Acts 4:32-37

Read Acts 4:32-37 

Helpful Background Information:

• By Acts 4, the church was still very young and was growing rapidly. The church was located in Jerusalem and had not spread out yet. It would continue this way until the church would later spread due to persecution that they received in Jerusalem. In the passages preceding the end of Acts 4, Peter and John first received the persecution that the early church was to continue to struggle with.  

• In verse 36, Barnabas is first identified as being a part of the work of the early church. Later, Barnabas would accompany Paul in some of his earlier missionary journeys, before parting ways with Paul in Acts 15. 

• The early church is described as having no one in need because of everyone’s generosity. Barnabas, being someone who gave much for the sake of the church, was praised for his generosity in selling his land and putting the money at the feet of the apostles. Stories like that of Barnabas’ generosity were likely spread throughout the early church, encouraging everyone to do the same for the sake of the church. This honor is likely part of what caused Ananias and Sapphira to be deceptive in their generosity for the church. 

Reflection Questions: 

• What would it look like for Crossroads to be a church with “...not a needy person among them” (Verse 34)? What role does each individual in the church play in this?

• Part of the downfall of Ananias and Sapphira was their dishonesty. How can the honesty of the faithful described in Acts 4:32-37 be an example for our giving?

• Take a moment to compare the generosity of Barnabas and Ananias. What were the key differences? How do you find yourself to be similar to each of these people?