Posted on 05/21/2025 6:35:16 AM PDT by knarf
see my #40
This thread shows the benefit of community forums, in which each can post their own research from sources they choose, which can supplement and or corrects others.
No, what is to be learned is rightly dividing the word, with context being essential, and manifesting adaptation in special circumstances, which God did not expressly specifically command via precept, but is consistent with the command to forsake all to follow the Lord Jesus (in heart, placing all at the Lord's disposal, and thus literally as the Lord required), and in principal with the command of care for brethren, and Godly wise leadership in care of the flock. And which was part of their consecrated commitment to God and each other, which God mightily affirmed and blessed.
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. (Acts 2:44-45)
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 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, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. (Acts 4:31-35)
Classic evangelical commentator And had all things common - Perhaps this has not been well understood. At all the public religious feasts in Jerusalem, there was a sort of community of goods. No man at such times hired houses or beds in Jerusalem; all were lent gratis by the owners: Yoma, fol. 12. Megill. fol. 26... Therefore a sort of community of goods was no strange thing at Jerusalem, at such times as these. It appears, however, that this community of goods was carried farther...
Also, Albert Barnes:
It is evident that John thus possessed property which he retained, Joh_19:27. And it is clear that the Saviour did not command them to give up their property into a common stock, nor did the apostles enjoin it: Act_5:4, “While it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold was it not in thine own power?” It was, therefore, perfectly voluntary, and was as evidently adapted to the special circumstances of the early converts. Many of them came from abroad. They were from Parthia, and Media, and Arabia, and Rome, and Africa, etc. It is probable, also, that they now remained longer in Jerusalem than they had at first proposed; and it is not at all improbable that they would be denied now the usual hospitalities of the Jews, and excluded from their customary kindness, because they had embraced Jesus of Nazareth, who had been just put to death. In these circumstances, it was natural and proper that they should share their property while they remained together....
Thus, context provides the reason for the first organic community of Christians, which was before the first Christian "dysphoria," in which believers overall were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judæa and Samaria, leading to the Corinthian church.
To which the apostle Paul writes to many years later of the charity you refer to, for the churches in Judea, as if seeking donations was the reason Paul traveled, and as if their communal living was the cause of their need later on. Which was due to a prophesied famine.
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judæa: (Acts 11:28-29)
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. (1 Corinthians 16:1-3)
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; (2 Corinthians 8:1)...Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. (2 Corinthians 8:4-5)
For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. (2 Corinthians 8:13-15)
Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. (Romans 15:24-26)
And in context, the Sin of Ananias, with Sapphira was essentially that of lying to God and a breach of Trust, in the context of powerful supernatural demonstration of God's power, and unselfish manifest men of God and mutual consecration
I disagree (though not affirming all such may do) as socialism Communism is that of enforced ownership of the state as to gods who know best (and typically obtain power by promising benefits to the subjects which the leaders and devotees only possess), versus unselfishly sacrificing to help others, but with all being expected to work as able.
The prima NT church began with the latter.
I’ve visited Plimouth Patuxet colony - just about 3 miles ESE from Plymouth Rock.
When the power DOES go out, how many of us current folk will ‘be here’ a year after that?
Cool! We had a family vacation on Cape Cod maybe 30 years ago, but did not get there.
“When the power DOES go out, how many of us current folk will ‘be here’ a year after that?”
That is an excellent question we both know the answer to.
Barely any... And that is the true end goal.
The process to join the Mayflower society takes time but you don’t have to be an expert in genealogy. Members will help you with the paperwork. If you’re in Massachusetts you can go to the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston. They also have a website. They will help you with the process. They have the resources to make the process much easier.
If you are related to one passenger of the Mayflower you may be related to others. That is because there were very few people living in the colonies then and because of that there were intermarriages of distant cousins.
I’ve been here since 1998 just FOR that reason.
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