JUN 22

Acts 2:41-47
Memorise Acts 2:42
“Praising God, and having favour with all the people”

WHAT WAS THE FIRST CHURCH LIKE?

After Peter’s first sermon at Pentecost, three thousand souls were saved. Whilst many of them were from other regions and spoke different languages (Acts 2:9-11), there were also many of them who were from Jerusalem itself. These Jewish converts thus became the nucleus of the first church that was ever established. Under the charge of the Apostles, they quickly became a very vibrant and faithful community of believers. How they conducted themselves thus become a very good guide as to how every church ought to be like.

There are a few things that we can observe about this first church in the passage from Acts 2:41-47. It was certainly a most joyous and vibrant time, where men and women gladly received the word of God and were baptized. They were fervent and steadfast in the Word, and faithful in their prayers and keeping of sacraments. They truly feared God, and wanted nothing more than to serve Him faithfully. As such, the Lord blessed them richly, and added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The young congregation was also closely united, and spent much time together in blessed communion. They were all of one accord and of one mind actively caring for each other’s needs. Many even sold their possessions and goods in order to care for others in their midst who had certain financial struggles. They did not just meet once a week to worship, but continued ‘daily with one accord’, and went from house to house to break bread and have fellowship.

Indeed what a beautiful scene we see painted before us, as we witness the wonderful sanctifying effect that the Word of God and the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ had upon this group of believers. There is no evidence of any disunity, dispute or conflict within this church. They all loved the Lord fervently, and as such they had very good relationships one with another. Such bonds can only come through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. As believers in this present age, we too have experienced the same salvation. We too thus ought to love the Lord and love our fellow men with equal fervency, doing all we can to further the cause of Christ.

Thought: Is my church like the early church in Acts?
Prayer: Lord, may You help me to do my part to make my church one that worships You and serves You.