Was Poverty Totally Eradicated in the Early Church After They Gave? Question 19.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, claims that poverty was completely eradicated in the early church through their acts of generosity. He cites Acts 4:32-37 and argues that this demonstrates a principle of supernatural provision resulting from giving in obedience to the Holy Spirit. Shuttlesworth challenges critics of prosperity theology by asserting that their understanding of the early church is flawed.

This blog critically analyzes Shuttlesworth’s interpretation of Acts 4:32-37 and evaluates his claims in light of biblical context, theological principles, and sound hermeneutical methods.

1. Analyzing Acts 4:32-37

The Text

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:32-37, NIV).

Shuttlesworth’s Claim

Shuttlesworth interprets this passage to mean that poverty was eradicated in the early church due to their giving. He asserts that this communal generosity brought about supernatural provision and insists that critics of prosperity theology misrepresent the early church as poor.

2. Contextual Analysis

Historical and Cultural Background

1. The Situation of the Early Church:

   • The early church in Jerusalem faced unique socio-economic challenges. Many converts were pilgrims who remained in Jerusalem after Pentecost and were dependent on local resources (Acts 2:5-11).

   • Sharing possessions was a temporary measure to address immediate needs within the community.

2. Economic Conditions in First-Century Jerusalem:

   • Poverty and economic disparity were common in ancient societies, including Jerusalem.

   • The cultural norm of patronage and community support influenced the church’s practice of sharing resources.

     
     

Theological Context

1. The Role of Generosity:

   • Acts 4:32-37 highlights the unity, generosity, and mutual care of the early church, not a guaranteed eradication of poverty for all Christians.

   • The phrase “no needy persons among them” refers to the church’s internal community and does not imply universal prosperity.

2. Temporary Measures:

   • The communal sharing described in Acts 4 was not a permanent economic system but a response to the specific needs of the early church.

   • Later passages, such as 2 Corinthians 8:13-15, indicate that poverty persisted in the broader Christian community, requiring ongoing acts of generosity.

     
     

3. Evaluating Shuttlesworth’s Claims

Claim 1: Poverty Was Eradicated in the Early Church

• Shuttlesworth’s assertion that poverty was completely eradicated misrepresents the text.

• Acts 4:34 states, “There were no needy persons among them,” but this describes a localized and temporary outcome within the Jerusalem church, not a universal principle.

• 2 Corinthians 8:2 reveals that other churches, such as the Macedonians, faced “extreme poverty” even while demonstrating generosity.

  
  

Claim 2: Giving Brings Supernatural Provision

• Shuttlesworth attributes the early church’s unity and provision to a “flow of the Holy Ghost” that resulted from giving.

• While the early church was Spirit-led in meeting needs, the text does not suggest a supernatural multiplication of resources. Instead, it highlights sacrificial generosity and voluntary sharing among believers.

  
  

Claim 3: Critics Misunderstand the Early Church

• Shuttlesworth dismisses critiques of prosperity theology by claiming that critics wrongly characterize the early church as poor.

• While Acts 4 demonstrates generosity, it does not negate the broader New Testament teaching that many believers faced economic hardships and persecution (Hebrews 10:34).

  
  

4. Biblical and Theological Insights

The Role of Generosity in the Early Church

• The early church’s sharing of possessions reflects their unity and love for one another, aligning with Jesus’ teaching to care for the poor (Luke 12:33).

• This generosity was voluntary and Spirit-led, not a mandated economic system.

  
  

Warnings About Wealth

• The New Testament frequently warns against the dangers of wealth and the temptation to equate material prosperity with spiritual blessing:

  • 1 Timothy 6:9-10: The desire for wealth can lead to ruin and spiritual harm.

  • Matthew 6:19-21: Believers are called to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

    
    

Balancing Prosperity and Poverty

• In Playing with Holy Fire, Dr. Michael Brown cautions against prosperity theology’s tendency to overemphasize material wealth at the expense of spiritual priorities.

• Costi Hinn, in God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel, critiques the transactional view of faith promoted by prosperity preachers, emphasizing that biblical giving is motivated by love and obedience, not a guarantee of financial gain.

  
  

5. A Balanced View of Acts 4:32-37

Key Takeaways

1. Unity and Generosity: The passage celebrates the early church’s Spirit-led unity and sacrificial giving, demonstrating love and care within the community.

2. Temporary Economic Support: The poverty eradication in Acts 4:34 is specific to the Jerusalem church and does not establish a universal principle for all Christians.

3. Eternal Perspective: The New Testament emphasizes spiritual blessings and eternal treasures over material wealth.

   
   

Conclusion: Was Poverty Eradicated in the Early Church After They Gave?

The early church’s generosity, as described in Acts 4:32-37, reflects their unity, love, and Spirit-led care for one another. While this temporarily addressed poverty within the Jerusalem church, it does not support Shuttlesworth’s claim that poverty was universally eradicated through giving.

The Bible calls believers to generosity and stewardship, but it also warns against the dangers of wealth and materialism. A balanced theology recognizes that God’s blessings include both spiritual and material provision, but they must always be viewed in light of His eternal purposes.

Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)