Acts 4:34

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Neither {G3761}{G1063} was {G5225} there any {G5100} among {G1722} them {G846} that lacked {G1729}: for {G1063} as many as {G3745} were {G5225} possessors {G2935} of lands {G5564} or {G2228} houses {G3614} sold them {G4453}, and brought {G5342} the prices {G5092} of the things that were sold {G4097},

No one among them was poor, since those who owned lands or houses sold them and turned over the proceeds

There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales,

For neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Commentary

Context

Acts 4:34 provides a vivid snapshot of the early Christian community in Jerusalem, immediately following the powerful prayer meeting described in Acts 4:31, where believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. This verse, along with its surrounding passages (Acts 4:32-37), details the practical outworking of their unity, faith, and the apostles' teaching. It serves as a deeper illustration of the communal life initially summarized in Acts 2:44-45, emphasizing their radical generosity and shared resources.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Radical Generosity and Voluntary Sharing: The core message is the believers' willingness to sell significant assets like "lands or houses" to meet the needs of others. This was a voluntary act, driven by the Spirit, not a forced mandate. It speaks to a deep conviction that their possessions were not solely their own.
  • Elimination of Poverty within the Community: The powerful outcome was that "neither was there any among them that lacked." This demonstrates a practical, tangible expression of Christian love (agape) and care, ensuring that no member of the body suffered want.
  • Unity and Fellowship: This shared economic life was a profound manifestation of the deep unity and fellowship (koinonia) among the early believers, highlighting that their "one heart and one soul" (Acts 4:32) extended to their material lives.
  • Apostolic Authority and Trust: The proceeds were brought to the apostles, indicating their trusted role in managing and distributing resources fairly to those in need, underpinning the early church's organizational structure.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "neither was there any among them that lacked" uses the Greek word endeēs (ἐνδεής), which means "needy," "deficient," or "in want." Its use here emphatically conveys that material deprivation was completely absent within the Christian community, a testament to their mutual support. The terms "lands or houses" (γῆν ἢ οἰκίας - gēn ē oikias) refer to real estate, signifying that believers were liquidating substantial assets, not just minor possessions, to contribute to the common fund.

Related Scriptures

This communal practice is further illuminated by other passages describing the early church's life, such as Acts 2:44-45, which summarizes their sharing of "all things common." The stark contrast to this voluntary generosity is vividly portrayed in the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11, where deceit regarding their possessions led to severe consequences, underscoring the importance of honesty and integrity in giving. This practice aligns with broader New Testament principles of cheerful and voluntary giving, as taught by Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:7, and the call to store up treasures in heaven as encouraged by Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21.

Practical Application

While this verse is not a command for all believers in all ages to sell all their possessions, it serves as a powerful model and inspiration for several key aspects of Christian life:

  • Cultivating a Spirit of Generosity: Believers are called to be generous stewards of their resources, ready to meet the needs of others within the church and wider community, reflecting the heart of Christ.
  • Addressing Poverty and Need: The church today should strive to ensure that "none among them lack," actively working to alleviate poverty and support those in distress, demonstrating Christian compassion and solidarity.
  • Prioritizing Kingdom Values: This passage challenges believers to consider their possessions in light of God's Kingdom, understanding that material wealth is a tool for ministry and mutual support, not an end in itself.
  • Trust and Accountability in Leadership: The early church's system relied on trust in the apostles' integrity in distributing funds. This highlights the importance of transparent and accountable stewardship within church leadership today.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 2:45

    And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need.

  • Luke 16:9

    And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

  • Luke 12:33

    Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

  • Deuteronomy 2:7

    For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God [hath been] with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.

  • Luke 22:35

    And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

  • Psalms 34:9

    O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him.

  • Psalms 34:10

    The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing].
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