Douglas Young

It seems to me that the infant, first century church learned a lot about itself through its experiences, both good and bad. Most obvious is the bad; namely, that racial tension between Jewish and Gentile Christians developed (Acts 10-15; Romans 1-2; 14-15). The most astounding of the good developed prior to the ensuing racial tensions.

Take, for instance, the manifestation of agape one for another in Acts 2-4. In fact, the essence of the good is expressly summarized by Luke himself,

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Acts 4:32-35, ESV.

What was responsible for sacrifice of that magnitude? The answer lies in the “great grace” that “was upon them all.” Kindness manifested through benevolent action was the embodiment of God’s grace in action (2 Corinthians 8:1ff).

The grace we receive from God becomes a catalyst for us to offer the same (1 Peter 2:1-3). Our growth in grace (2 Peter 3:18) is manifested through the actions of the Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5ff). As recipients of God’s grace, we become the bestowers thereof.

Can it be said that “great grace” is upon us?