When we study the New Testament church, we often focus on its power and growth. In Acts 2, Peter preaches, and three thousand people come to Christ. In Acts 3, a paralysed man who sat begging at the temple gate was healed through the ministry of Peter and John. In Acts 4, we read this: ‘Many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totalled about 5,000’ (v.4 NLT). Preaching, soul winning, miracles and growth are exciting things! But we mustn’t miss this part of the story: ‘All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles’ (v.32-37 NLT). Introducing people to Jesus and helping them grow spiritually is a priority. But if we really want to follow in the footsteps of the New Testament church, we mustn’t forget that we’re called to take care of each other as well.
