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They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.

Verse Takeaways

1

Not Communism, But Generosity

Commentators stress this was not an abolition of private property. The Greek verbs indicate a recurring action—believers sold possessions from time to time as specific needs arose. It was a voluntary, love-driven response to care for one another, not a mandated economic system. As Matthew Henry notes, the goal wasn't "destroying property, but doing away with selfishness."

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Book Overview

Acts

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Commentaries

7

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Acts 2:45

18th Century

Theologian

And sold. That is, they sold as much as was necessary to obtain the means of providing for the needs of each other.

Possessions…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On Acts 2:45

Sold (επιπρασκον). Imperfect active, a habit or custom from time to time. Old and common verb, πιπρασκω.

Parted

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Acts 2:45

19th Century

Bishop

And sold their possessions and goods.: The verbs throughout this description are in the imperfect tense, expressing the c…

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On Acts 2:41–47

19th Century

Preacher

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continu…

John Gill

John Gill

On Acts 2:45

17th Century

Pastor

And sold their possessions and goods .
&c.] Their houses and lands, their fields and vineyards, their goods, moveabl…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Acts 2:42–47

17th Century

Minister

In these verses, we have the history of the truly primitive church, of its first days; this was indeed its state of infancy, yet, like infancy itse…

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