Much information is lost when the context is ignored.
Acts 4:34-37 (KJV) [SUP]34 [/SUP]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, [SUP]35 [/SUP]And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. [SUP]36 [/SUP]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, [SUP]37 [/SUP]Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
We see here at least two reasons why christians were selling their valuables & donating the money to the Apostles:
1. To make sure everyone had what they needed, whether for survival, or active ministry.
2. To sell what they had for they would no longer need it because they were going into the ministry.
Barnabas is mentioned here out of the blue. Why? He sold his property because of his compassion for the church, as well as he would be going into full-time ministry. IMO Barnabas was mentioned just before Ananias & Sapphira because he was sold-out in his commitment to God. I think this couple was impersonating committed christians, keeping up with the Jones, so to speak.
Their scheme was premeditated. They deceived the church, lied, & had absolutely no remorse when called on the carpet. In other words, sinners playing church. How could even a cold christian consider such a thing?
Acts 4:34-37 (KJV) [SUP]34 [/SUP]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, [SUP]35 [/SUP]And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. [SUP]36 [/SUP]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, [SUP]37 [/SUP]Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
We see here at least two reasons why christians were selling their valuables & donating the money to the Apostles:
1. To make sure everyone had what they needed, whether for survival, or active ministry.
2. To sell what they had for they would no longer need it because they were going into the ministry.
Barnabas is mentioned here out of the blue. Why? He sold his property because of his compassion for the church, as well as he would be going into full-time ministry. IMO Barnabas was mentioned just before Ananias & Sapphira because he was sold-out in his commitment to God. I think this couple was impersonating committed christians, keeping up with the Jones, so to speak.
Their scheme was premeditated. They deceived the church, lied, & had absolutely no remorse when called on the carpet. In other words, sinners playing church. How could even a cold christian consider such a thing?