Acts 4:35

and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The narrative describes the early Jerusalem believers placing the proceeds from sold property at the apostles' feet for allocation. This occurs immediately after the author notes that no needy persons remained among them due to their voluntary sales.

The words — The text highlights ἐτίθουν (etithoun), literally "were laying," and διεδίδετο (diedideto), literally "distribution was made." These terms describe the physical deposit of funds and the subsequent administrative process of allocation.

The thread — This practice of bringing proceeds to the apostles parallels the earlier account in Acts 2:45 where believers shared with those in need. It also establishes a pattern later contrasted in Acts 5:2 when a man withholds part of the proceeds while still presenting a portion at the apostles' feet.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to recognize that communal provision was mediated through apostolic oversight rather than direct individual distribution. It calls for accountability in how resources are handled within the community.

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

καὶkaiand ἐτίθουνetithounwere laying [them]παρὰparaat τοὺςtousthe πόδαςpodasfeet τῶνtōnof the ἀποστόλων,apostolōnapostles,διεδίδετοdiedidetodistribution was made δὲdethen ἑκάστῳhekastōto each καθότιkathotijust as ἄνanwould τιςtisanyone χρείανchreianneed εἶχεν.¶eichenhad.

King James Version

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

Cross-references

Acts 5:2 With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 2:45 Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.
2 Corinthians 8:20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.
Acts 4:37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 3:6 But Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”
Acts 6:1 In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.