“And all who believed were together and had all things in common […] with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people” (Acts 2:44-47)
The group of believers in Jerusalem was large and diverse. Some of them were Jerusalem inhabitants, others were from other regions and countries. Some were owners of lands and houses, and others “had need”. But we read that they all were together and even had all things in common. Not because this was a Biblical law, or some commandment of Jesus. It wasn’t. These people did this spontaneously and voluntarily (although there was an exception — read Acts 5:1-11!).
This unity is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. This is made clear by the apostle Paul when he rebukes the church in Corinth for a lack of unity. This, he says, is contrary to the Spirit. “For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). In another letter, he urges Christians to bear with one another in love, “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call” (Ephesians 4:3-4).
Do you experience a unity in the worldwide church, something that connects you with other Christians?