Today 'genuine' is often a marketing word.
1. The genuine article - one in heart and mind. (4:32) - an attitude towards possessions. For the Jew (Deuteronomy 15:4, 7, 8) this was God's plan for Israel. Why were the Christians like this - the Gospel of Jesus (v33) - a common Lord and love. A church is more than friendship - a common 'mind of Christ'. An example, Joseph (v36, 37) - he had a nickname called 'encourager'.
2. Not all were 'one'. (5:1,2) Another example, but kept back (stole) some. Main problem is that he lied to God (v3,4). Put on a show. The problem was with his heart and mind. All about appearance, rather than sacrificial giving. His wife (v9) - they were testing God - to see what they could get aware with. You cannot have two masters. God judged Ananias and his wife and they were struck dead. God sees hearts, minds and motives. Applications - (a) Don't be discouraged if you see people 'playacting' Christianity. (b) Examine your own heart - is there any pretence.
3. Genuine Christians - we are not clones (carbon copies) of each other. Here, not all sold their homes. Don't pretend. Good to have good models, but let us be genuine.
