Life in the Early Christian Community

The Acts of the Apostles has a detailed description of the Christ-following community that was formed post-Pentecost. The key thing to note is that it was growing rapidly. From three thousand who were baptized on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41) to about five thousand men of those who shortly later heard the word and believed (Acts 4:4). And these were men only; there is no record of how many women (and children?) were also there. We are told that this community devoted itself to worship, instruction, fellowship, and sharing (Acts 2: 42-45).

The Art of Being Open

Here is a multitude of people from different backgrounds who have come together after witnessing the Holy Spirit’s impact on the apostles. Now imagine how there can be unity in such a mix. Certainly, there will be some who have no idea what to think or what to believe, and others who will have multiple opinions and ideas of their own. Nonetheless, it is reported that

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. (Acts 4:32, NABRE)

It is possible because a miracle happens in their midst. They open their hearts up to one another. They no longer see one from another country who speaks a different language as different, but more like (than unlike) them. They are able to share everything that they own with others. Their mindset is no longer on the “my” level; it is on the “our” level. This state of togetherness and common ownership was noticeable earlier on (Acts 2:44-45). It was not imposed on them; it came from the heart and mind of each one. They loved one another; so, they took care of each other. For many, the decision to follow Christ meant that they could no longer rely upon the family unit for support. The Church hence became their new family. The unity of heart and mind find concrete manifestation in the generous sharing of possessions.

Meanwhile, the apostles continue to give their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. They do it with great power because the Power of Jesus is made available to them as they act in His name (cf. Acts 4: 7, 10, 30). God showered the new Christians with blessings, hence the loveliness of the harmonious relationships we see developing here. Unlike in our time, people naturally assume the best of the neighbour and not the worst. If there are differences, they are resolved without resentment. There is no fear of physical danger or financial catastrophe or personal rejection. A level of graceful living is achieved because they have made a commitment to a higher ideal. They even enjoy the goodwill of all the people (cf. Acts 2:47). And this is all because great grace was upon them all (Acts 4:33b).

The Practice of Agape Love

In this unity, they cooperate and meet each other’s needs in a radical and very powerful way. It unmistakeably is not the apostles doing this. It is the message that has great power. It is the teaching of the apostles which is going forth with great power and great grace. Therefore, lives are being radically changed. Brothers and sisters united under the same Father start to pray for each other; pray with each other; partner with each other; and meet the needs of each other. They do this in all sincerity. This happens to the extent that there was not a needy person among them (Acts 4:34-35). They had compassionate living. These Christians submitted to the Lord, who chose the apostles to serve Him. Hence, they lay them at the apostles’ feet so that they would be distributed to each to the extent that any had need (Acts 4:35).

Responding to the Call to Share

The apostles became responsible for the stewardship of the property received, to administer it in the Name of the Lord. They were to ensure that they met the human need and did not satisfy human greed. One such person who was so moved to action is a man called Joseph (cf. Acts 4:36-37). He reportedly sold the field he owned and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. He is one of those characters who would make for an interesting study. He was a Levite, who had a tract of land (Hmm! previously Levites were not allowed to own land). He was from Cyprus by birth (Hmmm. Makes him a foreigner). He played the role of so encouraging others that the apostles named him Barnabas (The Encourager). I think people liked to be with him. It appears that his was a generosity inspired by the Holy Spirit. We will meet him later playing a major role in spreading the gospel. Nevertheless, his was an act of radical generosity that earned him a mention in the records of the time.

Dealing with Threats from Within

Sometime after that, we find a couple who likewise respond to the call to share (cf. Acts 5:1-11). Ananias and his wife, Sapphira decide to sell a piece of property; but they knowingly bring only part of the proceeds to share with the church. Theirs is an ill-motivated donation (emphasis in the but). The reaction of the church to this inconsistent act of sharing is rather harsh and shocking. It is a swift act of judgment that seems to offer no opportunity for repentance and restoration. It actually seems to go against the mood that has been created and is therefore expected in this community. We will not belabour how, but we know that Peter exposes the fraud. Whether it is by hearsay, reading Ananias’ face, or Spirit-empowered insight,  somehow, he knows the truth.

Peter first addresses Ananias, rebuking him for the acts of deceit and greed. Ananias must take full responsibility for his actions. At no point did the apostles (and the church) make a claim to the people’s properties. At all times the properties remained in the people’s possession. Even when they were sold, the people still had total control of whatever monies they got. There was therefore no need for the couple to pretend that they were bringing the whole amount to the apostles (Acts 5: 3-4). They were not under an obligation to donate to the church. On hearing these words, Ananias collapses and dies (verse 5). Unbeknownst to Sapphira, she appears about three hours later and is questioned by Peter about the deal. She, too, has an individual responsibility in this conspiracy. At least she has an opportunity to confess or persist in her sin. Needless to say, she also lies about the sale and suffers the same fate as her husband – buried without the traditional rituals of mourning (vs 10).

Lying to the Community is Lying to God

The victorious progress of the early Christian community is thus exposed to its first threat from within. Their action has to be dealt with, with swift judgment to guard the holiness of God’s people and their growing community. This solemn reminder brings a great fear over the whole church, and overall those who get to hear about these things (vs 11). They take this as a moment of sudden divine judgment. This is an awe-inspired fear that extends to Christians and non-Christians alike (cf. Acts 2:43). The take-home message is that there is simply no room for counterfeit community membership. In the end, we need to understand this narrative for the message it bears. It is about lying to the Lord God (cf. Acts 5:3, 9). A lie to the community is equated with a lie to the Spirit of God. We must acknowledge a holy God who vanquishes evil and zealously defends His holiness. And, whatever judgment He makes is His; only that He makes some of them be known.

Beware of the Spiritual Warfare

This narrative also indicates how the principalities went at war in the early Christian community. Peter alludes to Satan filling Ananias’ heart to lie to the Holy Spirit (vs 4), but Ananias also engineered the sin himself. A dark cloud has surely permeated the early Christian community. Sin will surely blind us to the true nature of the offense, which is the sin against God. Sin will also blind us to choose short-term gains in this life, oblivious to the long-term loss in the next (cf. Luke 9:24-25). For Ananias, it was the possibility that he could be praised for his generosity while he keeps security for his wife.

See how Satan is trying to get a foothold because he realizes how powerfully the Spirit is moving. Satan is in fact shaken by the great momentum of the spreading Gospel and decides to destroy the church by falsehood from within. The community is undoubtedly “filled” with the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 4:30), but Ananias and Sapphira in their insincerity become Satan’s to toy with. The apostles must stamp this out immediately. St. Paul variously reminds us that we, too, are commanded to guard the purity of the Church (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1 Corinthian 5:1-5, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

Lessons Learned

The modern-day Christian must realize that the selfless, transparent fellowship of the church is never to be violated by selfish hypocrisy. In addition, it is proper to employ discipline to guard the church’s integrity, unity, and purity. As for the non-Christian, perhaps this passage should sound a warning. One must think twice before joining this holy fellowship, which demands a willingness to pay the price. Will you fully renounce wicked ways and full-heartedly embrace the Lord Jesus Christ and other believers in His body, the Church?