“And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”
They sold property and possessions and gave to anyone who had need — the selling (poleō, sell) and distribution (diaireo, distribute, divide) of goods according to need (chreia, need, necessity) demonstrates koinōnia's practical expression. There is no record of compulsion; Ananias and Sapphira's sin is not selling but lying about the sale (5:1-11). Voluntary generosity flowing from the Spirit is the ideal.
Church Fathers on Acts 2:45
And all that believed were together, and had all things common. Acts 2:44 Consider what an advance was here immediately! For the fellowship was not only in prayers, nor in doctrine alone, but also in (πολιτεία) social relations. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. See what fear was wrought in them! And they parted them, he says, showing the (τὸ οἰκονομικὸν) wise management: As every man had need. Not recklessly, like some…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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