Acts 4:32-35
Acts 4:32 All the many believers were one in heart and soul, and no one claimed any of his possessions for himself, but everyone shared everything he had. 33 With great power the emissaries continued testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Yeshua, and they were all held in high regard. 34 No one among them was poor, since those who owned lands or houses sold them and turned over the proceeds 35 to the emissaries to distribute to each according to his need.(Complete Jewish Bible)
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Transformation is a plural noun.
Easter is now in the rear view mirror, but still very fresh in our minds. Now the question becomes, "so what?" What difference does the life, death and resurrection of the one we call the Christ of God mean? In a word--it changes everything. Transformation! You're going to see it in every reading this week.
Today's reading from Acts 4 is a clear picture of how the small-but-growing community of believers were changed. We might say they appear to be living in a commune. What's striking, however, is that their lives are now inextricably intertwined. Today's culture emphasizes individuality, autonomy, even personal conversion. For the early Christians--a strange assortment of individuals, to be sure--the transformation brought them into a binding relationship with each other and each other's needs. Such relationships are true not just in an otherworldly "spiritual" sense, but are about a relationship centered on each believer living to make the lives of others better.
Lord God, as you gave yourself to us, lead us to invite you in, and may your presence transform us to passionately care for each other and for the needs of the world, in the same way as you transformed not only the hearts, but the lives of your early church. Amen.
Peter Rogness, '72
Retired Pastor, Living in St. Paul, Minn.
Acts 4:32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.
33 With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold.
35 They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (New Revised Standard Version)
Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
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