The Bible Study Podcast, episode 142. Today, the Bible Study podcast continues the study of Acts

with chapters 4 and 5.

Welcome to the Bible study podcast. Last week, we left off in chapter 4 at verse 31, and so we're going to continue on with chapter 4 in verse 32.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.

With great power, the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord

Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.

There were no needy persons among them, for from time to time those who owned lands or houses

sold them, brought the money from the sales, and put it at the apostles' feet,

and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

Joseph, a Levi from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas, which means son of

encouragement, sold a field he owned, and brought the money and put it at the Apostles'

feet.

Notice as we start talking about the early church that we can't talk about the church without

talking about how they care for one another.

This is a theme that will persist throughout the book of acts as we look at how the church is

dealing with one another.

Before Paul starts his fourth missionary journey, he comes back with an offering for the church in Jerusalem that's going through a famine.

So it extends to a larger place than just within the local church.

But basically, as the people here are called by God to become the church, to become the body of Christ, they care for one another.

And this is a central theme in the church, or it should be.

As we get in here into the Christmas season, this is the theme that caused someone called

St. Nicholas to give his possessions to the poor.

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