Acts 4:32

The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Luke narrates the condition of the believing community immediately after the prayer in 4:31, when they were filled with the Holy Spirit. The subject is "the multitude of those who believed," a large and undifferentiated group.

The words — πλῆθος (plēthos) means "multitude," a mass rather than an organized body, and καρδία (kardia) is the seat of will and intention, not merely emotion. Together they describe a unified will, not a shared feeling.

The thread — The call to unity echoes 1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:2, and 1 Peter 3:8, each of which names the virtues (agreement, patience, like-mindedness) that produce the condition Luke records here.

Why it lands — The verse holds up a concrete standard: no one claimed ownership, everything was shared. It asks the reader to measure their own relationship to possessions and to the people around them against that standard, without softening the gap.

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 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.

Cross-references

1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.
Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.
John 17:21 that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
Philippians 2:1 Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
1 Corinthians 12:12 The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ.
Acts 2:44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
Jeremiah 32:39 I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them.
Romans 15:5 Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus,