Acts 4 35

Acts 4:35 kjv

And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Acts 4:35 nkjv

and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

Acts 4:35 niv

and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Acts 4:35 esv

and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

Acts 4:35 nlt

and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

Acts 4 verses

Acts 4 35 Meaning

Acts 4:35 describes a practice within the early Christian community in Jerusalem where believers voluntarily sold possessions and land, bringing the proceeds to the apostles. This act of sacrificial giving allowed for a systematic distribution of resources to every person "as any had need," ensuring that none among them suffered want. It illustrates a practical outworking of communal love, unity, and radical generosity, reflecting their shared faith and commitment to one another.

Acts 4 35 Context

Acts 4:35 is situated within Luke's narrative of the nascent Jerusalem church (Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-37, 5:1-11). Following Pentecost, the community of believers rapidly grew and distinguished itself through profound unity, spiritual power demonstrated by the apostles (healing of the lame man, Peter's preaching), and shared life. This verse elaborates on the practical manifestation of their communal spirit, specifically how they addressed material needs. It follows the summary in Acts 4:32-34 which states they "had everything in common" and "there was not a needy person among them." The subsequent account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 serves as a stark contrast, highlighting the seriousness with which this voluntary principle of honesty and complete dedication to God's work was viewed, particularly regarding stewardship of resources. The socio-economic landscape of Jerusalem was such that many newly converted pilgrims or residents with limited means would have been part of the growing community, making practical provision crucial.

Acts 4 35 Word analysis

• and laid (καὶ ἐτίθεσαν, kai etithesan):
  • καὶ (kai): "and," simply connecting this action to the previous statement in Acts 4:34.
  • ἐτίθεσαν (etithesan): Imperfect active indicative of τίθημι (tithēmi), "to place, to lay." The imperfect tense signifies a continuous or repeated action, indicating this was an ongoing, regular practice, not a one-time event. It speaks of sustained devotion and the establishment of a common practice.
• them (αὐτά, auta): Refers directly to the "proceeds of what was sold" (χρήματα τῶν πιπρασκομένων, chrēmata tōn pipraskomenōn) from Acts 4:34, which were the monetary outcomes from selling land or houses.
• at the apostles' feet (παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων, para tous podas tōn apostolōn):
  • παρὰ τοὺς πόδας (para tous podas): "at the feet." This idiom conveys reverence, submission, trust, and authorization. It indicates placing resources under the complete authority and stewardship of the apostles. This was a customary gesture in ancient cultures for placing offerings or tribute before esteemed individuals. It signifies entrusting responsibility for distribution to those in leadership.
  • τῶν ἀποστόλων (tōn apostolōn): "of the apostles." This highlights their recognized spiritual authority and administrative oversight within the burgeoning community. They were entrusted with discerning needs and ensuring fair distribution.
• and distribution (καὶ διεδίδοτο, kai diedidoto):
  • καὶ (kai): "and," continuing the description of the practice.
  • διεδίδοτο (diedidoto): Imperfect passive indicative of διαδίδωμι (diadidōmi), "to distribute, to hand out, to apportion." The imperfect tense again indicates an ongoing, habitual process. The passive voice ("was distributed" or "distribution was made") subtly highlights that the act was managed by the apostles or those appointed by them, implying an organized and deliberate system, not just random handouts. It reflects systematic welfare within the community.
• was made to each (ἑκάστῳ, hekastō):
  • ἑκάστῳ (hekastō): Dative singular of ἕκαστος (hekastos), "each one, individually." This emphasizes that the distribution was not generic but meticulously administered to address individual situations. It underscores the personalized care within the community.
• as any had need (καθότι ἄν τις χρείαν εἶχεν, kathoti an tis chreian eichen):
  • καθότι (kathoti): "according as, inasmuch as," setting the criterion for distribution.
  • ἄν τις (an tis): "whoever, anyone." Indefinite pronoun, encompassing all members.
  • χρείαν εἶχεν (chreian eichen): "had need" (imperfect active of ἔχω, echō "to have," with χρεία, chreia "need, necessity, want"). This crucial phrase defines the principle of distribution: it was based on actual need, not equal portions or possessions. This differentiates the early church's practice from any form of forced egalitarianism or communism. It was a needs-based system, addressing genuine material deprivation within the community, ensuring "that there was no needy person among them" (Acts 4:34).

Acts 4 35 Bonus section

The communal sharing described in Acts 4:35, along with Acts 2:44-45, highlights an intense level of sacrificial giving that emerged spontaneously within the early church, demonstrating the Spirit's power to create radical unity and generosity. This was not communism as a political or economic ideology; it was voluntary, needs-based, and stemmed from genuine agape love, reflecting the early disciples' belief that the coming of God's Kingdom meant a radical reorientation of all of life, including economic life. While this particular expression of economic sharing might not be a normative blueprint for every church in every age (e.g., in Acts 11:29, Paul's churches sent relief to Jerusalem, suggesting independent ownership outside of a common pool was still the norm), the underlying principle of care for the poor, generosity, cheerful giving, and mutual aid within the Christian community remains universally applicable. The early believers prioritized persons over possessions, using their material wealth as a tool for kingdom flourishing rather than an end in itself.

Acts 4 35 Commentary

Acts 4:35 powerfully illustrates the practical outworking of Christian love and unity in the early church. It paints a picture of voluntary generosity driven by a deep spiritual fellowship and concern for fellow believers. This was not a command for all believers for all time to abandon personal property or engage in communal living, nor was it forced economic leveling. Instead, it was a spontaneous, Spirit-inspired response to a specific set of needs within the rapidly growing, geographically concentrated Jerusalem community. The core principle was ensuring that no one suffered want.

The act of "laying them at the apostles' feet" signifies two things: radical trust in leadership and a formal delegation of authority for managing communal resources. The apostles, not just receiving gifts, became stewards, discerning genuine needs and ensuring fair and systematic "distribution." This established an immediate social safety net. It demonstrates that Christian faith is not merely personal belief but has tangible implications for how believers relate to their possessions and to one another. It was a vibrant, organic manifestation of the Body of Christ living out the command to love one's neighbor as oneself, serving as a powerful testimony both within and outside the community. It stands in contrast to worldly greed and individualism, presenting a community characterized by mutual care.