koinonia fellowship All the believers were together and

‘koin-onia’ - fellowship

All the believers were together and had everything in common (koina). 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Acts 2: 42 -44

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No-one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had all things in common (koina) Acts 2: 32

koinonikos – generous. koinonia – fellowship. koina – in common

A Generous Community with Generous Hearts

ch 4 v 34 -35 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

Acts 5: 1 -5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal?

Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God. ” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. (He died)

THEY WERE GENEROUS IN THEIR WELCOME

THEY GENEROUSLY GAVE WHAT THEY HAD

Acts 3: 6 -7 Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.

THEY WERE GENEROUS TO THE POOR

2 Cor 8: 2 -3 "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability".

THEY GAVE FROM A GRATEFUL HEART

2 Cor 8: 9 "for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich".

2 Cor 8: 5 "they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will"