EGW WritingsActs 4

To Be Like Jesus

Consecrated Workers Could Do Great Work in Short Time, September 26

BLJ 284.1

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and one soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. Acts 4:32, NRSV.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Heart Searching and Self-examination, October 4

YRP 286.4

Controlled by the Spirit, they saw Christ in their brethren. One interest prevailed. One subject of emulation swallowed up all others—to be like Christ, to do the works of Christ. The earnest zeal felt was expressed by loving helpfulness, by kindly words and unselfish deeds. All strove to see who could do the most for the enlargement of Christ’s kingdom. “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul” (Acts 4:32).

Ye Shall Receive Power

With One Accord, October 5

YRP 287.3

Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All differences had been put away. And the testimony borne of them after the Spirit had been given is the same. Mark the word: “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul” (Acts 4:32). The Spirit of Him who died that sinners might live animated the entire congregation of believers.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Perfect Unity First

3TT 211.1

Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All differences had been put away. And the testimony borne of them after the Spirit had been given is the same. Mark the word: “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” Acts 4:32. The Spirit of Him who died that sinners might live animated the entire congregation of believers.

From Here to Forever

The First Angel’s Message

HF 235.2

The first angel’s message of Revelation 14 was designed to separate the professed people of God from corrupting influences. In this message, God sent to the church a warning which, had it been accepted, would have corrected the evils that were shutting them away from Him. Had they received the message, humbling their hearts and seeking a preparation to stand in His presence, the Spirit of God would have been manifested. The church would again have reached that unity, faith, and love of apostolic days, when the believers “were of one heart and of one soul,” and when “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 4:32; 2:47.

Homeward Bound

Christ’s Coronation and Its Results, February 27

HB 74.5

Under the training of Christ the disciples had been led to feel their need of the Spirit. Under the Spirit’s teaching they received the final qualification, and went forth to their lifework. No longer were they ignorant and uncultured. No longer were they a collection of independent units or discordant, conflicting elements. No longer were their hopes set on worldly greatness. They were of “one accord,” “of one heart and of one soul.” (Acts 2:46; 4:32.) Christ filled their thoughts; the advancement of His kingdom was their aim. In mind and character they had become like their Master. . . .

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 39, 1874

2LtMs, Lt 39, 1874, par. 12

The Pentecostal revival was marked in its results by the most unselfish principle of giving of their means, which shows us that their ideas had not contracted but greatly enlarged. Some have thought, by the facts recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, that there was a general relinquishing of all property among Christians and a community was formed, where no man had any claims above another to the general property but all property was put into a common stock. But this was not the case. Christians did sell their possessions, not to have a community system fund, but that there should be no lack among the suffering of God’s poor and that this cause of truth might be sustained. They saw the cause of Christ was extending far beyond their most sanguine expectations, and when they saw how much was accomplished in a short time, they were in ardent expectation that the work would be carried forward with unabated zeal. Those who had property submitted it to the apostles to forward the work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 7, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 7, 1891, par. 55

Every soul who claims to know God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent should seek to do his utmost for the enlargement of His kingdom, praying, “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;” “for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen,” and working in harmony with their prayer. [Matthew 6:10, 13.] Faith works by love and purifies the soul. We read of the early disciples, “The whole multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one mind.” [Acts 4:32.] The Spirit of Christ pervaded the whole as a vitalizing current. “And God which knoweth the heart bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us.” [Acts 15:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 25b, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 25b, 1892, par. 34

When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the early church, “the whole multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul.” [Acts 4:32.] The spirit of Christ made them one. This is the fruit of abiding in Christ. But if dissension, envy, jealousy, and strife are the fruit we bear, it is not possible that we are abiding in Christ. To draw nourishment from the Living Vine is the same that Christ represents as eating His flesh and drinking His blood. And if we are feeding upon Him we shall manifest His spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 26, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 26, 1894, par. 14

The Lord is our God, and He has the same purpose in regard to His believing, loyal people today. He has given them special light; they are to be a peculiar, separate, holy people, in the world but not of the world. One all-important subject is to engross our mind, how we may do the work for the enlightenment of the world so as to be approved of God. This is an individual work. The human agent must co-operate with the divine, else the work will not be accomplished. “The whole multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” [Acts 4:32.] Hearts were linked together by the ever-abiding love of Christ. What was then demonstrated to the world? When strife and contention had no place, the gospel went rapidly around the world. New churches were raised up, and the converts became witnesses for Christ. Those who had been the bitterest persecutors were converted and bore a living testimony for the Saviour, for they were imbued with the Holy Spirit, and Jesus said, “He shall not speak of himself, he shall glorify me.” [John 16:13, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 38, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 38, 1897, par. 6

I am praying for you in Melbourne, that the enemy will be defeated. The Lord would have His people labor for unity, and to answer the prayer of Christ. Here is our greatest hindrance. When we read, “The whole multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one mind,” we understand that the agency of the Holy Spirit was doing its work on human hearts. [Acts 4:32.] Until the Holy Spirit is accepted and allowed to do its office work upon the heart, each individual will strive to become a center of influence for himself. But we know, in our experience, that harmonious subordination to the Spirit of God is rest and peace and joy. Then think of the positive necessity of coming under this molding, transforming power, in order to enjoy heaven in this life and eternal blessing in the future life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 44, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 44, 1898, par. 14

“The whole multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one mind.” [Acts 4:32.] The Spirit of Christ animated the whole congregation they had found the pearl of great price. Every individual’s spiritual pulse beat in healthful concert.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 96a, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 96a, 1899, par. 11

Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the whole multitude of them that believed were of “one heart and of one mind.” [Acts 4:32.] The Spirit of Christ animated the whole and became the whole heart of the whole community. Every pulse beat in concert. One subject of emulation swallowed up every other. Who should approach nearest the likeness of Christ? Which should do most to glorify God? The Spirit of life and light and sanctification and holiness pervaded every mind. Heart beat in unison with heart. Praise and thanksgiving were ascending upward to God. This is the fruit borne on the Christian tree. May the Lord help His people now at this present time to be the light of the world. The world needs the light of Christian example. The church is too much, altogether too much, like the world; therefore the light is not reflected from them to the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 130, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 130, 1901, par. 42

“The whole multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one mind.” [Acts 4:32.] The Spirit of Christ animated and made strong and earnest workers of all of one heart and of one mind. The Lord was magnified. Now there is just as much necessity for the whole church of believers in every place to put their whole being in communion with God, pleading the promise, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” [John 16:24.] Every one that asketh receiveth. Here is the connection: Asking, believing, and receiving. All who receive Christ by faith are to be as so many consecrated channels to receive the living truth to carry to the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 11, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 11, 1901, par. 40

Thus the people of God did after the Spirit had descended upon them on the day of Pentecost. “Neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own.” [Acts 4:32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 213, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 213, 1903, par. 9

Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the outpouring of the Spirit came. They were of one accord. All differences had been put away. One subject of emulation swallowed up all others—who should most closely follow Christ’s example of self-denial and self-sacrifice? Who should do the most for the enlargement of His kingdom? And after the Spirit had been poured out, the testimony was the same. Mark the Word of God: “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” [Acts 4:32.] The Spirit of Him who died that we might live animated the entire congregation of believers. Every spiritual pulse beat in harmony.

Counsels for the Church

Unity Must Precede the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

CCh 98.4

Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All differences had been put away. And the testimony borne of them after the Spirit had been given is the same. Mark the word: “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” Acts 4:32. The Spirit of Him who died that sinners might live animated the entire congregation of believers.

Lift Him Up

Unity in the Church, October 9

LHU 296.1

All the believers were one in heart and mind. Acts 4:32, NIV.

LHU 296.2

When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the early church, “the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul” (Acts 4:32). The Spirit of Christ made them one. This is the fruit of abiding in Christ....

Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]

MR No. 1213—Each Follower of Christ is Called to Work; All are to Copy Christ, the Pattern; Harmony to Prevail

16MR 201.3

“The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one mind” [Acts 4:32]. The Spirit of Christ animated and made strong and earnest workers of all [who were] of one heart and of one mind. The Lord was magnified. Now there is just as much necessity for believers to put their whole being in communion with God, pleading the promise, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” “Every one that asketh receiveth.” Here is the connection: Asking, believing, and receiving. All who receive Christ by faith are to be channels to carry the living truth to the world.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Chapter 3—The Power Promised

8T 20.1

“With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them.” Acts 4:33. Under their labors there were added to the church chosen men, who, receiving the word of life, consecrated their lives to the work of giving to others the hope that had filled their hearts with peace and joy. Hundreds proclaimed the message: “The kingdom of God is at hand.” They could not be restrained or intimidated by threatenings. The Lord spoke through them; and, wherever they went, the sick were healed, and the poor had the gospel preached unto them.

8T 20.4

Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All differences had been put away. And the testimony borne of them after the Spirit had been given is the same. Mark the word: “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” Acts 4:32. The Spirit of Him who died that sinners might live animated the entire congregation of believers.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 157, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 157, 1903, par. 10

“With great power gave the apostles witness of [the resurrection of] the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them.” [Acts 4:33.] Under their labors there were added to the church chosen men who, receiving the word of life, consecrated their lives to the work of giving to others the hope that had filled their hearts with peace and joy. Hundreds proclaimed the message, “The kingdom of God is at hand.” [Mark 1:15.] They could not be restrained or intimidated by threatenings. The Lord spoke through them, and wherever they went, the sick were healed, and the poor had the gospel preached unto them.

18LtMs, Ms 157, 1903, par. 13

Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All differences had been put away. And the testimony borne of them after the Spirit had been given is the same. Mark the word: “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” [Acts 4:32.] The Spirit of Him who died that sinners might live animated the entire company of believers.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 9—The Pearl

COL 120.1

Then the glad tidings of a risen Saviour were carried to the uttermost bounds of the inhabited world. The church beheld converts flocking to her from all directions. Believers were reconverted. Sinners united with Christians in seeking the pearl of great price. The prophecy was fulfilled, The weak shall be “as David,” and the house of David “as the angel of the Lord.” Zechariah 12:8. Every Christian saw in his brother the divine similitude of benevolence and love. One interest prevailed. One object swallowed up all others. All hearts beat in harmony. The only ambition of the believers was to reveal the likeness of Christ’s character, and to labor for the enlargement of His kingdom. “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.... With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:32, 33. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:47. The Spirit of Christ animated the whole congregation; for they had found the pearl of great price.

From Heaven With Love

A Kingdom of Different Principles

HLv 366.2

This spirit pervaded the early church. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, “the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 4:32, 33.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 60—The Law of the New Kingdom

DA 551.2

This was the spirit that pervaded the early church. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, “the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own.” “Neither was there any among them that lacked.” “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:32, 34, 33.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”—Matthew 7:12.

MB 137.1

Of the apostolic church, in those bright days when the glory of the risen Christ shone upon them, it is written that no man said “that aught of the things which he possessed was his own.” “Neither was there any among them that lacked.” “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 4:32, 34, 33; 2:46, 47.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Fraternal Love Expressed, November 22

YRP 335.1

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. Acts 4:32.

YRP 335.2

The record declares, “Neither was there any among them that lacked,” and it tells how the need was filled. Those among the believers who had money and possessions cheerfully sacrificed them to meet the emergency. Selling their houses or their lands, they brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet, “and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need” (Acts 4:34, 35).

Welfare Ministry

Gem Thought

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. . . . Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Acts 4:32-35.

From Trials to Triumph

Why This Manifestation of God’s Wrath?

TT 40.5

God would have us learn how deep is His hatred for hypocrisy and deception. Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit and lost this life and the life that is to come. God declares that into the Holy City “there shall in no wise enter ... anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie.” Revelation 21:27. Let truth telling become a part of the life! Playing fast and loose with truth means shipwreck of faith. “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.” Ephesians 6:14. He who utters untruths sells his soul in a cheap market. He may seem to make business advancement that he could not gain by fair dealing; but finally he can trust no one. Himself a falsifier, he has no confidence in the word of others.

God’s Amazing Grace

Pentecostal Power, July 29

AG 218.1

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 5—The Gift of the Spirit Is for Us

TT 27.3

“With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33. Chosen men consecrated their lives to the work of giving to others the hope that filled their hearts with peace and joy. They could not be restrained or intimidated. As they went from place to place, the poor had the gospel preached to them, and miracles of divine grace were wrought.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 106, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 106, 1897, par. 21

“If Christ be not raised,” wrote the apostle Paul, “then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ; whom He raised not up,if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised. And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.” [1 Corinthians 15:14-18.] “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.” [Acts 4:33.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Risen Saviour, September 20

JNN 278.4

“With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33). Under their labors were added to the church chosen men, who, receiving the word of truth, consecrated their lives to the work of giving to others the hope that filled their hearts with peace and joy.—The Acts of the Apostles, 47, 48.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]

MR No. 1310—Christ and the Law

18MR 76.2

“If Christ be not risen,” wrote the apostle Paul, “Then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain: ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished” [1 Corinthians 15:14-18]. “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus” [Acts 4:33].

My Life Today

Witnessing With Power, February 26

ML 61.1

With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 5—The Gift of the Spirit

AA 48.2

“With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33. Under their labors were added to the church chosen men, who, receiving the word of truth, consecrated their lives to the work of giving to others the hope that filled their hearts with peace and joy. They could not be restrained or intimidated by threatenings. The Lord spoke through them, and as they went from place to place, the poor had the gospel preached to them, and miracles of divine grace were wrought.

To Be Like Jesus

The Holy Spirit Will Empower for Witnessing, September 12

BLJ 270.1

And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33, NKJV.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Witnesses for the Cross, June 5

YRP 165.4

The third, fourth, and fifth chapters of Acts give an account of their witnessing. Those who had rejected and crucified the Saviour expected to find His disciples discouraged, crestfallen, and ready to disown their Lord. With amazement they heard the clear, bold testimony given under the power of the Holy Spirit. The words and works of the disciples represented the words and works of their Teacher; and all who heard them said, They have learned of Jesus, they talk as He talked. “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33).—Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1543.

Ye Shall Receive Power

The Disciples, September 23

YRP 275.1

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

The Promise of the Spirit

3TT 210.1

“With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them.” Acts 4:33. Under their labors there were added to the church chosen men, who, receiving the word of life, consecrated their lives to the work of giving to others the hope that had filled their hearts with peace and joy. Hundreds proclaimed the message: “The kingdom of God is at hand.” They could not be restrained or intimidated by threatenings. The Lord spoke through them; and, wherever they went, the sick were healed, and the poor had the gospel preached unto them.

Loma Linda Messages

Loma Linda Meeting

LLM 115.2

“For as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold and laid them down at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:34. Such is in brief the description of the spirit and power that actuated the followers of Christ in the establishment of the early church under the outpouring of the early rain. As we have read the account of their experiences and realized that under the outpouring of the latter rain a greater work is to be accomplished, how we have longed to see the same spirit and power come to the people of God. Those who were privileged to be present at the Los Angeles campmeeting Aug. 17, from 9:30 to 12 m., and witnessed the response of the people to the call of the Lord to secure the Loma Linda property for Sanitarium purposes, could not help being reminded that the same spirit that actuated the early church, causing them to dispose of earthly possessions to advance the Cause, was again hovering over His people, and the same God that supplied the finances for their necessities, can in His own good way supply the means to carry forward His present work, if we but trust Him and move out in faith when He bids us to go forward. Not seeing the means, we hesitated to take the first step, and thus came short of the substance,—the things hoped for.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

Lessons From the History of the Early Christian Church

13MR 188.3

Those chosen were not to be like Ananias, who had appropriated to his own use certain sums of money, representing at the same time that he had given the whole amount to the cause of God. At that time, we read, that “as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet” [Acts 4:34, 35]. This was an occasion of temptation to the selfish and covetous, notwithstanding the fact that the Holy Spirit was working among the people. Hereditary and cultivated traits of character developed, showing that not all were cleansed from their evil tendencies, but dared to practice lying and fraud. None of them were compelled to give up their possessions.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 91, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 91, 1899, par. 34

Those chosen were not to be like Ananias, who had appropriated to his own use certain sums of money, representing at the same time that he had given the whole amount to the cause of God. At that time, we read, that “as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the price of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet.” [Acts 4:34, 35.] This was an occasion of temptation to the selfish and covetous, notwithstanding the fact that the Holy Spirit was working among the people. Hereditary and cultivated traits of character developed, showing that all were not cleansed from their evil tendencies, but dared to practice lying and fraud. None of them were compelled to give up their possessions.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 17—Heralds of the Gospel

AA 166.2

Cyprus was one of the places to which the believers had fled from Jerusalem because of the persecution following the death of Stephen. It was from Cyprus that certain men had journeyed to Antioch, “preaching the Lord Jesus.” Acts 11:20. Barnabas himself was “of the country of Cyprus” (Acts 4:36); and now he and Paul, accompanied by John Mark, a kinsman of Barnabas, visited this island field.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 17—Heralds of the Gospel

TT 89.1

After their ordination Paul and Barnabas “went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus.” Barnabas was “a native of Cyprus” (Acts 4:36, RSV), and now he and Paul, accompanied by John Mark, a relative of Barnabas, visited this island. Cyprus was one of the places to which believers had fled because of persecution following the death of Stephen.