Dear sister,
Good morning. I have one question
My question is, in the first century Christians sold their properties and brought the money to the Apostles feet and the Church according to Acts 2, 4 and 5.
As that is the example of early Christians, why we are not doing like that? As we are following many examples, why we are not following this example?
Please explain,
In His Kingdom
SA
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Dear SA,
I think it is a good idea. Who is going to be first in selling their lands and giving to the church?
We need to keep the NT church’s situation in mind.
1) There were many Jews at Pentecost from all over the world.
2) Many of those Jews (first, 3,000) were converted (later, 5,000).
3) The Ethiopian Eunuch went home, but how many stayed in Jerusalem so they could learn all the truth of the gospel?
4) Who was going to feed all those Jews who stayed to learn the whole counsel of God?
5) Barnabas decided he would sell his land and give the money, as did others.
About 19 years later, there was a famine in Judea.
1) Agapes prophesied of a famine (dearth) throughout the world in the days of Claudius Caesar (AD 41-54).
2) Paul wrote the first letter in AD 53 or 54.
3) The Lord gave the command through Paul to send money to the poor saints in Jerusalem.
4) In the second letter, (AD 54 or 55), the Corinthians were encouraged to give a free will offering.
5) Is there any indication that anyone was required to sell his land and home and give the money to the brethren in Judea?
6) Is there any indication that anyone did sell his land and give to the brethren in Judea?
7) We don’t know what they did, but Paul and several others carried the money to Jerusalem, which they received from Macedonia and Corinth.
So, the question is this:
1) Do we have a situation anywhere in the world like they had in Jerusalem in the first 20 years of the NT church?
2) If we do not, would it be wise to simply sell our lands and give them to the church when there is no great need like they had in Jerusalem?
What is your understanding, sister?
–Beth Johnson