Stokvel and Koinonia: A Comparative Theological Study of Economic and Spiritual Communality in Acts 2:42–47

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to show South African creativity regarding survival mechanisms in the face of economic deprivation, political marginalization, and social indifference. One way of overcoming this is through the stokvel. Through literature study, the two concepts of stokvel (secular) and koinonia (theological) are studied and compared. The research question is “How do stokvel and koinonia of Acts 2.42-47 contribute towards economic and spiritual communality?” The objectives of the article include demonstration of how stokvel concepts are the koinonia concept of Acts 2.42-47. It shows how stokvel builds a community, contributes towards poverty reduction, teaches the principle of sharing, helps people with finding identity, and enhances ethics of trust and accountability. In juxtaposition, koinonia provides mutual support systems, such as sharing resources. It is a platform to practise solidarity and generosity. It is partnership in ministry and demonstrates unity in diversity. This koinonia is a channel through which God distributes spiritual gifts. The article further discusses common features between a stokvel and koinonia. These include that both entities are voluntary associations. Both contribute towards poverty alleviation; and value coming together for mutual building of members’ wholistic lives. In the world where unity is a great misnomer, stokvel and koinonia demonstrate the possibilities of unity in diversities, where trust and accountability are the ethos to be emulated. The conclusion is drawn that Christians can learn from stokvels and koinonia that unity is strength; and that human miseries, especially of poverty, can be addressed through generous sharing.