The Church that the Risen Lord Builds, Part 2 – Acts 2:45

And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Acts 2:44-45

The church in the book of Acts lived under the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They were united under the risen Lord, living as one body, and having all things in common. No one considered possessions as their own- instead, believers voluntarily gave up all they had to be able to share with anyone in need. How is this possible? The zeitgeist of individualism in today’s age might dismiss these verses as archaic and radical, but the gospel makes all things possible today, just as it did then. We continue our study in Acts to see how this incredible selflessness and love in the church were in fact the practical impacts of Jesus’ resurrection.

The church became one family by Jesus’ resurrection. Those who believe in Jesus’ resurrection become a part of the household of God. We have all been born again of God, adopted into His family through the death and resurrection of Jesus. We have one Father, whose will we obey to love one another. (Jn 20:17-18)

By Jesus’ resurrection we practice self-denial. Self-denial is more than mere discipline- it is the evidence of your salvation. (Matt 16:24) Self-denial is tested during the times we get offended, hurt, and angry. Without denying self, forgiving others is impossible. How do you know you’re saved and forgiven? By forgiving. Those who are forgiven will forgive. It is possible only in Christ. As we deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus, we will experience true fellowship with Him as we share all things with Him. (Eph 4:32; Jn 17:10)

Under the resurrection we become one body. Divisions, factions, and partiality will arise within the church when the resurrection is not central to every member’s life. We must understand that we are one body- if one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. (1Cor 12:26)

The church under Jesus’ resurrection lives sacrificially. No one in the early church was poor, because everyone practiced their faith sacrificially towards one another. God created sound doctrine to be applied and practiced, so that faith might be perfected by works. (James 2:22) A faith that is not practiced towards others is an incomplete faith- it is the type of faith Jesus hated. (Matt 23:23) The church followed Jesus’ example as their living head. (1Jn 3:16) They constantly pursued holiness and godliness, treasuring the kingdom of God above all else. (Matt 15:44-46) These believers were heavenly people, whose hope and citizenship were in heaven. (Phil 3:20) They knew how to spend their money wisely as faithful stewards of God, because they understood what was truly valuable. Nothing compared to Christ. (Matt 6:19-21)

Moreover, the early church knew how to be content. Though they were in need, they were confident, faithful, and sacrificial towards others because Jesus was Lord of all. In Him, they had all things- it was simply a matter of God’s provision. These believers were truly converted, because they practiced their love and faith in Christ towards the church. They had peace in their heart- a peace not dependent on circumstances, but on their eternal relationship with the risen Lord. If the resurrection is real, what else matters in this world? What is more valuable than having peace with God? It is the risen Lord Jesus Christ who has made peace between us and God. (Jn 20:19) Let us therefore ponder the ways of the early church, and live out the same faith that we confess, practicing the lordship of Christ in every area of our lives.