Acts 2:44
What does Acts 2:44 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 2:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 2:44 means
This verse further describes the communal living of the early believers, noting that 'all that believed were together, and had all things common.' This unprecedented unity and generosity meant that personal possessions were not held tightly but were seen as resources for the entire community. This practice reflected a deep commitment to one another, a counter-cultural expression of love and mutual support driven by the Holy Spirit.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And all those who were of the faith kept together, and had all things in common;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and all those believing were at the same place, and had all things common,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And all they that believed were together and had all things common.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And all that believed were together, and had all things common,
Context
Following the description of the church's devotion and the apostles' signs, this verse emphasizes the radical communal living of the early believers. Their unity extended to sharing possessions, establishing a pattern of generosity that is further elaborated upon in the next verse, providing specific examples of how they met one another's needs.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 8:9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6
But thisI say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
- 1 John 3:16
Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
- Acts 6:1
Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
- Acts 4:32
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not oneof themsaid that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
- 2 Corinthians 8:14
but by equality: your abundance being a supply at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want; that there may be equality:
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