We have here the first congregation in a temple that no longer exists, on a part of the world now ruled by Islam, and we have them growing. For they are looking at their generation, their time, calling it wrong, and moving to separate themselves from it.
Holding things in common is how a family would run, or how a small community can run, but it requires trust. And infrastructure. The early church had both. They soon also had persecution and divisions. This did not last.
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Let us say the obvious; the commune could not last. The church grew too fast: the temple (as a place to worship) became less welcoming, and then the church was scattered from Jerusalem by persecution. Paul told us that those who could not work should not eat, and those who did not provide for their family should be considered as apostate.
But the fervour they had is a model we need. For if they needed saving from a perverse generation, we need this more so. If their times were evil, ours are worse.
It is not time for appeasement. It is time for a confessing church.