Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,having land, sold it,and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

What an idylic state, almost a reversal to Eden in its purity. It difficult to read this passage without a sense of envy. What happened to sense of the unity of the Body of Christ displayed in this report on the state of the early Church.

Sinful Man happened. Ananias and Sapphria (Acts 5:1-11) happened. And the pattern has been reported over again. Each with the same disasterous result.

Readings:

Morning Psalm 103, Noon Psalm 119:105-112, Evening Psalm 54