Thank you for the question on the meaning of Acts 4, “What is the meaning of Acts 4 in the Bible?”
As I read Acts 4, the central thought that comes to me that the early believers were willing to sacrifice everything for the proclamation and furtherance of the Gospel including their possessions and their lives. They were “all in” without holding any reservation for the proclamation of the Gospel.
For one’s consideration, Acts 4:1–21 states the boldness of the early believers even in face of imprisonment. They were will to state boldly, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’[a] 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (NIV).
As the account continues, the believers prayed for more boldness and power to proclaim the Gospel. They were not content with suffering for Christ. They wanted to make Christ known to all.
Acts 4 continues with these words, “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (NIV).
The early believers were willing and prepared to give their possessions to the furtherance of the proclamation of Gospel and the believers of the Gospel. The new believers were taught about the teachings of Jesus so that they can tell their family and friends of the Savior that they have come to believe. In this way, the proclamation filled the city of Jerusalem.
In verses 32 onward, the text says this, “32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need” (NIV).
Thus from understanding of the text, the early believers gave their possessions and even their lives to proclaim the resurrected Jesus to those who would hear their message. The central topic was the resurrected Jesus.
Sadly today, the proclamation of the Gospel is nearly among the last things are shared with family and friends. The possessions and their lives are viewed as being their own and not belong to the Lord. The possessions are mainly for their comfort, adding to our retirement account, and paying off their debts before Christians give to the Lord’s work or to the need of others. The hearts of God’s people have been filled with the things of this world than being filled with the love of God for the people of this world.
SUMMARY: Are we proclaiming the “goods” of our lives or are we proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For more perspectives:
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-meaning-of-Acts-4-in-the-Bible