WALDROP: Biblical economy offers lessons

The early church structured its economy so that: “There were no needy persons among them” (Acts 4: 34b NIV). That challenges the outrageous poverty that lives within sight of the “lifestyles of the rich and famous” we hear so much about today.

The power of that community was not an economic name; instead, it was their living together and loving one another more than material possessions. As Jesus had told them, this would become their ultimate testimony to him (John 13:34-35). Such love eliminated poverty from their community “and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47b).

But this gets missed in today’s discrediting buzz words about “income redistribution,” “government take-over of wealth,” and “economic equality,” etc. Are we more concerned about political approval and disapproval than about Biblical revelation?

The critics have other barbs ready. When the Bible says: “All the believers were together and had everything in common,” (Acts 2:44), the “Communism” card is played. When it says: “No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had” (Acts 4:32b), “Socialism” or “Marxism” is charged.

Yet, Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor,” not the middle class and certainly not the rich to whom he said, “Woe to you” (Luke 6:20-26). He said to feed the hungry, heal the sick, welcome strangers, visit prisoners, and clothe the naked, as well as to preach the gospel. It was a package deal.

Yet, amid modern claims that “This is a Christian nation,” and that we should “get back to the Bible,” where are any calls to create and live in a Biblical economy? Has the church lost its power to build communities characterized by healthy bodies and equitable wealth (2nd Cor. 8:13-15)?

The first Christians knowingly risked becoming the wick on the Emperor’s torches that lighted his nighttime games. They knew that their entire family could be thrown to the lions for following Jesus. Yet, they “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6b). Can we not turn it right-side up again today?