Acts Act 1 Essay

Edward

Campana

11/14/14

BBST 103

1508913

SIM#8

Acts 4:32-5:11

1) The genre of this passage is the Acts or “Acts of the Apostles”. This specific genre must be read in light of many principles; however, only four will be mentioned. The first principle is to read Acts as a whole in order to understand the part.1 The second principle is that Acts 1:8 provides the organization of the entire book. In addition, one must look for repeated themes throughout the book. Lastly, Acts brings godly models and examples to imitate their faith.2

This book is written by Luke in the 70A.D.3 Luke was a companion of Paul. Scholars argue different audiences; however, some say Acts was written for the believers in general even though it is addressed to Theophilus

Why did the people sell everything and lay it before the apostles?

4. Who were the people selling everything, Jewish people or Hellenists?

5. How do you be connected by one heart and soul?

6. Should Christians sell everything and give it to the church such as Joseph in verse 37?

The unity of community through the Holy Spirit’s power leads to genuine faith, which leads to full hearted giving..

The passage starts off with a gathering of believers that were united. The choice of words Luke uses with “one” and “common” signifies that there is a big emphasis on community. This unity is both spiritual and in resources such as money.6 Verse 33 shows the authority and power the apostles had as they were giving their testimony. Again, the word choice is very significant because it switches from apostles, which is plural to testimony, which is singular. This is important because it means that the apostles were not sharing different testimonies, but a singular testimony about the resurrection of the lord Jesus in verse 33. Thus, this furthers the theme of unity between the believers because the testimony was not about them, but about Christ.

1Walt Russell, Playing with Fire: How the Bible Ignites Change in Your Soul (Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress, 2000),

The words, great grace, symbolizes the greatness of favor the believers had.8 Verses 34 and 35 describe the unity mentioned in verse 32 that the church gave to those in need. In addition, verse 34 shows that it was on a volunteer basis rather than a forced offering. Verse 36 is an example of Joseph, who gave a field. This action was a choice rather than being forced and it does not mean he gave up literally everything that he had, but some property. Whatever property Joseph gave, he gave it all. Chapter 5 continues the story with another example by the name of Ananias that is opposite of Barnabas’ actions in verse 36 of chapter 4. The difference is that Ananias kept some of the money that he sold. Again, Ananias did not sell everything he had, but a piece of his property, which signifies that he, had some wealth left over. In verse 2, Ananias’ wife knew that he held onto some of the money; however, Peter knew what Ananias did through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no possible way that apostle Peter knew what Ananias did because he was not physically there. In verse 3, the use of filling in reference to Satan is used, which shows that Ananias was fully in sin. Furthermore, his act was fully