42They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.43Everyone kept feeling a
sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them
with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in
the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals
together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47praising God and having favor
with all the people And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who
were being saved.
In this passage we see the early Christian community living together and sharing all possessions. The apostles and early believers fully expected the return of Jesus within their lifetime and this is probably what led to the commune lifestyle. Clearly Jesus did not return as soon as they thought He would.
While it may not be practical to live as the early Church did as indicated by the passage (at least not without being labled a cult) how can we bring that spirit of Christian community forward to today's day and age? True Christian community is one of those things that can be easy to define, and yet can be incredibly elusive when living it out day to day.
Thoughts and comments?
