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“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.  42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,   47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:41-47)

It is interesting to note from Acts 2 that God started the church with a group of seemingly insignificant disciples.  Reading the above passage,  we cannot help but be impressed with the way the early church came together under the ministry of the apostolic band in Jerusalem and how their collective witness of both life and practice became an effective tool to draw many to the Saviour. 

One of the blessed fruit of the outpouring on the Day of Pentecost was the Holy Spirit’s mighty influence upon the hearers of the Gospel.  In response to the apostle Peter’s preaching on that eventful day, there was a vast harvest of souls: “…and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (v. 41b).  We read of how “…the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (v. 47)

Those who believed confessed their faith with their lips and identified themselves with the disciples of Christ through the waters of baptism.   Joy, singleness of heart, unity and thankfulness characterised the infant church as the members shared in the love of God and came together to worship and to partake of the means of grace – God’s Word, fellowship, communion, prayer and ministry to one another.  “They continued stedfastly” in verse 42 has the idea of their persevering cheerfully in their faith and devotion to the Lord. 

We also note that they had close fellowship with God and with one another.  There was love and concern for the brethren.   Seeing the many needs around them, they sold their properties and gave “to all men, as every man had need” (v. 45).  They bade the poor a warm welcome to their table, not grudgingly, but cheerfully.    By giving freely to their needy brethren, they teach us that it is God Who is the Giver of all things (Jas. 1: 17).  What we possess belongs to the Lord and should be made available for the blessing of His people. 

“They not only had a mutual affection to each other, but a great deal of mutual conversation with each other; they were much together.  When they withdrew from the untoward generation, they did not turn hermits, but were very intimate with one another, and took all occasions to meet; wherever you saw one disciple, you would see more, like birds of a feather.  See how these Christians love one another.  They were concerned for one another, sympathized with one another, and heartily espoused one another’s interests.  They had fellowship with one another in religious worship.  They met in the temple: there was their rendezvous; for joint-fellowship with God is the best fellowship we can have with one another (I Jn. 1: 3).  Observe  1)  They were daily in the temple, not only on the days of the sabbaths and solemn feasts, but on other days, every day.  Worshipping God is to be our daily work, and, where there is opportunity, the oftener it is done publicly the better.  God loves the gates of Zion, and so must we.  2)  They were with one accord; not only no discord nor strife, but a great deal of holy love among them; and they heartily joined in their public services” – Matthew Henry.

Conclusion

The New Testament Church was an infant assembly of believers.  Yet they exemplified a faith that was manifested by wholehearted devotion and service to the Lord.  In return, the Lord blessed them with “such as should be saved.”   He also gave them special tokens of His presence with them through the “many wonders and signs” that “were done by the apostles” (v. 43b).

What a blessing to share that common bond in the Lord, and to commune one with another as God’s redeemed people.  Let us learn precious lessons from the New Testament Church.  Cherish opportunities to hear  God’s Word.    Treasure fellowship with God’s people.   Be “kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love” (Rom. 12: 10).   Strive to build up the unity of the church.    Pray for the church and for our brethren.    May each of us do our part to fulfil God’s will and purpose for our lives. 

- Pastor