Acts 2:45
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπάρξεις
goods
G5223
ὑπάρξεις
goods
Strong's:
G5223
Word #:
6 of 16
existency or proprietorship, i.e., (concretely) property, wealth
ἐπίπρασκον
sold
G4097
ἐπίπρασκον
sold
Strong's:
G4097
Word #:
7 of 16
from the base of g4008); to traffic (by travelling), i.e., dispose of as merchandise or into slavery (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διεμέριζον
parted
G1266
διεμέριζον
parted
Strong's:
G1266
Word #:
9 of 16
to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)
αὐτὰ
them
G846
αὐτὰ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καθότι
men as
G2530
καθότι
men as
Strong's:
G2530
Word #:
12 of 16
and g3739 and g5100; according to which certain thing, i.e., as far (or inasmuch) as
Cross References
1 John 3:17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?Proverbs 19:17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.Luke 18:22Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.Acts 11:29Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:Matthew 19:21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.2 Corinthians 9:9(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.Psalms 112:9He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.Luke 19:8And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Historical Context
Jerusalem's poverty (evidenced by Paul's later collection, Romans 15:26) was partly self-inflicted through persecution and partly due to economic marginalization. Diaspora Jews often maintained properties in distant lands while living in Jerusalem, explaining their ability to sell possessions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'as every man had need' guide your generosity between enabling dependency and meeting genuine needs?
- What possessions might God be calling you to sell or share to meet others' needs?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Believers 'sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need' demonstrates love's practical expression. The Greek 'epidiedoun' (distributed) indicates ongoing action, not one-time event. This generosity wasn't forced leveling but need-based assistance. The phrase 'as every man had need' refutes both hoarding and indiscriminate giving - wisdom guided compassion. This models biblical stewardship: recognizing God owns all, we're trustees serving others.