Context No. 3136 of 4322 · Acts
Context · Reflection
Acts 2:41-47: in context
41Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls. 42They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. 43Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44All who believed were together, and had all things in common. 45They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. 46Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.
After Pentecost, three thousand are baptized, and the young church takes shape. They devote themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Awe comes over everyone. They share their possessions so that no one is in need, meet daily in the temple and in homes, eat with glad and sincere hearts, and praise God, while the Lord adds daily to their number.
This is a picture of the church at its healthiest. Notice the four things they devoted themselves to: the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer, the very marrow of shared Christian life. And see the fruit of it: a generosity so radical that no one lacked; daily gladness and worship; genuine favor with outsiders; and steady growth. A community centered on God's word, on communion, and on prayer, and marked by generosity and joy, drew others in. This is not a lost golden age but a pattern to recover.
Is my life devoted to the essentials that marked the early church, teaching, fellowship, communion, prayer, and marked by their generosity, gladness, and openness to others?