Acts 4:32-37 - Koinonia - Communal Living

"Koinonia" meaning communion, participation, partnership, and  etc,  is the essence of these few verses. The New Testament church had true communion. They participated in the resurrected life of Christ and in each other's life. They were in partnership for the Gospel.

This passage underscores the power-filled witness of the community. They had unity. Everyone in the community shared in a communal pool. As Luke talked about this New Testament community, he also introduced Joseph Barnabas.

Barnabas was a generous and encouraging personality. His role and contributions to the church would be highlighted in the next eleven chapters of Acts.

Those members of this New Testament community were knitted in hearts and souls. Jesus was their unifying factor. Their dedication was seen clearly in their commitment to Christ and to each other.

No one claimed any possession to be privately owned property. Everything they had was the Lord's.  They saw it as a loan from Him. It was meant for the good of the community. That unity became a powerful witness to Christ's resurrection. Their emphasis was on the spiritual realities and not material possession. God's grace and love were felt and manifested through each one.

God had truly answered their prayer for boldness. They courageously and willingly sold their properties and unselfishly brought the proceeds to the Apostles for distribution to the needy among them. Thus, there was no one who was in dire need.

From describing the community, verses 36-37 zoomed in on one generous disciple. He was none other than Joseph who was called Barnabas by the Apostles. The meaning of Barnabas is son of encouragement, and he truly lived up to his name and reputation.

If Barnabas were to be  alive today, we would have nick-named him Barney. He had a caring nature. He was a member of the tribe of Levi. His family must have migrated to Cyprus, where he was born. From Colossians 4:7, we are told he was a cousin of John Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark.

At some point in time, Levites had also become land owners. So in verse 37, it reveals that Barnabas owned large parcels of land and he sold them, and brought the proceeds of the sales and left them with the Apostles, for distribution.

These six verses pulsate with unity, grace, power and love and generosity. The church at her best demonstrated these qualities. Their hearts beat as one. There was oneness in spirit and soul. Why? They were focused on Christ and bent on obeying Him.

No wonder the world saw the reality of Christ and experienced grace and power exuding from the church. Through the church, the people came to Christ because the impact of Christ's resurrection life was seen in the life of this new community.

The church today needs to go back and take a lesson from the primitive church with her pure love, grace, power, unity and generosity. We need a fresh dose of His resurrection power. We need to learn to look away from self and to Christ.

If we are to make impact in the world, we need to be one in the Spirit and one in the Lord! We need to walk and work hand in hand!  We need to act and do as the Lord had instructed.

And He still says to us, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 - NIV)