Before the days of church buildings, programs, or stages, the early believers gathered not around events but around each other — around Jesus. In Acts 4:32–37, we witness a Church so radically united that “the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32 ESV). This wasn’t surface-level friendliness, it was spiritual unity rooted in the Holy Spirit and marked by deep generosity and care.

This moment comes after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2), when fearful disciples were transformed into bold witnesses. But the power of the Spirit didn’t only give them words to speak, it gave them a new way to live. Empowered by the Spirit, they didn’t just preach the Gospel; they became the Gospel in action. No one claimed personal ownership over their possessions. Those who had more gave freely. Those in need were provided for. And “great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33 ESV).

This kind of unity reflects the very nature of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit perfectly united, yet distinct. When believers live as one body, they mirror the heart of God and the mission of Jesus, who prayed that His followers “may all be one… so that the world may believe” (John 17:21 ESV). Unity isn’t optional for the Church; it is essential to our witness.

Today, in a world marked by division, isolation, and self-preservation, the call to live in true community still stands. We are not meant to walk alone. Through the same Holy Spirit, we are invited into a way of life where love is costly, grace is shared, and no one is left behind (Galatians 6:2, Romans 12:4–5). This is more than just being part of a group, it’s being part of a body, where every person matters and Jesus is the head (Colossians 1:18).

The Church is not just a gathering. It’s a living, breathing family, empowered by the Spirit, marked by unity, and sent to show the world who God is.

Acts 4:32 (ESV)
“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.”.

John 17:21 (ESV)
“…that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Bible Study Questions

1. The Church Lives in Deep Unity

The early Church wasn’t just a group of people who liked Jesus, they were of “one heart and soul.” That phrase speaks of deep unity, shared purpose, and genuine love. Their bond wasn’t based on personality, background, or culture. It was the Holy Spirit who made them one. In a world where people are divided by opinions, status, or social media cliques, God calls His Church to something different, a unity that reflects His heart. Are we living in a way that reflects this kind of unity? What would it look like to be truly “of one heart and soul” with other believers?

Acts 4:32 ESV
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

John 17:21 ESV
…that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

2. The Church Practices Radical Generosity

The believers didn’t just talk about love, they showed it. People gave up their possessions to make sure no one among them lacked anything. This wasn’t forced giving; it was voluntary, Spirit-led generosity. It wasn’t about losing things, it was about gaining a family. This challenges us. Are we holding tightly to our stuff, or are we willing to bless others with what we’ve been given? How can we meet the needs of those around us?

Acts 4:34–35 ESV
There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds… and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

1 John 3:17–18 ESV
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

3. The Church Shows Us How to Care

Joseph (called Barnabas), a real example from the passage, sold land and gave the money to support others. He didn’t do this to look good, he did it because he loved people and trusted God to provide. Caring for others in the Church is more than nice words or prayers. It’s noticing needs and stepping in, sometimes quietly, sometimes sacrificially. Who can we be a Barnabas to this week? What has God given us that we can use to serve someone else?

Acts 4:36–37 ESV
Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement)… sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Galatians 6:2 ESV
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

4. Unity Is the Fruit of the Spirit
This kind of community isn’t possible without the Holy Spirit. On our own, we compare, compete, gossip, or isolate. But when we walk in step with the Spirit, He produces fruit in us — like love, kindness, and self-control, that leads to unity. Are we letting the Spirit transform us, or are we still trying to do community in our own strength?

Galatians 5:22–23, 25 ESV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Philippians 2:1–2 ESV
So if there is any encouragement in Christ… complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

5. The Church Reflects God’s Heart to the World
When the Church lives in unity and love, it becomes a powerful witness to the world. People notice when a community truly cares for each other. This is more than just being nice, it’s about living out the Gospel. Jesus laid down His life for us; now we lay down our lives for each other. How is your life pointing others to the love of Jesus through how you live in community?

John 13:34–35 ESV
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Ephesians 4:1–3 ESV
Walk in a manner worthy of the calling… with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 3:14–21 (ESV)

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.