APOSTLES' TEACHING ... FELLOWSHIP ... BREAKING OF BREAD ... PRAYER / ACTS 2:42-47

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APOSTLES’ TEACHING … FELLOWSHIP … BREAKING OF BREAD … PRAYER / ACTS 2:42-47

Many churches today desire to pattern themselves after the New Testament in hopes of experiencing the same power, growth and effectiveness that it had. This passage gives a general overview of the things that gave the New Testament church the ability to experience God’s miraculous power (Acts 2:43) and consistent growth (Acts 2:47). Remarkably, these things were quite plain and practical.

1. Apostles’ Teaching (Acts 2:42). The first Christians were deeply devoted to Christ’s message. For that reason, they paid close attention to those who had been directly commissioned by Jesus to deliver His original message and establish the church. Some of these teachings later became a part of our New Testament Scriptures (God’s inspired and authoritative Word as found in the Bible). As a result of their deep hunger for God’s Word, the early Christians were spiritually nourished and grew strong in their faith. They were a Word-centered church.

2. Fellowship (Greek koinonia; Acts 2:42). Not only were Christ’s followers in the early church devoted to their primary relationship with God, but they also were committed to building open, honest and spiritually encouraging relationships with God’s people (Ephesians 4:3; Ephesians 4:13; Ephesians 4:14). They spent much time together and depended on one another. They were unified in love and purpose. They were a relationship-building church.

3. Breaking of Bread (Acts 2:42, 46). This common expression in Acts and the early church seems to have several applications. It could refer simply to sharing meals in one another’s homes. It could also refer to the agape love meal (1 Corinthians 11:21) or to the Lord’s Supper (communion) itself. This was simply a means of expressing thankfulness toward God and each other. They enjoyed each other’s company and were a caring and sharing community. They were people of gratitude and hospitality.

4. Prayer (Acts 2:42; Acts 1:14; Acts 4:23-31). Prayer was clearly a high priority and a major part of life for the early church. In Acts, where there is much prayer. They recognized prayer as the source of intimacy with God, which gave them sensitivity to His direction and allowed His power to work through them.

As a result of the Christian disciplines mentioned above, the early church experienced the following powerful and effective ministry results:

A. Miraculous Signs and Wonders (Acts 2:43). Miracles were an important aspect of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit among God’s people. These supernatural signs often accompanied their mission to spread Christ’s message to those who did not yet know Him (Acts 3:1-10; 4:30; 5:12-16; 6:8; 8:6).

B. Community and Generosity (Acts 2:44-47). God created people to function and thrive in a community environment – in the right relationship with Him and with others. The early church in Jerusalem experienced a sense of community and purpose that has been experienced by only a few people on the earth. They practiced selfless generosity by sharing their possessions and taking care of one another’s practical needs. Their actions showed their love and gratitude to God.

C. Growth and Discipleship (Acts 2:47). As a result of the early Christians’ faithful devotion to Christ and one another, God honored and blessed them with spiritual and numerical growth. People were coming to know Jesus, growing in their faith and becoming active participants in the church. They were actively and effectively fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).

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APOSTLES' TEACHING ... FELLOWSHIP ... BREAKING OF BREAD ... PRAYER / ACTS 2:42-47

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Many churches today desire to pattern themselves after the New Testament in hopes of experiencing the same power, growth and effectiveness that it had.

Author

Margarita Crews

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Guided By Grace

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