Definition: And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 2:45. It’s a really important part of the story of the early church! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that the believers in the early church were taking their possessions and goods and giving them to others. Let’s unpack that a bit further: “Sold their possessions…” : This means they stopped working with their money and things they had. They weren't hoarding anything. “…and parted them to all [men]…” : This is the key part. "Parted" means to divide or distribute. So, they were dividing their possessions among everyone. “All men” refers to everyone – not just wealthy people, but all believers in the church. “As every man had need.” : This is a really powerful phrase. It means that at the time, everyone needed something – food, shelter, clothing, and more. The church was offering this help to those who were struggling. What's the significance? This verse shows several important things: Generosity: The believers were showing incredible generosity and compassion. They weren’t focused on their own wealth or comfort; they were prioritizing helping others. Community: It highlights a sense of community and mutual support within the early church. They weren't isolated; they looked out for each other. God’s Care: It speaks to God's care and concern for his people, even when they are facing hardship. In short, this verse is about how believers shared their resources to help those in need, demonstrating a spirit of love and compassion. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Provide context for why this story is significant? Give you some examples of what this generosity might have looked like?