Imagine being part of the church described in Acts 4:33–35. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be part of a community where everyone looks out for you and wants what is best for you? To have the comfort of knowing that you will be provided for, even if you lose your job? A new family that loves and cares for you. In a time without social security and benefits, the behaviour of Christians would have really stood out and it would have been an attractive witness to Jesus Christ.
How did this community come into being? Quite simply they were a gathering of people who were moved by God’s grace. The apostles had testified to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and the fact that he was God’s promised Messiah (see Acts 2:14–36; Acts 3:11–26). The Jesus whom Jewish people had crucified was actually Lord. Instead of death and condemnation, however, there is forgiveness—forgiveness for all those who turn from their sin and recognize that Jesus was the Christ. That is what the believers enjoyed: the privilege of peace with God and belonging to the new covenant community. A privilege that was underserved and solely due to God’s grace.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ was thus the basis of church unity and the foundation of their fellowship. They were not joined together because they had a common love for films, sport, politics, or similar income levels. They were joined together because of their common faith in Jesus. One in heart and mind, they served him as Lord and treated each other as brother and sister.
32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.