In their care to distribute

Renée Antrosio – April 14, 2026 1 Comment

What are the consequences of Easter? How does the resurrection change our minds, hearts and actions? When we are freed from fear of death, and forgiveness releases us from guilt, what do we do? 

Every year, post-Easter, I am again surprised by the depth of community that developed among the believers in Jerusalem after Jesus ascended and they received the power of the Holy Spirit. The differences that had divided them- those who wanted to take up the sword of insurrection vs those who cooperated with Roman rule in order to survive vs the uneducated fishermen going about their work- were replaced with an unprecedented unity. 

The community of believers was one in heart and mind. None of them would say, “This is mine!” about any of their possessions, but held everything in common. Acts 4:32 (CEB)

This radical sharing of resources was not the obvious outcome of Holy Spirit anointing. The gifts of teaching and preaching made sense. Spread the word with boldness. Speak in many languages. Stand up to authorities who try to shut you up. But the practical care for physical needs was an early testimony to the transformation of hearts and minds. 

Various Christian communities throughout history, including the early days of New Covenant Fellowship, have experienced a revival of this spirit of mutual aid. Ah, it was the 70s, we say. And, the early church was different. They thought Jesus would return during their lifetimes, so why hold on to an extra house or field when a fellow believer was in need right now? They were family, and family looks after each other. 

There were no needy persons among them. Those who owned properties or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds from the sales, and place them in the care and under the authority of the apostles. Then it was distributed to anyone who was in need. Acts 4:34-35 (CEB)

The apostles not only were preaching and praying in the Temple daily, but they were also entrusted with the financial responsibility of redistributing excess wealth, gladly given, to those among them who had needs. No wonder they didn’t have time to also head up the food distribution; they had to delegate something!

Charitable giving to the poor was an important value of the Jewish faith of Jesus and the apostles. This was an everyday religious practice, but there were also special times like the 50 year celebration of Jubilee at which more radical redistribution was decreed by God’s commandment to the Israelites. 

The origin of our Family Fund was to meet pressing needs among us. Our regular tithes and charitable giving support this aspect of our communal life. And this is the year of our own Jubilee. How do we live into this more radical redistribution in our own community of New Covenant and our family spread throughout the world? 

Some of us have more than we need to reunite here in Champaign Urbana to celebrate the work God has done, is doing, and will do through our fellowship. Others of us don’t have the resources to travel and pay for lodging and food. How do we aid each other so that no one is needy, so that all who desire to attend are able? 

Joseph, whom the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (that is, “one who encourages”), was a Levite from Cyprus. He owned a field, sold it, brought the money, and placed it in the care and under the authority of the apostles. Acts 4:36-37 (CEB)

Somehow the apostles were the trustworthy hub of this redistribution. It was centralized under their care and authority. It wasn’t a perfect system- as the next chapter about Ananias and Sapphira documents- but it did effectively meet people’s needs. 

As we approach the Jubilee celebration, we hope that there will be enough to meet the needs of all who want to come. We are still figuring out what that will look like in 2026 to place our extra resources at the apostles’ feet so that they can ensure there is no needy person among us. Alas, Barnabas didn’t get a tax credit from the Temple or the Romans for his gift, and neither are donations for the Jubilee tax deductible. Rather, we are invited to share in the joy of giving that made Joseph into Barnabas the Encourager. 

Donations to NCF with “Jubilee” in the memo line will be used to bring us together (from as far away as Korea, Texas, California, and South Africa?!) to celebrate God’s good work. I am meeting with two of our oldest apostles- Marty and Vern- to work out the practical piece of meeting those needs. Whether you are empowered by the Spirit to contribute to this special offering or are a person in need of assistance to attend, may we together taste again the unity of heart and mind as we gather for fellowship, worship, and celebration.  –Pastor Renée