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Verse Takeaways
1
Voluntary, Not Commanded
Commentators unanimously stress that selling property was not a command or a universal rule for all believers. It was a voluntary and extraordinary act of generosity. Scholars like Calvin and Barnes point out that the specific mention of Barnabas (v. 36) and the story of Ananias (ch. 5) show this was not a required practice. The selling happened "from time to time" as needs arose, not all at once.
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Acts
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On Acts 4:34
18th Century
Theologian
That lacked. That was in want; or whose wants were not supplied by the others.
As many as, etc. The word used here is empl…
AT Robertson
On Acts 4:34
That lacked (ενδεης). Literally, in need, old adjective, here only in the N.T.
Were (υπηρχον). Imperfect a…
Charles Ellicott
On Acts 4:34
19th Century
Bishop
Neither was there any among them that lacked.—Better, perhaps, any one in need.
Sold them, an…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Acts 4:34
The acts Luke alludes to here were extraordinary and voluntary acts of Christian concern that were done “from time to time” in response to special …
John Calvin
On Acts 4:34
16th Century
Theologian
For so many as were. Although this is a universal statement, it is the same as if it were indefinite. And certainly, it is to be understoo…
John Gill
On Acts 4:34
17th Century
Pastor
Neither was there any among them that lacked
Bread to eat, or clothes to wear, or any of the necessaries of life; wh…
Matthew Henry
On Acts 4:32–37
17th Century
Minister
The disciples loved one another. This was the blessed fruit of Christ's dying precept to his disciples, and his dying prayer for them. So it was th…