Live Generously ... It's the Right Thing to Do Part 2.

Of course an immediate and valid question would be, “But how does this apply in the modern milieu?” Our nation is far more vast and diverse and our economy, as well as the world’s economy, is far more complex. Can these principles really be applied?

Let’s look at the history of this practice among the people of God. The answer is there.

Consider the citizens of Israel in a little different setting. Thousands of them, some born Jews, others of them converted to Judaism, but all of them living in the First Century Roman World, have come together in Jerusalem for Passover. It’s been an unusually eventful pilgrimage for them. A man, Jesus of Nazareth, whom some believed to be Messiah has been crucified. Some claim He’s been raised from the dead. One of his followers declared publicly, powerfully, that the news of Jesus’ Resurrection is true. His proclamation was extraordinary. Thousands of these pilgrims were convinced that his words were true. They knew he was inspired as he spoke. He and his fellows, men and women, were actually filled with the Spirit of God. They believed in Jesus and claimed Him as their Messiah. Though these converts to Christianity were pilgrims and would soon be returning to their Homes all over the Empire they couldn’t bring themselves to leave right away! They had to hear more about this Jesus. So they stayed. And Luke, an investigative reporter, tells us that all the Christ-followers living in the surrounding area took unusual steps to accommodate them. “(A)ll the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met. (Acts 2: 44 & 45 THE MESSAGE) Do you get the picture? Later in his account of what went on during these remarkable early days of the Christian Church’s History Luke writes, “The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, ‘That's mine; you can't have it.’ They shared everything. … And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person's need. (Acts 4:32 – 35 THE MESSAGE)

Granted we’ve not yet entered the world of modern commerce. But we have looked at a people who, though not a Nation, were an extension of Judaism; converts from multi-national backgrounds, once devoted to the Jewish faith, now Christ-followers. The people of God, they instinctively honored the principle that “generosity inspires generosity.” God’s been generous with you. Share the wealth!
Let’s look a little farther into the history of this practice among the people of god. What happened when all these pilgrims went Home?