32The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul, and not one of them claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but all things were held in common among them. [4:33] With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon all of them. [4:34] For there was not a destitute person among them, because all who were owners of lands or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of what was sold [4:35] and lay them at the feet of the apostles. Then distribution was made to each as anyone had need. [4:36] Joseph, who was called Barnabas by the apostles — which is translated Son of Encouragement — a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, [4:37] having a field, sold it, brought the money, and laid it at the feet of the apostles.
ACT 4:32-37
Sharing among Believers
In the world it was spoken into
In the first-century Greco-Roman world, private property was a cornerstone of social and economic life, tied closely to personal identity and honor. The idea of communal ownership, as described in Acts 4:32-37, would have been striking and countercultural. The early Jesus-followers’ practice of holding possessions “in common” reflects a radical reorientation of values, prioritizing communal care over individual wealth. This was not merely charity but a deliberate dismantling of the honor-shame economy, where wealth signaled status. The act of laying proceeds “at the feet of the apostles” (v. 35) mirrors the Roman patronage system, where clients would offer gifts to patrons, but here it subverts that hierarchy, placing resources under communal authority rather than individual control. The term (possessions) emphasizes existing resources, suggesting a redistribution of what was already owned. This practice ensured that no one was (destitute), addressing severe need in a society without social safety nets. Such communal living would have been seen as both a practical necessity and a theological statement about the kingdom of God.
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How other translations render this
ACT 4:32
- KJV
- And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
- BSB
- The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned.
- Koinōnos
- The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul, and not one of them claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but all things were held in common among them.
ACT 4:33
- KJV
- And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
- BSB
- With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all.
- Koinōnos
- With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon all of them.
ACT 4:34
- KJV
- Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
- BSB
- There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales,
- Koinōnos
- For there was not a destitute person among them, because all who were owners of lands or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of what was sold
ACT 4:35
- KJV
- And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
- BSB
- and lay them at the apostlesʼ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.
- Koinōnos
- and lay them at the feet of the apostles. Then distribution was made to each as anyone had need.
ACT 4:36
- KJV
- And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
- BSB
- Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),
- Koinōnos
- Joseph, who was called Barnabas by the apostles — which is translated Son of Encouragement — a Levite, a Cypriot by birth,
ACT 4:37
- KJV
- Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
- BSB
- sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostlesʼ feet.
- Koinōnos
- having a field, sold it, brought the money, and laid it at the feet of the apostles.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
ACT 4:32
- anything:The word translated 'anything' here refers to one's personal possessions or property, emphasizing that no one claimed private ownership over their belongings.
- to him:The term used here for 'to him' emphasizes that each individual considered their possessions as their own private property, not communal.
ACT 4:34
- in need:The word translated 'in need' describes someone who is truly lacking or deficient, highlighting a state of genuine impoverishment.
ACT 4:36
- of encouragement:The word translated 'of encouragement' carries a broader meaning than just encouragement; it also includes comfort, exhortation, and even legal advocacy, suggesting a multifaceted support.