Giving in Acts | Dana C. Baldwin

Introduction

Today we are going to look at giving in Acts. This is not a difficult subject. In fact, if we look at three texts in Acts we would agree that giving was an important aspect in God’s plan and intent for his people. According to Acts 2, after the church began in Jerusalem, the Christians shared their wealth. So many had come to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost. After their conversion they remained in Jerusalem to celebrate their salvation. But this produced a hardship on many. Unable to provide financially, those who had something to sell did so. There was great harmony and love. The people wanted to share with each other and no one had to worry about food or needs. What one had was shared with those who did not have. Even in Acts 4, after the initial excitement of the church’s beginning, many continued to sell property and goods in order to have money on hand to provide for those who had needs.

The same can be said when one looks at Acts 11. The church at Antioch hears of the famine in Jerusalem and they want to share their wealth with those who do not have. So money is collected and sent to Jerusalem to assist the famine victims in that city. We know historically that this was not the only time that money was collected for the Jerusalem victims. 1 Corinthians 16 also demonstrates that plans were made in other cities to collect funds and send them to Jerusalem. None of us needs to be persuaded to give. None of us needs to be persuaded to give for the needs of others. None of us needs to be persuaded that God wants us to give generously. Today I want to speak of the nature of giving as seen in Acts and then try to make some application.

The Heart of Giving

Money makes us a little nervous. We know that a congregation needs money, but we also have a highly independent spirit which doesn’t like to be reminded. But I want us to notice a couple of things from the texts in Acts. From Acts 2, the needs were seen and filled. As the people saw the suffering of others then they rose up and met those needs. It does not appear that any one person led that charge. Instead, the people responded on their own. In Acts 4, the scene changes just a bit. The people sell before they see needs so that when needs arise there is a pool of money from which to draw. Again, no one person seems to lead the way for this pool of money. It is that people knew that needs were going to arise and they sold their properties for the benefit of others. In other words, giving was for the benefit of those that may not be known. The apostles and those they designated were trusted to use the funds to help others as the needs arose. That is the case here. Sometimes we see needs and we give. But there is money set aside from the budget to help meet the needs of others in advance.

It is the spirit of thinking of others that I want us to notice. In Acts 4, the Bible says “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.” Wow! This great unity produced an incredible result—what is mine is yours. How do you respond to such an idea? Do you find yourself trying to set some boundaries on such an idea? Do you find yourself thinking in terms that there are certain things that you just cannot share? Maybe this was just a new beginning jump. Maybe this was just an emotional response. Maybe this didn’t last. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 8 that the Macedonians begged for the privilege of giving to famine victims in Jerusalem and gave well beyond what they were able. It lasted and God intended for it to last.

What’s mine is yours. We are comfortable with that idea to a point. We are comfortable with it when we know the person well. We are comfortable with it when we are not asked for too much. What’s mine is yours. But there are limitations to our comfort. And there should be. But I want to make two quick points about this idea of what’s mine is yours.

First, this idea was practiced among Christians. While giving extended beyond the Christian family, this idea of what’s mine is yours was held within the church in Jerusalem. But don’t get the idea that everyone knew everyone else and so it was easy to share with those one trusted. Three thousand on the first day and adding more each day, there were plenty of folks who received help from a person that they didn’t know. While we are to do good to all people, those who are of the household of faith are to get our first consideration.

Second, what’s mine is yours was used to meet needs. It was not used to equalize wealth or to insist on something that someone wanted. The “what’s mine is yours” view was so that needs were met. Acts 4:34 says there were no “needy persons among them.” But notice that the need was not brought to the church’s attention. The people gave generously so that when a need arose the money would be available. So what does this mean in practical down to earth terms? Good question.

Application

The first thing it means is that we need to examine our hearts. Most everyone of us will put something into the collection plate every so often. This isn’t a plea for you to increase giving. It is a plea for you to examine your heart. Do you have the “what’s mine is yours” desire? Do you have a heart that wants to meet the needs of others? Does your heart long to make sure that what is missing in another’s life is made complete by your generosity? Do you have the “what’s mine is yours” kind of heart?

Second, this “what’s mine is yours” desire is identical to the heart of God. 2 Corinthians 8:9 says that God chose to be poor so that we could be rich. Philippians 2:5ff says that Jesus gave up the glory of heaven in order to be a servant among us. What’s mine is yours is at the very heart of God. If Jesus can relinquish the glory of heaven for our benefit, then surely we can relinquish control of our earthly wealth to help others. If God can give to us what was rightfully his, then we can share what he has given us so that others can also enjoy his bounty.

There may be times in which we come to you and let you know of a need with a family that you can help meet. It is at such a time that “what’s mine is yours” attitude is needed. But you don’t have to wait for such an announcement. Give a check to Gordon Corder specifying it is for future needs and it will be used in that way. But by all means let’s demonstrate the heart of God in our own practices and treatment of each other.

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