Acts 2:45
What does Acts 2:45 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 2:45 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 2:45 means
Continuing the description of radical communal living, this verse explains *how* the early believers had all things common: they actively 'sold their possessions and goods' and distributed the proceeds 'as any man had need.' This was a voluntary act of sacrificial generosity, motivated by genuine love and concern for fellow believers, ensuring that no one among them suffered want. It exemplifies a profound commitment to putting community needs above individual wealth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And exchanging their goods and property for money, they made division of it among them all, as they had need.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the possessions and the goods they were selling, and were parting them to all, according as any one had need.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Their possessions and goods they sold and divided them to all, according as every one had need.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and sold their possessions and substance, and distributed them to all, according as any one might have need.
Context
Expanding on the previous verse's general statement about shared possessions, this verse provides concrete examples of the early believers' radical generosity. It explains how they sold property and distributed resources according to need, demonstrating their deep commitment to practical fellowship. This communal spirit leads to the next description of their daily life, marked by continued devotion and joy.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 11:29
And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judæa:
- 1 Timothy 6:18
that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
- Proverbs 19:17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Jehovah, And his good deed will he pay him again.
- Ecclesiastes 11:1
Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.
- 2 Corinthians 9:1
For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
- Luke 12:33
Sell that which ye have, and give alms; make for yourselves purses which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief draweth near, neither moth destroyeth.
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