What a church is, and what a church is supposed to do is directly tackled here. It says, “Now all the believers were together and held all things in common [vs44].” This is not a command but an illustration. “They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need [vs45].”

Something radical happened and the Body of Christ was formed, which is the local church in this world. 3,000 repented at the day of Pentecost. They were scripturally baptized, received the Spirit [vs38], and the Apostles worked miracles among them [vs43]. Then, the change was EVIDENT among the people: They “held all things in common.”

This is not a political post, but as a matter of church order and partnership: commune-ism was practiced, where the rich give to the poor, and all believers work. Paul said, “We were not irresponsible among you; we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and struggled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you [2 Thess 3:7-8].” No believer who can help himself is to live off the support of others, but every believer is a member of the Body, and what one has all possess.[i]

1 This isn’t practiced in the church of our day. We are individualistic. What’s mine is mine. There are, however, some members of the local church who practice this commune-ism. They give to the church and the need of others, supporting missionaries, pastors, poor widows, orphans, and other poor believers. They believe their possessions are not their own, but belong to Christ’s body, and they live their faith. These are blessed people who keep the Lord’s work going and show what a church is supposed to be.

2 Our job is to get every member of Christ’s body to do what we’ve been gifted to do! “Now as you excel in everything--faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us-- excel also in this grace [2 Cor 8:7].” Paul told everyone to give, even the church at Corinth, which abounded in other gifts. Everyone isn’t able to give as much, but everyone can support the Body of Christ, according to the gifts that they’ve been given. What’s important is our oneness - not what gift you have, but that you use it for God’s people [Eph 4:12].

The Scripture says, “They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all.” Being a member of Christ’s body has privileges! If you come to a group filled with love - where Christ is and His people act like Him, then you’ve found a home! You’ve found people who love each other, people who give comfort, and people who care about you physically and spiritually [1 John 3:16-17]! It is not a Sunday morning crowd; it is a living expression of Christ, where the Holy Spirit makes you loving. This will draw men! This distinguishes us from the others - if we have sincere love to one another. Our Lord said, “By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another [John 13:35].”

3 Doctrine is important, but doctrine lived out is better. Let this be our business, as we establish churches and build them up: We are places of unified and tangible love. We are not merely playing church and claiming to be Christian, but it has impacted our entire life.