Topical Bible: Communism: General Scriptures Concerning

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Communism, as a socio-political ideology, advocates for the collective ownership of property and the means of production, aiming to establish a classless society. While the Bible does not directly address modern political systems, several scriptures provide insights into principles that can be related to the discussion of communal living and the distribution of resources.

Acts 2:44-45 :
"All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need."
This passage describes the early Christian community in Jerusalem, where believers voluntarily shared their possessions. It reflects a spirit of generosity and communal support, emphasizing the importance of meeting the needs of others within the body of Christ.

Acts 4:32-35 :
"The congregation of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need."
This passage further illustrates the early church's practice of communal living, where believers willingly sold their possessions to support those in need. It highlights the voluntary nature of this sharing, driven by unity and love rather than compulsion.

2 Corinthians 8:13-15 :
"It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality. At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: 'He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.'"
Paul encourages the Corinthian church to give generously to support fellow believers, promoting a balance where resources are shared to ensure no one is in need. This principle of equality is rooted in the Old Testament account of manna, where God's provision was sufficient for all.

Proverbs 13:22 :
"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous."
This proverb underscores the importance of stewardship and the responsible management of resources. It suggests that wealth, when accumulated righteously, should be used to benefit future generations and the community.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 :
"Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
Paul advises Timothy to guide the wealthy in the church to use their resources for good works and generosity. This teaching emphasizes the transient nature of material wealth and the eternal value of investing in others.

Matthew 6:19-21 :
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Jesus instructs His followers to prioritize spiritual wealth over material accumulation. This teaching challenges believers to focus on eternal values and the well-being of others rather than personal gain.

These scriptures collectively highlight themes of generosity, stewardship, and the voluntary sharing of resources within the Christian community. While they do not prescribe a specific economic system, they provide foundational principles for understanding the biblical perspective on communal living and resource distribution.

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Acts 2:44,45
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
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Acts 4:32,34-37
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
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Acts 5:1-10
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
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Library

The Church in Theology and Literature.
... of the Psalms and other Scriptures to some eight ... is the fact explained by the general
low average ... of American life, such as Socialism, Communism, and Anarchism ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xxi the church in.htm

The Great Controversy
... have confided to him for the general good, assured ... IV we find listed: "Socialism,
communism, clandestine societies ... The Circulation of the Scriptures."In 1804 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/the great controversy.htm

The Anabaptists and Mennonites.
... of history, ascetic rigor, fanaticism, communism, and some ... and wickedly oppose the
holy Scriptures; and even ... of them Catholic baptism in general), and regarded ...
/.../ 104 the anabaptists and.htm

ii.
... of his error through the Scriptures, was the ... A time of general dissolution suddenly
came on, in ... the introduction of a Christian socialism, or rather communism. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/first principles of the reformation/ii.htm

The English-Speaking Peoples: Action and Reaction
... of their own sound religious sense to the Scriptures. ... place in America also, upon
the same general lines which ... He had his dream of communism, his perception of ...
/.../chapter vi the english-speaking peoples .htm