Bible Strands
Acts 2:45
Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Luke narrates this passage describing the Jerusalem church's daily practice immediately following Peter's Pentecost address and the subsequent conversion of three thousand. The text records a communal behavior rather than a spoken discourse.
The words — The narrative centers on ἐπὶπρασκον (epipraskon), meaning "they were selling," paired with κτήματα (ktēmata), literally "possessions." These terms specify the active liquidation of personal property.
The thread — The pattern of selling property to fund community relief appears in Acts 4:34 and is later codified in 1 Timothy 6:18. The same concrete requirement for material compassion is tested in 1 John 3:17.
Why it lands — The text states that the believers distributed their liquidated assets to anyone lacking necessities. It requires readers to identify specific material deficits in their immediate circle and redirect personal wealth to cover them.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Cross-references
- 1 John 3:17 If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
- 1 Timothy 6:18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
- Acts 4:34 There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales,
- James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
- Proverbs 19:17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
- Luke 18:22 On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
- Proverbs 11:24 One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
- Isaiah 58:7 Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
- Matthew 19:21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
- Luke 12:33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.