Acts 4: 32 - 35

It has been pointed out by others that this text depicts an ideal, and idealistic, communism. But we cannot use that noun, for Mr. Lenin and followers have usurped it to their own purpose. Perhaps "communalism", "commonality" or another term could be employed, or coined. Today a different thought struck me as I read this passage.

With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. (33) Far more important than the early churches' sharing and caring for each other, was the positive witness this bore to the people among whom they resided. Perhaps Christians need to take the example of their "ancestors" seriously. Not only for the transformation and benefit of the Church, individually and corporately, but for the benefit and transformation of their surrounding societies.

"This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mk. 1: 15)

Psalm 133
It hardly seems possible that a more appropriate text could be chosen.

While we would not appreciate having a bottle of oil-- even the finest olive oil-- poured over our heads, we need to place this within its context. At a time when bathtubs and stall showers were in exceedingly rare supply, such an event was considered most refreshing and cleansing:


The concept of refreshment is repeated with the added notion of life-restoring and nurturing moisture. Both the oil and water, we note, come down from above, whatever that may signify.

"There" referring, by the juxtaposition with the Acts text, to the Church in real community. Sadly, the Church-- individually and corporately-- remains too selfish to even consider such a radical idea. And Jesus wept (Jn. 11: 35) because the Church, like Lazarus, lies dead, bound and buried.

1Jn. 1:1 - 2:2
This is not a letter; this book is a love-poem. Now read it. All of it. Then return to today's lection. You may feel constrained to expand it.

[T]he life was made visible first, by God's sending Jesus into the world; second, by Jesus' ministry, teaching and example; and third, by the witness and mission of the Church-- individually and corporately-- to the world. The first two acts were perfect; how does the third measure up?

If we say, "We have fellowship with [God]," while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. But if we walk in the light as [Christ] is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of [God's] Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. (6-7) This needs no commentary; the message (5) is that true communion is to be found not in a memorial sacrament, but in a specific way of life and fellowship. And the result of that communion-- if one has any desire or need for it-- is cleansing from all sin.

John 20: 19 - 31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, ...Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." (19) Could it be that, should the Church unlock its doors, Christ would find no need to wish us "Peace"?

Why does the Church-- individually and corporately-- cower behind locked doors? Are we afraid someone will come in and steal our precious belongings? If we were living in communion as the Church of Acts did, would we be so beholden to our gaudy baubles? Would we even have them to be enslaved by? More than likely not. What should we have of value? Not much more than our shared food and drink. And our faith, if we consider that to be of any worth.

Now this is the message: leave the door open for anyone to come in and help themselves. It might just do you and me some good. And then the world would hear the message:

Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find. (Mat. 22: 9)

1. 1 Haiku poems by Phil Gilman. Please feel free to utilize anything from these pages; just give God the Glory, Praise and Thanks and me whatever credit may be due.

(comments to Phil at ENAPXH@aol.com )