32‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Imagine that!

Something miraculous was going on…turning the hearts and lives of believers in Jesus inside out and upside down. What had happened to the people who, only a few weeks previously, had poured hatred and contempt on the person they now worshipped as Lord?

The Holy Spirit had come! He had transformed murderers into lovers of Jesus. Grace had come…to kindle life in those who had been dead in their sins…to set His people on course towards God, heaven, and a new life of loving service. 

The outcome was startling! Selfishness was driven out by righteousness…a generosity that lovingly sacrificed for the sake of those in need. For a season in this newly-born organism of the church, everyone shared in the bounty of those who gave of their resources. Everyone shared and everyone had enough…and everyone rejoiced in this grace that flowed so freely in their fellowship. 

It was not only grace that flowed…so did the power of God. Their generosity was the outcome of unity…and God’s power was unhindered  by selfishness or competition. 

What a witness to the ungodly world around them! Never had the people in Jerusalem ever seen a phenomenon like this…people living together in harmony…no quarrelling…no arguing…no competing…no self-seeking…just joy, laughter, and togetherness day after day!

To top it all, they were sharing their money! This was beyond natural…and the church was growing in numbers every day as people were drawn in by the Holy Spirit’s power, unhindered by human interference.  

Through grace, hearts were changed…and God’s power worked deeply within them. Peace reigned among them. Jesus was glorified through them and…Jerusalem sat up and took notice, but…there was a worm in the apple!

To be continued