Some, in seeking to defend their party's socialist agenda (designed to get votes and enslave the people), have argued that Jesus was a socialist. They sometimes even refer to a New Testament passage to support their contention. Let’s look at it and compare it to what the Democrats, socialists, and communists are pushing as if life depended on it. "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need" (Acts 2:43; 44). This text tells us what they did as a result of their love for others; it says nothing that would indicate God commanded them to sell anything or that there was some form of government that would disperse the goods. Proof that what the early church did was not socialism, as practiced today, is found in Acts 5:1-4, which makes it clear that their land was their own and even after it was sold the money was in their power. The big difference in what the early church did and socialism involves the matter of "free will." Socialism TAKES and gives to whom it pleases. Socialism gets the credit (not God) and the receivers of that which is taken from others become slaves. God's way is that people who will not work should receive nothing (2 Thes. 3:10). God's way is that people look to HIM for guidance, safety, and protection, which can be provided through the church. So, no, Jesus was not a socialist and the socialist's agenda and goals are contrary to God's way of dealing with the needy. Furthermore, it has failed in virtually every country because it rewards people who will not work and discourages those who do.