ApostleFedorZubovFyodor Zubov / Фёдор Зубов (? — 1689) · 1660

Communism

/KOM-yoo-niz-um/

Summary

The sharing of goods and property in common, as practiced voluntarily by the early Jerusalem church where believers shared their possessions.

☩Early Church Practice

The early believers in Jerusalem had all things in common, selling their possessions and distributing to each according to need. None claimed private ownership, and there was no needy person among them. This was voluntary, not compelled.

Key verses:Acts 2:44-45Acts 4:32Acts 4:34-37

☩Voluntary Nature

Peter's words to Ananias make clear this sharing was voluntary: 'While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own power?' Ananias's sin was lying about the price, not withholding property.

Key verses:Acts 5:1-10Acts 5:4

Related Verses1 mention

Acts· 1 verse

4:34

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Communism," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).