Acts 2:42-47 (ESV) 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Here in these verses, we find defining characteristics of the first Church. It is important to consider what made the early Church successful remembering that it was born amid persecution and was ostracized from society. They were left with no choice but to sell their valuables to survive as they were fired from their jobs and their families turned against them. It was in this context that we consider their actions.
Luke 12:51-53 ESV] 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.
Discipleship 101
The early Christians, upon embracing the transformative power of salvation, immediately delved into a life of discipleship. Devotion to apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer laid the groundwork for their spiritual journey. The unity they displayed defined them. Are our Churches today seen as places of unity? Are we in agreement? We should be defined by our unity. The color of carpet or drapes or any material thing should never become a point of contention. All the peripheral issues of lesser importance often become points of contention when we are unfocused on the main things.
The Apostles Teaching
Number one on the list is teaching. The word of God is the blueprint for this building. From its pages, we learn everything else. Our faith was born by the hearing of God’s word and our growth is reliant upon it. It is the lamp unto our feet and light unto our path. It is life’s instruction manual. Our love letter from God. Consider the importance of teaching God’s word to one another. Children desire milk and adults desire meat, shouldn’t the Church be a source of spiritual food?
- “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.” – Hebrews 4:12
- “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
- “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4
- “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” – Psalm 119:160
- “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” – Proverbs 30:5
- “Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.” – Psalm 119:24
- “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” – Psalm 119:130
- “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
- “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” – Isaiah 40:8
- “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” – Revelation 1:3
Fellowship
Fellowship, from the Greek word, Koinonia (rendered elsewhere in scripture as partnership, contribution, sharing, participation, distribution, communicate) embodies the word community. A true community of believers living in unity and purpose. How beautiful it is for the brethren to dwell in unity. Jesus draws each of us into this community and the word of God becomes the centerpiece. Truly his grace is the glue that holds us together and His word is our sustenance.
Breaking of Bread
Not just physical food but communion around the Lord’s table, calling us back to the cross where Jesus gave his life for us. As often as they do it they do it in remembrance of Him. This “Breaking of Bread” was one of two ordinances given to the church. (The other is Baptism) It seems that this was done often in the early church. I recall reading that Charles Spurgeon took communion every Saturday evening in preparation for his Sunday Sermon. He was living in the shadow of the cross. Calling his mind to remember how Jesus shed His precious blood for us. But, the early Church also ate meals together every day. Now we don’t eat together “every day” but boy we eat together often! And Church people make great food so this is not a sacrifice! And nothing is more unifying than sharing a meal with someone. Sharing a meal is a universal symbol across many cultures. It creates bonds of fellowship and unity. Stay for lunch after service or come to meal times at Church. They mean it when they invite you. Its and invitation to become a greater part of the Church community.
Prayers
It is said that a family that prays together stays together but I submit that a Church that prays together also stays together. It is a directive throughout scripture. It is a most precious privilege and moves heaven. When two agree on earth it is done by the Father in heaven.
- Acts 1:14:
- “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”
- Acts 2:42:
- “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
- Acts 4:24-31:
- This passage describes the early believers praying together in the face of opposition.
- Acts 12:5:
- “So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.”
- 1 Corinthians 14:26:
- “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”
- James 5:16:
- “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
These passages highlight the importance of communal prayer and the unity of believers coming together in prayer for various purposes.
Unity
At the heart of this passage lies a call to unity. Believers shared everything in common, transcending individual interests to form a tightly-knit community. This unity, reflective of a familial bond, becomes a testament to the transformative impact of salvation on individuals, bringing them together as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Generosity
Acts 2:45 unveils a radical form of generosity. Selling possessions to support those in need epitomizes a spirit of selflessness and generosity that modern congregations can strive to emulate. This sacrificial giving reinforces the concept of believers not merely as acquaintances but as a caring family that supports one another.
A Balancing Act
The passage encourages both communal worship in the temple and personal gatherings in homes. I truly love going to Church but if that was the only interaction I had each week I would starve! Would you wait 7 days, or even 3, between meals? How about “give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus wasn’t just implying physical nourishment but spiritual as well. Start a bible study in your home or join one. In the day we live, with overwhelming access to teaching and community via technology, it becomes a simple question of desire. The disciples of the first Church were devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
Community Spirit
Praising God and having favor with all people (Acts 2:47) underscores the joyous atmosphere that should permeate the spiritual family. This positive community spirit becomes infectious, attracting outsiders and contributing to the growth of the Church. Who wants to go to a Church that is not exciting? Our community should be contagious. People will want what we have when we enjoy having it and unconditional love is irresistible.
A Shared Mission
The passage concludes with the Lord adding to their number daily those who were being saved. This serves as a reminder of the shared mission within the spiritual family – not only to nurture existing believers but also to actively engage in evangelism, reaching out to those seeking spiritual truth.
Building a Lasting Spiritual Family
Acts 2:42-47 paints a vivid picture of a thriving spiritual family within the Church. As a community of believers, we are called to embrace unity, generosity, and devotion, mirroring the early Christians who lived out their faith as brothers and sisters in a shared journey of discipleship. In cultivating a spiritual family, we contribute to a legacy of faith that extends beyond our individual lives, fostering a community that stands as a testament to the transformative power of salvation.