Acts 4:35

and laid them down at the apostles" feet A significant act, whereby it was shewn that they gave the Apostles entire control over the bestowal of these sums. For the figure, cp. Psalms 8:6, and Cicero pro Flacco(xxvii. § 68), ante pedes praetorisin foro expensum est auri pondo centum paullo minus.

and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need Better, unto each according as any had need. There were no doubt many who were not in need, and they of course lived on their own. The distribution was intended only for the needy, as widows, &c., and for those who could not otherwise support themselves while they took part, as many did, in the active propagation of the new faith. It may be, too, that some were deprived of the means of support because they had become Christians. Cp. the threat of the authorities, John 9:22.