Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Acts 2:44

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"And all that believed were together, and had all things common." Consider what an advance was here immediately! For the fellowship was not only in prayers, nor in doctrine alone, but also in 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! …

Homily on Acts 7 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

"All… the believers were together," that is, not in place, but in disposition and in thoughts, in constant agreement among themselves and in love.

Commentary on Acts ↗

Oecumenius

As for selling and distributing their possessions according to whatever need one had, not merely, but in an economical manner. For they distributed according to value.

Commentary on Acts ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

...now mortifying the earthly cravings of the old man, and inflamed with the new experience of the spiritual life, as the Lord had enjoined in the Gospel, they sold all that they had, and laid the price of their possessions at the feet of the apostles, in order that these might distribute to every man according as each had need; and living in Christian love harmoniously with each other, they did not affirm anything to be their own, but they had all things in common, and were one in soul and heart toward God. …

On the Catechising of the Uninstructed ↗

Bede

And they had all things in common, etc. If the love of God is poured into our hearts, it soon surely generates love for our neighbor. Hence, on account of the double ardor of charity, the Holy Spirit is read to have been given twice to the apostles. It is also a great indication of fraternal love to possess all things in common, having nothing as one's own.

Commentary on Acts ↗