Texts in Conversation
The book of Acts and the Didache both describe a community where possessions are shared so that no one is in need. Both texts preserve an early form of Christian tradition where the sharing of resources is presented as the most important sign of unity.
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Acts 4:32
New Testament
30 while you extend your hand to heal, and to bring about miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God courageously. 32 The group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but everything was held in common. 33 With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all. 34 For there was no one needy among them because those who were owners of land or houses were selling them and bringing the proceeds from the sales
Date: 75-85 C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Didache 4:8
Early Christian
6 Give a portion of what you've earned with your hands as a ransom for your sins. 7 Don't hesitate to give, nor complain when you do, for you'll know who rewards you well. 8 Don't turn away those in need, but share everything with your family, and don't claim it as your own. If you share in what is eternal, how much more should you share in what is perishable? 9 Don't withhold correction from your son or daughter, but teach them to respect God from a young age. 10 Don't treat your slaves harshly out of anger, especially if they believe in the same God, lest they lose fear of the God who oversees you both. God doesn't show favoritism, but calls those prepared by the Spirit.
Date: 50-70 C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
"... Compare also [Didache 4:8] the description in Acts (2:42-47; especially 2:44 and 4:32-35, especially 4:32) of the Christians in the early Church of Jerusalem, who are said to hold all things in common ..."
Sandt, Hubertus W., and David Flusser
The Didache: Its Jewish Sources and Its Place in Early Judaism and Christianity
(p. 185) Royal Van Gorcum, 2002
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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Why don't churches follow these ideas any more?