Acts 4:32-37
32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Reflection
Luke gives us a “progress report” on the state of the church. Though persecution had begun, the work of the Spirit through the message of the gospel continued to mature Christ’s people. In general, the gospel had produced a community of love in which the church members held a loose grip on their possessions and helped those in need (Acts 4:32–35). Luke tells us about a man named Barnabas who was so impacted by the love of Christ that he sold a field and gave the money to the apostles (vv. 36–37) so that it might be distributed to those in need (v. 35).
Those who have been impacted by the grace of God in the gospel cannot help but show mercy to those who are in need. Generosity is one of the many ways in which it is evident that the gospel has truly transformed our hearts.
2 Peter 3:1-7
3: This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
Reflection
Like all people, believers cry for justice and deliverance; but unlike children of the world, Christians cry out to God as a loving Father. In 2 Peter 3, the apostle provides comfort to Christians by explaining that justice will come soon. Those who scoff at the hope of Christ’s return (v. 3) arrogantly overlook the fact that God is the creator and judge of the world (vv. 5–6). Just as he once judged the world with the flood, God will judge the present world with fire on the day of judgment (vv. 6–7). One day Christ will return, and while the wicked will then see that their criticism was flawed, the faithful will then see that their hope was true.
Psalm 25:20
20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
Don’t hesitate to ask God to rescue you in your times of need. Even if he calls you to a season of suffering, you can find strength to endure by remembering that he will someday deliver us from every form of evil and brokenness.