Acts - Chapter FourSample

Grace at Work 

… God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. Acts4:33b,34a

We often tend to think that the Holy Spirit’s power implies ecstatic expressions, filled with signs and wonders and bold preaching, but here in this section, God’s grace, involved sacrifice and service within and among themselves.

There was unity. ‘They were one in heart and mind’ Acts 4 32. This does not mean uniformity but their dependence on God through prayer united them with that singleness of purpose.

There was voluntary grace giving. Love for God and his kingdom, was evident in the way people shared everything they had. They did not claim anything for themselves. Economic status was not the barometer to measure one’s faithfulness to God. There was no compulsion for people to donate their personal wealth, to enter the community. It does not appear there were sermons preached to induce guilt or a sense of duty or even a sense of urgency to get donations. God’s grace in them prompted sacrificial giving and it was way above the tithe. They donated proceeds from the sale of lands. Giving was not from their leftovers or hand me-downs.

There was transparency. People were aware about the personal needs of one another. Relationships were obviously deep; it would have taken time and effort for people to be open and vulnerable to share personal needs.

There was trust. Trust among the believing community is evident in the way they did not claim any of their possessions to be their own. Either they shared their resources with the community, or they voluntarily made donations and laid it at the feet of the apostles’. 

There was service. Those involved in charitable efforts do know the logistics involved in making sure services or even donations get to the rightful people and ensuring that records are kept. This effort is certainly not supernatural in nature but involves common sense and often, hands-on monotonous labor. God’s grace was at work, even in this initiative.

Question! Is God’s grace powerfully at work within you?