Acts 4:35

KJV

And laid [them] down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} laid them down {G5087} at {G3844} the apostles {G652}' feet {G4228}: and {G1161} distribution was made {G1239} unto every man {G1538} according {G2530} as {G302} he had {G2192} need {G5100}{G5532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to the emissaries to distribute to each according to his need.

Berean Standard Bible

and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.

American Standard Version

and laid them at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto each, according as any one had need.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:35 offers a profound glimpse into the early Jerusalem church, illustrating their radical communal life where believers, united in heart and soul, voluntarily shared their material possessions. This verse highlights the practice of selling property and bringing the proceeds to the apostles, who then facilitated an equitable distribution to ensure that every member's genuine needs were met, embodying a deep commitment to mutual care and solidarity within the nascent Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 4:35 is nestled within a broader passage (Acts 4:32-37) that vividly portrays the extraordinary unity and communal practices of the early Christian believers in Jerusalem. Immediately preceding this verse, [Acts 4:32](/acts/4-32 "Acts 4:32 - Unity of the Early Church") declares that "the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul," setting the stage for the radical generosity that followed. This unity manifested in a practical way: those who owned land or houses sold them, and the proceeds were brought to the apostles. The specific act described in verse 35—the laying of funds at the apostles' feet and subsequent distribution—is the practical outworking of the principle stated in [Acts 4:34](/acts/4-34 "Acts 4:34 - No Lack Among Them"), which asserts, "neither was there any among them that lacked." This passage builds upon and further elaborates the communal life first introduced in [Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - Early Church Shared All Things"), demonstrating a consistent and deepening commitment among the believers to live out their faith through selfless mutual support.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Jerusalem was predominantly Jewish, operating within a society that had long-standing traditions of communal care, such as Temple almsgiving and various forms of charity for the poor and needy (e.g., the gleaning laws in [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for the Poor")). However, the practice described in Acts 4:35 went beyond conventional almsgiving. It represented a radical, voluntary reordering of economic priorities within a specific community—the followers of Jesus. This was not a forced, state-mandated communism, but a spontaneous, Spirit-led expression of love and solidarity among a rapidly growing group of disciples who saw themselves as a new family in Christ. The urban setting of Jerusalem, with its diverse economic strata and potential for poverty, made such a system of mutual support highly practical and necessary for the well-being and cohesion of the nascent Christian movement. The apostles, as the recognized leaders, naturally became the central figures for managing these shared resources, reflecting their spiritual authority and the community's trust in their stewardship.
* **Key Themes:** The communal practice described in Acts 4:35 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Radical Generosity and Selflessness**, where believers willingly prioritized the needs of the community over personal accumulation, embodying a profound trust in God's provision and a deep love for one another. Secondly, the phrase "distribution was made unto every man according as he had need" underscores a commitment to **Equitable Distribution and Social Justice** within the community, ensuring that genuine necessities were met and no one suffered want. This principle of meeting needs, rather than enforcing equal shares, is echoed in passages like [2 Corinthians 8:13-15](/2_corinthians/8-13-15 "2 Corinthians 8:13-15 - Equality in Giving"). Thirdly, the act of laying proceeds "at the apostles' feet" highlights the theme of **Apostolic Leadership and Stewardship**, acknowledging their spiritual authority and administrative role in managing the church's resources fairly and orderly. Finally, this communal sharing was a tangible manifestation of the **Community and Unity** that characterized the early church, demonstrating their "one heart and one soul" ([Acts 4:32](/acts/4-32 "Acts 4:32 - Unity of the Early Church")) and their commitment to living out the principles of mutual care and support taught by Jesus.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **laid them down (Greek, _títhēmi'_):** This verb (G5087) signifies to place, put, or set, often implying a deliberate and purposeful action. In this context, it denotes the act of believers surrendering their possessions or the proceeds from their sale, placing them under the authority and care of the apostles. This act was not merely a physical deposit but symbolized a spiritual commitment to the common good and trust in apostolic stewardship.
* **distribution was made (Greek, _diadídōmi'_):** This compound verb (G1239), formed from "through" (διά) and "give" (δίδωμι), means to give throughout a crowd, to deal out, or to distribute. The use of the passive voice ("was made") emphasizes that this was an organized process, not a chaotic free-for-all. It highlights the systematic and intentional nature of the apostles' role in managing and disbursing the shared resources to the community.
* **need (Greek, _chreía'_):** This noun (G5532) refers to a necessity, want, or requirement. It implies a genuine, practical need rather than a desire or luxury. The distribution was not arbitrary or based on equal shares, but specifically targeted to alleviate actual deficiencies among the believers, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of the community were cared for.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And laid [them] down at the apostles' feet:"** This clause describes the voluntary action of believers bringing the proceeds from the sale of their property. The phrase "at the apostles' feet" is highly significant. It signifies not only a physical location but also a profound act of submission, respect, and trust in the apostles' spiritual authority and administrative oversight. It implies that these resources were not just given to individuals but entrusted to the collective leadership for the good of the entire community, acknowledging the apostles' role as stewards of God's provision for His people.
* **"and distribution was made"**: This phrase details the subsequent action taken by the apostles. The passive voice indicates that the distribution was an organized, administrative function, not a spontaneous, unmanaged process. It underscores the apostles' role as responsible managers of the communal fund, ensuring order and fairness. This was a deliberate act of meeting the community's needs through a structured system.
* **"unto every man according as he had need."**: This final clause specifies the principle governing the distribution. It was not an equal division of wealth, but rather a needs-based allocation. "Every man" emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that no one was overlooked. The phrase "according as he had need" highlights the compassionate and practical nature of the early church's care, aiming to alleviate genuine hardship and ensure that all members had their fundamental necessities met, fostering true equality in provision within the community.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 4:35 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The act of laying possessions "at the apostles' feet" is rich in **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical action but a profound gesture of humility, trust, and submission to spiritual authority. The "feet" here serve as a **Metonymy** for the apostles' overall leadership and administrative power. The passage also presents an **Idealized Portrait** of the early church, showcasing a community characterized by radical unity and selfless generosity, serving as a model for Christian fellowship. While not explicitly stated, the rapid and widespread adoption of such a communal practice implies a sense of **Hyperbole** in its description, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of their devotion and solidarity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:35 stands as a powerful testament to the early church's commitment to radical generosity and communal solidarity, reflecting core theological principles of the Kingdom of God. This practice was not merely an economic arrangement but a tangible expression of their "one heart and one soul," demonstrating that true spiritual unity inevitably spills over into practical, material care for one another. It highlights the biblical mandate for believers to steward their resources not for personal gain alone, but for the common good, especially for the alleviation of poverty and suffering within the community of faith. This voluntary sharing underscores the deep conviction that all possessions ultimately belong to God, and believers are merely stewards called to use them for His glory and the welfare of His people.

* [2 Corinthians 8:13-15](/2_corinthians/8-13-15 "Principle of Equality in Giving")
* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Care for the Poor in Israel")
* [Galatians 6:10](/galatians/6-10 "Doing Good to All, Especially Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:35 offers a compelling vision of Christian community that challenges believers today to re-examine their relationship with material possessions and their commitment to mutual care. While the specific practice of selling all property may not be a universal mandate for all Christians in every era, the underlying principles of radical generosity, voluntary sharing, compassionate stewardship, and meeting genuine needs remain eternally relevant. This passage calls us to cultivate a heart that prioritizes the welfare of others, especially within the family of faith, recognizing that our resources are not solely for personal comfort but are tools for demonstrating God's love and building His kingdom. It encourages us to identify the real needs around us, both within and outside the church, and to respond with sacrificial giving, trusting that God will provide for our own necessities as we care for others. Ultimately, it invites us to live out the "one heart and one soul" reality of the church, where no one among us lacks, and Christ's love is tangibly expressed through our actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal stewardship of resources reflect the radical generosity seen in the early church?**
* **In what practical ways can my local church community better identify and meet the genuine needs of its members, ensuring "no one among them lacked"?**
* **What does "laying at the apostles' feet" mean for believers today in terms of trusting and supporting spiritual leadership with our resources?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that prioritizes the needs of others over personal accumulation, as exemplified in Acts 4:35?**

### FAQ
**Was the early church practicing communism in Acts 4:35?**

Answer: No, the practice described in Acts 4:35 was distinct from modern political communism. Key differences include: (1) **Voluntary Nature:** The sharing was entirely voluntary, motivated by love and the Holy Spirit, not by state coercion or economic ideology. [Acts 5:4](/acts/5-4 "Acts 5:4 - Peter's words to Ananias") explicitly states that Ananias's property remained his own until he chose to sell it. (2) **Private Ownership:** Believers still owned property; they simply chose to sell some of it to meet immediate needs. There was no abolition of private property. (3) **Needs-Based Distribution:** The distribution was "according as he had need," not an equal division of wealth, focusing on alleviating poverty and ensuring basic necessities rather than establishing an economic system. It was a unique, Spirit-led expression of communal love within a specific religious community.

**Is the practice of selling all possessions and sharing them mandatory for Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific practice of selling all possessions and pooling resources with the apostles is not presented as a universal, mandatory command for all Christians in all times, the underlying principles are eternally binding. The passage exemplifies radical generosity, sacrificial love, mutual care, and responsible stewardship. Believers today are called to be generous with their resources, to care for the poor and needy, to support the church's mission, and to ensure that there is no lack among fellow believers. The Holy Spirit guides individuals and communities on how best to apply these principles in their specific contexts, which may include various forms of giving, sharing, and supporting those in need, as seen in passages like [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving") and [1 John 3:17](/1_john/3-17 "1 John 3:17 - Love in Action").

**Why were the funds laid "at the apostles' feet"?**

Answer: Laying the funds "at the apostles' feet" was a symbolic act signifying several important aspects. Firstly, it demonstrated **submission and respect** for the apostles' spiritual authority as the designated leaders of the nascent church. Secondly, it indicated **trust** in their integrity and wisdom to manage the communal resources fairly and wisely. Thirdly, it established the apostles as the **stewards** responsible for the equitable distribution of funds. This centralized management ensured order, accountability, and that the resources were indeed used to meet the genuine "need" of every member, preventing chaos and ensuring that the most vulnerable were cared for.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:35, while describing the early church's communal life, ultimately finds its deepest resonance and fulfillment in Christ himself. The radical generosity and selflessness displayed by the believers are a direct reflection of the character of Jesus, who, though rich, for our sakes became poor, so that we through His poverty might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Poverty for Our Sake")). His entire life was an act of self-emptying, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He gave everything for the needs of humanity ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Self-Emptying")). The church's practice of ensuring "no one among them lacked" echoes Christ's own ministry, which consistently prioritized the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, demonstrating His compassion and provision for "the least of these" ([Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34-40 "Matthew 25:34-40 - Caring for the Least of These")). The unity of "one heart and one soul" that enabled such sharing is a direct result of Christ's prayer for His disciples to be one ([John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")), and the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, empowers believers to live out this radical love. Thus, the communal life of the early church, as seen in Acts 4:35, is a tangible manifestation of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world, empowered by the Spirit, and modeled after the selfless, compassionate, and giving heart of Jesus Christ, the ultimate provider and sustainer of His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 5:2

And kept back [part] of the price, his wife also being privy [to it], and brought a certain part, and laid [it] at the apostles' feet.

Acts 2:45

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

2 Corinthians 8:20

Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

2 Corinthians 8:21

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Acts 4:37

Having land, sold [it], and brought the money, and laid [it] at the apostles' feet.

Acts 3:6

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Acts 6:1

¶ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.