What does Acts 4:32 mean?
"Those who believed" include several groups. The apostles, Jesus' family, and other disciples who followed Him during His ministry received the Holy Spirit the morning of Pentecost (Acts 1:13–15; Acts 2:1–4). About three thousand people joined them later that day after Peter's sermon, and more came daily (Acts 2:41, 47). At the time of this update, at least five thousand men, plus women and kids, are part of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 4:4).Luke says that thousands of people are of "one heart and soul." They join together in purpose, thought, and action. The Holy Spirit is in them and guiding them as a group. Their commitment to the Holy Spirit's leading is so strong, they even combine their possessions.
Ephesians 4:1–6 describes the unity possible when the Holy Spirit leads a group of believers. The members display humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and love. They not only live in harmony, they actively seek it. They make up one body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–31) because they are united by one faith in one God and Father.
The reason for their unity is their belief. We don't know everything the apostles taught on a regular basis (Acts 2:42), but Peter's two recorded sermons share the same theme. Jesus of Nazareth is the Jewish Messiah. The Jewish nation killed Him, but God raised Him from the dead. Anyone who repents of their sins will receive forgiveness from God (Acts 2:14–36; 3:11–26).
Acts 4:32–37 is similar to Acts 2:42–47. After Peter's first sermon (Acts 2:14–41), new believers from all over the Roman Empire stayed in Jerusalem to learn from the apostles. Those who had means donated what they had so that no one had need. This system continues, but under slightly different circumstances. The church is now known by the Sanhedrin who very much disapproves of the message that Jesus rose from the dead (Acts 4:1–22). Still, the believers stay together, supporting each other both physically and spiritually.
Acts 4 continues the story started in Acts 3. Peter and John have healed a man born lame and preached that Jesus has risen from the dead. The Sanhedrin orders their arrest for teaching the resurrection. The Jewish officials warn Peter and John to stop speaking in Jesus' name. Peter and John refuse, but, since they have committed no crime, the Sanhedrin releases them. Peter and John return to their friends, and the Jesus-followers pray for boldness in the face of growing persecution. The church continues to grow, sharing all their possessions so that no one is in need.
