The Greek word translated as ‘fellowship’ or ‘community’ here (koinonia) in Luke’s description of the early Christian community is derived from the Greek word which simply means ‘to share’ (koinos). I said last week that Luke wants to show how the early church fulfilled the ideals of the Mosaic Law. The law that is most obviously being fulfilled here is the law of tithing, but with an important difference: they gave much more than just ten percent. The law of tithing was a law of sharing. It enjoined sharing as a way of creating true community. By creating a common purse for a common cause, a group of people are united together for a greater goal than just their own wellbeing; but as a result of the synergy of community, the wellbeing of every member is increased significantly. It is the ultimate win-win situation. We do something similar when we pay taxes. There is something more important, however, than contributing to the building of a nation; and that is the building of God’s Kingdom which is manifested in the church of Jesus Christ. The purpose of the local church is to build true purposeful transformative community (koinonia). A group of people who do not share with each other is just a crowd. Sharing creates community and there is nothing that God our father wants more passionately than a united loving family. Are you willing to be a part of God’s family? Then share a portion of your income with your local fellowship of believers.
Plan to be more faithful with your tithing.
Read Acts 2:42-47
