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. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Comment: I guess in one sense there were needy people but their needs were met by the generosity of the group. Barnabas, for a reason not given, is listed as one of the generous givers. Ananias, with the full knowledge of his wife also sold a piece of property and deceitfully saying that he was donating the full price gave only a portion of it to the elders for distribution. We will have to wait until tomorrow to find out how that was dealt with! I suspect that deceit is not recommended.
PS. I am still wondering when Joseph and Mary discovered that they had to travel to Bethlehem because of the census?
Prayer: I don’t think that You want me to tell everybody everything, but keep me honest, please.
As I read it! 