“One Heart And One Soul”
Acts 4:32-37
As we are looking at the New Testament Church in Jerusalem, I am intrigued with this simple statement in verse 32, “them that believed were of one heart and of one soul:”
What would it take for us to be the same?
If you were to look on the internet, “Uniting a nation” you would find a bunch of suggestions about unity; but one that stood out was a simple statement in Forbes Magazine; “To Unite As A Nation, We Must Begin With The Truth.”
What a profound statement from a worldly source.
I also looked up types of truth and found a whole lot of definitions about truth; but here is an idea, let’s see what the Bible says:
Psalms 119:160 “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”
John 17:17 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
We can start with the statement that the Bible is true and is our only source of absolute truth.
I. Unity Described
Vs. 32 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.
One heart - The seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors’
This expression denotes “tender union.” They felt alike, or were attached to the same things.
This “one heart” preserved them from dissensions and discontentment.
One soul - This phrase also denotes “close and tender union.”
No expression could denote it more strikingly than to say of friends they have one soul.
This is not to be thought as “soul mate” which is the understanding that 2 people have traveled throughout the ages and in reincarnation they continue to look for each other. (Sad that Christians are now claiming they have found their “soul mate.”)
Soul - breathe, the breath of life, the seat of the feelings, desires, affections,
It is the unity In Christ that we can have so deep seated emotions with those who we know are God’s children.
“Neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.” - This is not a description of Socialism nor Communism but a free sharing of what others had; they chose to give because of the great price that was paid when they became a Child Of God.
Lost their families
Lost their jobs
Lost their homes
In other words, Becoming a Christian was not an easy decision because they already saw what it did to others, yet they could not deny Christ is still the only path unto salvation.
They were impartial when it came to the needs of other believers. They put it in the common offering and allowed those in charge to distribute it to those in need.
II. Unity Dedicated
Vs. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
And with great power - The word “power” here denotes “efficacy,” and means that they had “ability” given them to bear witness of the resurrection of the Saviour.
It refers, therefore, to their preaching more than to their miracles.
Gave the apostles witness - The apostles bore testimony to.
The resurrection of the Lord Jesus - This was the main point to be established.
If it proved that the Lord Jesus came to life again after having been put to death, it established all that he taught, was true and that Jesus was sent from God.
Their success was so great that multitudes were converted to the Christian faith.
And great grace ... - The word “grace” means “favor.”
This could mean either that the favor of God was upon them, or that they had great favor in the sight of the people.
III. Unity Dispersed
Vss. 34-35 “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
Neither was there any among them that lacked - the basic needs of life like bread to eat, or clothes to wear, or any of the necessaries of life; were supplied.
Note: I am not against charity, but I find it hard to swallow when a person will squander their funds on wants and then turn to a church to supply their needs.
It is high time that we put or efforts into the Gospel message and not be over driven in the community of charity.
“Lack of planning on your part does not constitute and emergency on my part.”
IV. Unity, A Diligent Example
Vss. 36-37 “And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
Joses also called Joseph.
It is not uncommon, even today, to have a nickname.
Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,)
Consolation – encouragement, comfort,
Seems like every time you see Barnabas he is helping others.
I cannot take the time to look at Barnabas with great detail, but we have not seen the last of this man who just gives himself away for the Glory of the Lord.
Conclusion:
If we are to be “of one heart and of one soul” it seems to me that the first things is to agree that
1. The Bible is true
2. Salvation is in the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ alone.
3. In order to get along the true things to give up is not doctrine; but self.
Do you know Jesus?
Are you His servant?
