Article XXXVIII
Property and generosity
Possessions remain personal; care for the poor is a duty.
The Article
OF CHRISTIAN MEN’S GOODS, WHICH ARE NOT COMMON
THE Riches and Goods of Christians are not common, as touching the right, title, and possession of the same, as certain Anabaptists do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought, of such things as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the poor, according to his ability.
In modern English
Christians' possessions are not held in common as a matter of ownership or legal entitlement, despite the claims of certain Anabaptists. Nevertheless, everyone should give generously to those in need from what they possess, according to their ability.
Scripture readings
- Acts 5:1–4
- 2 Corinthians 8:1–5, 12–13
- 1 John 3:16–18
Understand the teaching
Possessions and a shared life
Article XXXVIII is brief enough to read quickly and challenging enough to examine for a lifetime. It recognises personal ownership while insisting upon generous care for the poor according to one's ability. The first claim protects the reality of ownership; the second places that ownership within Christian responsibility. Wealth belongs within discipleship. It cannot be sealed off as a private area where the claims of love no longer apply.
The reference to certain Anabaptists reflects controversies with particular radical teachings in the Reformation period. It should not become a blanket description of every Anabaptist community, historical or contemporary. Groups placed under that label differed considerably. The Article rejects the assertion that conversion automatically makes every Christian possession common property. Its positive demand is equally important: Christians should give liberally from what they possess to neighbours experiencing poverty.
Ownership as stewardship
Personal ownership means that someone can meaningfully give a possession, lend it or take responsibility for it. Stewardship adds that everything is held under God and will be used in ways for which we are accountable. These ideas belong together. A house can provide shelter and hospitality. A business can provide useful work and fair employment. Savings can support future responsibilities and generous action. The moral question concerns how resources serve or frustrate love.
The phrase according to ability prevents a simplistic demand that every person contribute the same amount. A small gift from someone under financial pressure can represent significant generosity. A large gift from someone with exceptional wealth may leave their lifestyle entirely untouched. Assessing others from outside is therefore hazardous. The Article directs attention towards a serious examination of our own capacity, while making care for the poor a genuine obligation rather than an optional interest for unusually compassionate Christians.
What happened in Acts?
Acts 2:42–47 and 4:32–37 portray remarkable sharing among the first believers. Possessions were sold and resources distributed in response to need. The passages challenge comfortable individualism and show how the gospel creates practical solidarity. Their moral force should remain strong even when we recognise that they describe a particular community's response. The central concern is that brothers and sisters should not be abandoned while others have the means to help.
Acts 5:1–4 then clarifies the issue in the case of Ananias and Sapphira. Peter recognises that the property belonged to them and that the proceeds remained at their disposal. Their sin involved deception about the gift. This supports the Article's distinction between ownership and generous sharing. Second Corinthians 8:1–15 develops giving further: Christ's grace motivates willing generosity, circumstances matter, and the goal includes relieving others' hardship. Paul seeks a fair sharing of burdens while avoiding pressure that simply transfers distress from one household to another.
Poverty, policy and manipulation
This Article cannot settle every modern economic debate. It does not provide a complete programme for taxation, welfare, public ownership or market regulation. Christians may disagree about which arrangements best protect dignity and reduce poverty while sharing a commitment to justice and generosity. Responsible discussion needs evidence about consequences as well as moral conviction. It should resist recruiting a short historical statement as an automatic endorsement of an entire contemporary political system.
Within church life, generosity must also be protected from manipulation. Giving should never purchase access to leaders, secure special spiritual status or be demanded through threats about God's favour. Those receiving help deserve privacy, respect and a voice in decisions affecting them. Poverty may involve low income, disability, insecure housing, caring responsibilities or sudden crisis. Listening before prescribing prevents assistance from becoming patronising. Sometimes immediate financial help is essential; sometimes advocacy, reliable relationships or access to practical opportunities also matters.
A realistic practice of generosity
Imagine reviewing your monthly spending beside the needs you know personally. The point is to identify an intentional pattern rather than wait for whatever remains after every preference has been satisfied. You might establish regular giving, keep a small emergency fund for neighbours and make an unused room or skill available. The appropriate pattern will vary with your responsibilities. People facing debt or deprivation may need support themselves, and receiving help can be a faithful act of humility.
For a congregation, ask whether the budget expresses the compassion regularly preached from the front. Are benevolence arrangements accessible and discreet? Do people know how to request help without public embarrassment? Does the church partner wisely with those who understand local need? First John 3:16–18 presses love towards tangible action when a brother or sister lacks necessities. Article XXXVIII makes the same practical demand: recognise what God has entrusted to you, attend to the people around you and practise generosity substantial enough to make a difference.
Bring it into everyday life
- What would proportionate generosity look like in your current circumstances?