Fresh and Alive
Acts 2:42-47 record a pattern which keeps a Christian fellowship fresh and alive. First, new converts were incorporated into the body, v. 42, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,
in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” The practices of new believers: devotion to Bible teaching, fellowship activities, Lord Supper, and prayer. New converts must be quickly brought into the body of believers to develop good habits. Second, there was spiritual power in the body, v. 43b, “many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.” This was the result of being filled with the Spirit. What is being filled with the Spirit? It is being controlled by the Spirit. There are prerequisites for the filling: (1) a dedicated life, (2) An undefeated life, and (3) a dependent life. The power of that spiritual community was evident in Acts 5:12-13. Third, there was community in the body, vv. 44-45, “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” Two things are noteworthy here: (a) they were an intimate community, “were together” and (b) they were concerned for community needs, “had all things in common”. Fourth, there was unity in the body, vv. 46-47, “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” God blesses the faith of a community of believers. But a lack of unity reveals spiritual immaturity.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
