LESSON 21

THE MINISTRY OF SHARING

Acts 4:34-37 King James Version (KJV)

³⁴ 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, ³⁵ And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. ³⁶ 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, ³⁷ Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 4:34-37 Common English Bible (CEB)

³⁴ There were no needy persons among them. Those who owned properties or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds from the sales, ³⁵ and place them in the care and under the authority of the apostles. Then it was distributed to anyone who was in need. ³⁶ Joseph, whom the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (that is, “one who encourages”), was a Levite from Cyprus. ³⁷ He owned a field, sold it, brought the money, and placed it in the care and under the authority of the apostles.

1.   NO LACK V. 34a

2.   PRACTICE OF PROVISION V. 34b-35

Ø  Owners would sell items or real estate

Ø  Bring proceeds from sale

Ø  Place them in the care and under the authority of the apostles

Ø  Distributed to any one in need (benevolence ministry)

Ø  NO NEED FOR A GOVERNMENT WELFARE SYSTEM!

3.   ONE MAN’S EXAMPLE V. 36-37

Ø  Joses (Joseph) called Barnabas (one who encourages)

Ø  Levite from Cyprus

Ø  Owned a field, sold it and brought the money to the apostles for distribution

SHOULD WE (THE CHURCH OF TODAY) DO ANY LESS?

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