Community in the Bible

The concept of community is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's design for human relationships and social structures. From the very beginning, God created humans to live in community. In Genesis 2:18, God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." This foundational statement underscores the importance of companionship and community.

The nation of Israel serves as a primary example of a divinely ordained community. God established Israel as a covenant community, bound together by shared faith, laws, and purpose. The Israelites were called to live in unity, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which commands them to love the Lord with all their heart and to teach His commandments diligently within the community.

In the New Testament, the early church exemplifies a new form of community centered around faith in Jesus Christ. Acts 2:42-47 describes the believers as devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their possessions and met each other's needs, demonstrating a profound sense of unity and mutual care. This communal life was a powerful testimony to the surrounding world of the transformative power of the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul further emphasizes the importance of community in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, he uses the metaphor of the body to describe the church, highlighting the interdependence of its members. Each believer has unique gifts and roles, contributing to the health and function of the whole body. Paul exhorts believers to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2) and to "encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Property in the Bible

The Bible presents a nuanced view of property, recognizing both the rights and responsibilities associated with ownership. In the Old Testament, property is seen as a blessing from God, who is the ultimate owner of all things. Leviticus 25:23 states, "The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is Mine and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me." This perspective underscores the idea that humans are stewards of God's creation.

The Mosaic Law includes numerous regulations concerning property rights and responsibilities. For example, the Ten Commandments include prohibitions against stealing (Exodus 20:15) and coveting (Exodus 20:17), affirming the sanctity of personal property. At the same time, the law provides for the protection of the poor and vulnerable, such as the command to leave gleanings for the needy (Leviticus 19:9-10).

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the proper attitude toward wealth and possessions. In the Sermon on the Mount, He warns against storing up treasures on earth and encourages storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Jesus' parables, such as the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), illustrate the folly of placing trust in material wealth rather than in God.

The early church's practice of sharing possessions, as described in Acts 4:32-35, reflects a radical approach to property. The believers were "one in heart and mind," and "no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." This voluntary sharing was motivated by love and a desire to meet the needs of the community.

The New Testament also addresses the ethical use of wealth. Paul instructs Timothy to command the rich "to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share" (1 Timothy 6:18). This teaching aligns with the broader biblical principle that wealth is a tool for serving others and advancing God's kingdom.

In summary, the Bible presents community and property as interconnected aspects of God's design for human society. Community is characterized by mutual care, unity, and shared purpose, while property is viewed as a stewardship responsibility, with an emphasis on generosity and justice.