The Economic Culture of the Early Church: Implications for Poverty Eradication in Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the communal economic principles of the early Christian community as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles 2:44–45, 4:32–35 and their potential application in addressing poverty in Nigerian society. Scholars have thoroughly analysed the historical, theological, sociological, missional, and ecclesiological dimensions of these texts, but further exploration is needed into its contextual relevance in non-Western churches and its application to modern economic challenges. Addressing these gaps could enrich both biblical scholarship and practical theology. African inculturation theology, which reinterprets Christian doctrines through African cultural expressions to reflect indigenous spiritual experiences, served as the framework. Utilizing the documentation method for data collection, the study draws on both primary and secondary sources. The primary source comprises the Greek text of Acts 2:44–45 and 4:32–35, while secondary sources include published literature on poverty and its eradication in Nigerian contexts. The research employs the grammatico-historical approach to exegete the biblical texts, uncovering the theological and socio-economic foundations that underpinned the early Christian model of shared resources and mutual support. Additionally, the interpretive design is adopted to engage critically with data on poverty and eradication strategies in Nigeria. Through exegetical analysis, the study reveals that the early Christian economic culture—marked by voluntary sharing, communal ownership, and prioritization of need over personal accumulation—provides valuable ethical and practical insights for poverty alleviation. The findings suggest that a contextual adaptation of these principles could contribute meaningfully to grassroots strategies aimed at reducing poverty in Nigerian communities. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a rethinking of socio-economic frameworks within faith-based and policy-making circles, emphasizing community-oriented models rooted in justice, equity, and compassion. This study not only bridges biblical scholarship and social development but also highlights the enduring relevance of scriptural values in contemporary socio-economic discourse.