Acts 4:32-37

Read Acts 4:32-37 

Helpful Background Information:

• This section of Acts is focused on the mission in Jerusalem, before the gospel goes out to Judea, Samaria, and eventually to the ends of the earth. The church’s spread from Jerusalem into the surrounding regions is due to persecution. Acts chapter 4 starts this narrative of the early life of the church. 

• The Barnabas mentioned here is the same one who accompanied Paul for the first section of his missionary journeys before separating because of a disagreement that they had (Acts 15:36-41).

• This section echoes Acts 2:42-47 in demonstrating how the church was continuing to be faithful in their generosity and devotion to the Lord. 

Reflection Questions: 

• In this section, the church is described as being of one heart and soul (v. 32), which is the unity of the Church that Jesus prayed for in John 17:20-23. What is the difference between unity and conformity? How can differences in the church result in growth instead of division?

• Verse 32 says that the church shared everything they had. How can Jesus’ generosity compel you to be generous?

• In verse 33, we see that the early church was not only generous, but the gospel continued to spread. How does the generosity of the church affect the mission of the church?