Acts 2:44-47 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;… I. PRESENTED A NEW SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, marked — 1. By community of goods. 2. By judicious distribution to the needy. Poor people had, of course, been relieved before, but not in the systematic way which is here seen to mark the beneficence of the early Church. 3. By a new and separate place of worship. Religious exercises were conducted "at home" as well as in the Temple. Thus the disciples were both conformists and nonconformists. II. EXHIBITED NOTABLE PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. 1. They were strongly attached to one another. 2. They kept a good conscience, "singleness of heart." 3. They lived in happiness, "gladness." 4. They mingled devotion with all their actions, "praising God." III. Commanded the esteem of observers," having favour with all the people." IV. WITNESSED THE CONSTANT EXTENSION OF THE WORK OF GOD (ver. 47). (W. Hudson.) Parallel Verses KJV: And all that believed were together, and had all things common;WEB: All who believed were together, and had all things in common. |
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