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Christian “intentional communities” have sprung up in cities all across the United States in recent years. One of the best-known, Jesus People USA in Chicago, has been in existence since 1972; other intentional communities have formed in places as diverse as Philadelphia, Tampa, Durham, and San Francisco. These Christians are characterized by sharing property, living simply, worshiping together, and ministering in challenging neighborhoods. They strive to embody the description of the church in our reading.
Approximately 120 believers gathered in Jerusalem after Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 1:15). By the Spirit’s power after Pentecost, another 3,000 decided to follow the resurrected Christ (2:41). This miraculous conversion of new believers is followed by an equally incredible description of their life together (2:42-47).
Verse 42 explains that the Christian community was devoted to four practices. The first was teaching. Signs and wonders accompanied the apostles’ teaching, confirming their authority (v. 43). The temple was also associated with teaching, they met there daily (v. 46). Second, sharing their possessions with one another was another prominent characteristic of their fellowship (vv. 44-46). Third, “breaking of bread” refers to shared meals and the hospitality of opening their homes to one another (v. 46). Finally, prayer included the daily temple gatherings and “praising God” (vv. 46-47). Their life in community gained the respect of those who were not Christians, and people “were being saved” every day (v. 47).
Peter and John continued to preach the gospel and were imprisoned (3:1-4:30). The believers were not deterred by this opposition. In fact, 5,000 more believed in Christ (4:4) and were further emboldened by the Holy Spirit (4:31). Acts 4:32-37 confirms that the Christians’ vibrant community life continued and strengthened. They remained unified and remarkably generous with one another. Luke repeats: “There were no needy persons among them” (4:34).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The early church shared more than common beliefs and core values. They shared their whole lives—including their material possessions. Passages like Deuteronomy 15:1-18 and Leviticus 25 share astonishing similarities with today’s readings. “There shall be no poor among you . . . do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs” (Deut. 15:4, 7-8). Are our hearts hard or our fists closed to our brothers and sisters in need?
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