Acts 4:37

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Having {G5225}{G846} land {G68}, sold {G4453} it, and brought {G5342} the money {G5536}, and {G2532} laid {G5087} it at {G3844} the apostles {G652}' feet {G4228}.

Complete Jewish Bible

sold a field which belonged to him and brought the money to the emissaries.

Berean Standard Bible

sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

American Standard Version

having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:37 presents the generous act of Joses, later surnamed Barnabas, who, possessing land, voluntarily sold it and brought the entire proceeds to the apostles. This verse serves as a concrete illustration of the radical communal life, deep unity, and profound trust in apostolic leadership that characterized the early Christian church in Jerusalem, highlighting a spirit of selflessness and shared resources among believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a powerful description of the early church's unity and shared life, where "the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul" and "had all things common" ([Acts 4:32](/acts/4-32 "Acts 4:32 - Unity and Generosity of the Early Church")). Luke emphasizes that this was not a forced communalism but a voluntary outpouring of love and mutual care, driven by the Holy Spirit's presence and the apostles' powerful testimony to the resurrection of Jesus, which resulted in "great grace" upon them all ([Acts 4:33](/acts/4-33 "Acts 4:33 - Apostolic Power and Grace")). Barnabas's action in [Acts 4:37](/acts/4-37 "Acts 4:37 - Barnabas's Generosity") is presented as a prime example of this ideal, standing in stark contrast to the deceptive actions of Ananias and Sapphira, which are recounted immediately afterward in [Acts 5:1-11](/acts/5-1-11 "Acts 5:1-11 - The Deception of Ananias and Sapphira"), thereby setting a moral precedent for genuine vs. feigned generosity within the nascent community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, private property was the norm, and while acts of philanthropy were known, the radical communal sharing described in Acts was highly unusual for a large, voluntary group. Within Jewish tradition, there was a strong emphasis on almsgiving and caring for the poor, often through voluntary contributions to the Temple or synagogue, but not typically through the liquidation of all assets for a common fund. The act of "laying [money] at the apostles' feet" was a culturally significant gesture. It symbolized profound respect, submission, and entrustment of authority, indicating that the giver relinquished all control and placed the resources entirely under the discretion and stewardship of the recipients. This gesture underscored the high regard and trust the early believers placed in the apostles' spiritual authority and their practical leadership in managing the burgeoning community's needs, reflecting a deep commitment to the new covenant community over personal possessions.

* **Key Themes:** Barnabas's act contributes significantly to several key themes in Acts. Firstly, it exemplifies **Radical Generosity and Stewardship**, demonstrating a profound willingness to sacrifice personal assets for the collective good, trusting divine provision and the community's mutual care. This theme is foundational to the early church's communal life, as seen also in [Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - The Community of Believers"). Secondly, it highlights **Communal Care and Unity**, showcasing how voluntary sharing fostered deep bonds and embodied the Christian ideal of selfless love, where no one among them was in need ([Acts 4:34](/acts/4-34 "Acts 4:34 - No Needy Among Them")). Thirdly, the act signifies **Trust in Apostolic Leadership**, as the funds were entrusted entirely to the apostles for distribution, acknowledging their God-given authority and integrity in ministering to both spiritual and material needs. Finally, this verse serves as the **Introduction of Barnabas as an Exemplar**, whose character is immediately established as selfless and generous, foreshadowing his later role as a "Son of Encouragement" ([Acts 4:36](/acts/4-36 "Acts 4:36 - Barnabas, Son of Encouragement")) who faithfully supports and encourages others, including Paul ([Acts 9:27](/acts/9-27 "Acts 9:27 - Barnabas Encourages Paul")) and the new converts in Antioch ([Acts 11:24](/acts/11-24 "Acts 11:24 - Barnabas's Good Character")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Having (Greek, _hypárchō'_):** This word, derived from `hypó` (under) and `árchomai` (to begin), signifies "to begin under" or "to come into existence." In this context, it functions as an auxiliary verb, indicating a state of being or possession. Barnabas "having" or "being in possession of" land emphasizes that he was not landless or impoverished, but rather a property owner who willingly chose to divest. This highlights the voluntary and sacrificial nature of his act, as he was giving from what he genuinely possessed.
* **sold (Greek, _pōléō'_):** Meaning "to barter" or "to sell," this verb indicates the commercial transaction of exchanging his land for money. The use of this specific term underscores that Barnabas engaged in a legitimate, legal sale of his asset. It was a deliberate, conscious decision to convert his tangible property into liquid funds, making the proceeds available for the community's needs, rather than merely donating a portion of his income or produce.
* **laid (Greek, _títhēmi'_):** This verb means "to place" or "to put," often implying a passive or horizontal posture. In the context of "laid it at the apostles' feet," it signifies the act of placing something down, relinquishing control and ownership. It is a deliberate act of surrender and entrustment, signifying that the money was no longer Barnabas's to manage but was now fully under the apostles' authority for distribution according to the community's needs.
* **feet (Greek, _poús'_):** A primary word for "foot," this term, when combined with "laid at," carries significant cultural weight. In ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman cultures, placing oneself or an object at someone's feet was a gesture of profound respect, submission, and acknowledgment of authority. It indicated complete surrender of ownership and decision-making power to the one whose feet the object was placed before, underscoring the trust and deference Barnabas showed to the apostles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Having land":** This phrase establishes Barnabas's economic status as a landowner, indicating he was a person of some means, not someone forced by poverty to sell. This detail emphasizes that his act was a deliberate and voluntary sacrifice of a significant asset, not a mere contribution from surplus. It sets the stage for the magnitude of his generosity.
* **"sold [it]":** This describes the concrete action taken by Barnabas. He actively engaged in a commercial transaction to liquidate his property. The sale was a definitive step, converting a fixed asset into liquid currency, which further highlights the intentionality and completeness of his offering.
* **"and brought the money":** Following the sale, Barnabas personally delivered the full proceeds. This emphasizes his direct involvement and commitment. The phrase "the money" implies the entire sum obtained from the sale, reinforcing the idea that he held nothing back for himself, demonstrating radical generosity.
* **"and laid [it] at the apostles' feet":** This climactic action is profoundly symbolic. "Laying at the feet" was a gesture of complete submission, respect, and relinquishment of control. By doing so, Barnabas not only donated the money but also entrusted its stewardship entirely to the apostles, acknowledging their authority and wisdom in managing the communal resources for the benefit of the entire body of believers.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **Literary Devices** in this concise verse to convey its profound significance. The primary device is **Exemplum**, as Barnabas's action serves as a concrete, positive example of the ideal communal life and radical generosity previously described in general terms in [Acts 4:32-35](/acts/4-32-35 "Acts 4:32-35 - The Generosity of the Early Church"). His specific deed makes the abstract principle tangible and imitable. There is also strong **Symbolism** in the act of "laying [the money] at the apostles' feet." This physical gesture powerfully symbolizes complete surrender of personal possessions and trust in the spiritual authority and integrity of the apostles for the common good. Furthermore, though not explicitly stated within this verse, Luke sets up a dramatic **Contrast** that will unfold immediately in the subsequent narrative. Barnabas's genuine, complete, and transparent generosity in [Acts 4:37](/acts/4-37 "Acts 4:37 - Barnabas's Example") serves as a foil to the deceitful and partial giving of Ananias and Sapphira in [Acts 5:1-11](/acts/5-1-11 "Acts 5:1-11 - Ananias and Sapphira's Deception"), highlighting the importance of integrity and sincerity in Christian giving.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Barnabas's act of selling his land and laying the proceeds at the apostles' feet is a powerful theological statement about the nature of the early church and the radical implications of genuine conversion. It illustrates a profound understanding of stewardship, where personal possessions are viewed not as ultimate ends but as resources to be deployed for God's kingdom and the welfare of His people. This voluntary act of self-emptying for the community's benefit reflects a deep love for God and neighbor, embodying the principle that true discipleship often involves a reorientation of priorities away from material accumulation towards communal flourishing and the advancement of the gospel. It underscores the early church's commitment to ensuring that no believer was in need, demonstrating a practical outworking of their shared faith and unity in Christ.

* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [Philippians 2:4](/philippians/2-4 "Philippians 2:4 - Looking Out for Others' Interests")
* [Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "The Early Believers' Shared Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Barnabas's example in Acts 4:37 continues to challenge and inspire believers today, calling us to a deeper level of generosity and trust in God's provision through the community of faith. While not a mandate for every Christian to sell all possessions, it highlights the spirit of radical stewardship and selfless giving that should characterize followers of Christ. It encourages us to hold our material resources loosely, recognizing that they are ultimately God's, to be used for His purposes and the good of others. We are called to be attentive to the needs within our spiritual family and beyond, willing to contribute cheerfully and sacrificially to support the work of God's kingdom and those in spiritual leadership who faithfully steward resources. This act also underscores the importance of trusting the integrity and wisdom of those entrusted with managing church resources, fostering unity and mutual support within the body of Christ. Barnabas's voluntary, wholehearted offering serves as a timeless reminder that true generosity stems from a heart transformed by grace, prioritizing the welfare of the community and the advancement of the gospel above personal gain or comfort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be holding onto resources too tightly, rather than entrusting them to God for His purposes?**
* **How can I cultivate a more radical spirit of generosity, not just with money, but with my time, talents, and energy, for the benefit of my local church and community?**
* **What does Barnabas's act of laying the money "at the apostles' feet" teach me about trust and submission to spiritual leadership in the church today?**
* **How does my giving reflect my belief that "great grace" is upon the church, as described in [Acts 4:33](/acts/4-33 "Acts 4:33 - Apostolic Power and Grace")?**

### FAQ

**Was the early church practicing communism, and is Acts 4:37 a command for Christians today to sell all their possessions?**

Answer: No, the early church was not practicing communism, nor is Acts 4:37 a universal command for all Christians to sell all their possessions. The actions described in [Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "The Early Believers' Shared Life") and [Acts 4:32-37](/acts/4-32-37 "The Early Church's Generosity") were characterized by **voluntarism**, not compulsion. Believers like Barnabas freely chose to sell property and contribute the proceeds to meet the needs within the community, driven by love and the Holy Spirit. This is explicitly contrasted with the deception of Ananias and Sapphira in [Acts 5:1-11](/acts/5-1-11 "Ananias and Sapphira's Deception"), where Peter clarifies that their sin was not in withholding property, but in lying about it, stating, "While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal?" ([Acts 5:4](/acts/5-4 "Peter Confronts Ananias")). The principle is radical generosity and stewardship, recognizing that all we have belongs to God, and we are called to use it to serve His kingdom and care for others, as God enables and directs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Barnabas's selfless act in [Acts 4:37](/acts/4-37 "Barnabas's Generosity") is a profound echo of Christ's ultimate self-emptying, serving as a tangible outworking of the gospel's transformative power. Just as Barnabas, "having land," willingly divested himself of a valuable possession for the good of the community, so too did Christ, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Christ's Humility")). Barnabas's generosity flows from a heart renewed by the Spirit, reflecting the very nature of Jesus, who "for your sakes he became poor, though he was rich, so that thereby you might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). His act of laying the money at the apostles' feet symbolizes a surrender of earthly security for heavenly purpose, mirroring Christ's complete submission to the Father's will even unto death on the cross ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Thus, Barnabas's generosity is not merely an admirable human act, but a Spirit-empowered response to the grace of Christ, demonstrating how the gospel compels believers to live lives of radical love and sacrifice, building up the body of Christ and extending His kingdom on earth.

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

Matthew 19:29

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

Acts 5:1

¶ But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

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 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,

Acts 4:35

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