Acts 4:32
What does Acts 4:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 4:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 4:32 means
Following the fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, the multitude of believers experienced remarkable unity. They were described as being "of one heart and soul," indicating a profound spiritual and relational oneness. This unity expressed itself practically in their shared resources: none claimed personal ownership over their possessions, but rather held "all things common," demonstrating an extraordinary level of generosity and communal care.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And all those who were of the faith were one in heart and soul: and not one of them said that any of the things which he had was his property only; but they had all things in common.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and of the multitude of those who did believe the heart and the soul was one, and not one was saying that anything of the things he had was his own, but all things were to them in common.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the multitude of believers had but one heart and one soul. Neither did any one say that aught of the things which he possessed was his own: but all things were common unto them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the heart and soul of the multitude of those that had believed were one, and not one said that anything of what he possessed was his own, but all things were common to them;
Context
This verse shifts focus from the apostles' confrontation and the church's prayer to a description of the community's internal life, particularly their unity and generosity. It immediately follows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, showing the practical fruit of that spiritual empowerment. This depiction of radical sharing sets the stage for specific examples of generosity and highlights the ideal of early Christian community.
v.31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
v.32This passage
v.33And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 17:11
And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are.
- 2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
- 1 Peter 3:8
Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded:
- Jeremiah 32:39
and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:
- 1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
- Acts 2:44
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
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