May 13: Radical Community

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (Act 4:32-35)

As I look at this text I’m reminded of a parable of Soren Kierkegaard that I frequently like to reference.

“But,” you say, “there are so many obscure passages in the Bible, whole books that are practically riddles. Won’t the scholar help me?” To that I would answer: “Any objection must be made by someone whole life manifests that he has scrupulously complied with those passages that are already easy to understand. Is this the case with you?” (from For Self-Examination and Judge for Yourself”)

Kierkegaard invites us to forget for a moment the passages of scripture that are not clear. He even goes so far as to say that we will not be judged by God on our inability to understand and live by such texts, rather we will be only judged on those parts of scripture we clearly understood and yet failed to live by.

This seems to me both very clear and a very authentic understanding of God’s word. It also is very convicting… because Kierkegaard is right. There is a lot that is very clear that we just aren’t going to live by. So much so that it brings another favorite Kierkegaard quotation to mind.

The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know that the minute we understand we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act according. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined. (from Provocations: Spiritual Writings of Kierkegaard)

So, other than my love for Kierkegaard, why do I reflect on these thoughts here?

Well if ever there was a time to wish for less clarity than there is… this is it.

“There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”

What is a capitalist to make of this… or better yet – can a capitalist be a New Testament variety Christian???

I have some strong opinions and thoughts on the subject. But let me leave off with my opinions… or the thoughts of scholars. Imagine for moment that we shall take this verse from the New Testament and, “forget everything except pledging yourself to act according.”

What does it look like to you?
Does it feel like a life ruined… what might be gained?
How does it feel if you are the one in need?


Transforming God, Let the strength and conviction of your Spirit be with us that hearing your word we might truly let it dwell in us and form our lives. Amen.