Home/Topics/Communism

What the Bible Says About Communism

Overview

The Bible addresses communism across 16 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Acts. Closely related themes include Ananias, Covetousness, Judgments and Peter. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Peter, Barnabas and Sapphira.

Key Bible verses about communism

New Testament

Acts

Acts 2:44

And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

Acts 2:45

And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Acts 4:34

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Acts 4:35

And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Acts 4:36

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 4:37

Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 5:1

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Acts 5:2

And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 5:3

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? to lie to: or, to deceive

Acts 5:4

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

Acts 5:5

And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

Acts 5:6

And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

Acts 5:7

And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

Acts 5:8

And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

Acts 5:9

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

Acts 5:10

Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

People in the Bible and communism

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying communism for yourself

  • Begin with Acts 2:44, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Consider the lives of Peter, Barnabas and Sapphira and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Ananias, Covetousness, Judgments and Peter.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about communism?

The Bible addresses communism across 16 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Acts. Closely related themes include Ananias, Covetousness, Judgments and Peter. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Peter, Barnabas and Sapphira.

How many Bible verses are about communism?

The Bible references communism in 16 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention communism?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Acts 2:44: “And all that believed were together, and had all things common;”

Which people in the Bible are associated with communism?

Peter, Barnabas and Sapphira.

Preach & teach

Outline a sermon or build a study series on communism.

Preach a series on Communism