**This article is part of a series written by Ben Quine that takes us through the whole of Scripture to discover how God set up an economy for His people, and how His timeless economic principles apply to us today.

By Ben Quine

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed… (Galatians 1:8-9)

Throughout history there have been many heresies that have tried to attach themselves to the church. Some surround the nature of Jesus — denying the deity or humanity of Christ. Some focus on salvation — attempting to add human works as a requirement. All such false teaching is extremely serious, as Paul pointed out to the Galatians. But the false teaching that has been the most costly in terms of human physical life, is centered on the Early Church.

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:32-33)

When God began His New Testament Church on the day of Pentecost, it was a truly astonishing event — three thousand converts the first day! Many were in Jerusalem from other parts of Israel and the wider world (Acts 2:9-11), but the momentum and spiritual excitement in that moment was so great, many couldn’t bear to leave Jerusalem to return home.

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (Acts 4:34-35)

Those new converts who remained, soon faced the trials of physical need, but the remarkable love among the believers sparked some equally exceptional generosity, and they shared their possessions with each other. The Apostles coordinated the charity and distribution of supplies to those in need.

Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:36-37)

Barnabas and many others gave generously, and there was not a needy person among their party. This is truly one of the most beautiful examples of Christian love and unity in all of the Bible, and it must have been overwhelming to experience. But as with all Scripture, care is required when considering this passage: is this little heaven-on-earth the model present-day believers and/or governments should emulate? Can we create a social utopia by living out Acts 4?

Before we answer that, take some time and consider these four questions: 

1. Did Barnabas sell everything he had? (vs. 37)

2. Was there still personal ownership of property? (vs. 32)

3. What was the motivation for giving and sharing among this company? (vs. 32)

4. What role did the state government play in this arrangement?

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 5:1-2)

Ananias and Sapphira apparently wanted to receive recognition like the others who were giving to the apostles, so they sold a piece of land and lied that the amount they presented was the whole sale price.

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” (Acts 5:3-4)

This is key: Peter clearly indicates that the communal giving of the Early Church was a personal choice — there was no compulsion from either the church or the government on individuals to give up or sell houses or lands. Before they sold it, they were free to do with it as they wished. In this situation the believers were never obliged or constrained to give anything they owned into a communal money pot, much less everything they owned. Anyone today who teaches otherwise presents a heresy, and neglects Peter’s instructions on individual choice and responsibility.

God took the actions of Ananias and Sapphira very seriously, and their death was His direct  punishment for their premeditated lies (Acts 5:5, 5:10).

And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. (Acts 5:11)

Some Christians claim Acts Chapter 4 authorizes the taking of someone’s possessions and giving them to someone else. Some teach that the Early Church was modeling a system of governmental wealth redistribution, or a system where individuals do not own property at all, and where the ruling body makes distribution to each one as they have need. But these teachings are a biblical heresy, which has led to great harm. 

Ironically, this false teaching is highly championed by the philosophy of Marxism, which emphatically rejects God, the family, and even the concept of sin. For the past two centuries Marxism and its derivatives have brought poverty, death, and oppression to hundreds of millions, while its elite ruling classes have lived in luxury. Worldwide, Marxism is responsible for the murder of over 85 million people. And one of the pillars of this evil ideology is the communal sharing of all wealth, with no one owning private property.

Selling off property for communal living was a beautiful illustration of the vibrance and joy of the early believers, but it was temporary, voluntary, and unsustainable. Nowhere in Scripture is there either any command to follow this specific economic example, or any expressed disappointment that this temporary Church arrangement was not continued. In fact, the death of Ananias and Sapphira and the great fear that came upon the Church likely significantly dampened this practice. 

Dr. Luke, the author of Acts, shows us through the examples of Barnabas, Ananias, and Sapphira that the Early Church practiced the voluntary giving of some or all of their private property, but never engaged in economic coercion of any kind. In fact, the Early Church practiced the same basic economic principles as have been laid out in the rest of Scripture, albeit with an astounding level of generosity. 

Next time we will take a look at other key members of the Early Church and at the way God used them to bless the new seedling body of believers…

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ABOUT BEN

Connect with him at Cornerstone Curriculum

Ben Quine, the second son of David and Shirley Quine, was blessed to grow up with a Charlotte Mason/Dr. Schaeffer/Biblical Worldview education -- a tremendous gift! Through the years, Ben has served as a Cornerstone consultant, assistant, and co-author. He has written several Bible studies for the Answers for Difficult Days series, which equips churches to address the issues our culture is wrestling with today, from the foundation of Scripture. Ben is also the editor of The Worldview Library, editions of classical literature with student helps that afford the reader a deeper understanding of the concepts presented in each work.

Trained as a classical pianist and instructor, Ben is committed to inspiring his students with the love of great music and equipping them with the tools to perform at the highest level. This training has resulted in his students' successful performances from local festivals and competitions to Carnegie Hall.

Ben loves Shakespeare, Dickens, photography, listening to recordings of "the great pianists", running, biking, and spending time with his wife Julie and their three sons.