I. Context:

• Day of Pentecost “ Coming of the Holy Spirit & birth of the church (Jn.14:16-17;16:7-15; Acts 1:4-8; 2:41-47).

• Christ predicted the existence of the church - Matt.16:18.

• Church as the body of Christ -Eph.1:22-23; Eph.4:12; Col.1:18 &1:24.

• We as members of that body - Rom.12:5; 1Cor.12:27; Eph.5:29-30.

• The Holy Spirit is the one who joins us to the body -1Cor.12:13.

 

The church is a group of people, who have believed in Jesus Christ as their Savior (the Gospel) and who are baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ.

 

Why is the church important? It is the only institution explicitly mentioned by our Lord (Matt.16:18) and throughout the NT (Acts-Revelation).

 

Some features of the church

1. It is the Lord’s, not ours (Matt.16:18).

2. The Lord is the one building it (Matt.16:18) and we are only fellow workers with Him (1Cor.3:9).

3. Christ is the head (Col.1:18).

4. It is universal (all Christians everywhere) and local (Christians in a specific place).

 

II. Characters:

Only believers -Only those who are children of God can be part of the church (Acts 2:41, 44 & 47; 4:32; 5:14).

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III. Commitment (2:42):

• continually devoting themselves- It was an ongoing and faithful commitment (e.g. 2:46).

• the apostles teaching- Necessary for equipping the saints and growing in salvation (1Tim.3:15 & 4:13-16; 2Tim.2:15 & 3:14-17; 1Pet.2:2).

• fellowship Partnership/sharing (e.g. Acts 2:44-46; 4:32-37; 11:27-30). Best seen by numerous one another commands of the NT (e.g. Rom.12:10;14:1-23; 15:2,5,7,14; Gal.5:13; Eph.4:2, 25, 32 & 5:21; Phil.2:2-5; Col.3:9 &12-14; Heb.3:13; 1Pet.1:22; 4:9-10; 5:5; 1Tim.5:1-2).

• breaking of bread- Remembering the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us (e.g. Acts 20:7). See also Lk.22:14-20 (The Lord desiring to eat this Passover with us) & 1Cor.11:26.

• Prayer -Not just individual prayer but praying together as a body (e.g. Acts 1:14 & 24; 4:24; 6:4; 12:5&12; 13:3; 14:23; 20:36; 21:5). Pray at all times (Lk.18:1; Eph.6:11; 1Thess.5:17) and be devoted to it (Rom.12:12 & Col.4:2).

 

IV. Summary (Acts 2:42):

• A well-defined life for the church.

• No worldly strategies for success.

• The church was endowed with every necessary component for accomplishing the purposes of its Lord.

• The spiritual characteristics, duties, attitudes, and impact of the church.

• The early believers were committed to Acts 2:42. How committed are we to it?

 

V. Acts 2:42 is an intended example for us and our assemblies.

• Consistent, steadfast in their commitment

• Doctrine was the foundation (apostles teaching)

• Vibrant fellowship participation and sharing in mutual responsibilities.

• Breaking of bread  came together for the express purpose of it (Acts 20:7)

• Corporate prayer

 

Questions for Reflection:

1. In Rom.12:1-2, Paul urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God. What areas of life does this include? As Christians, could there be certain areas of our life that are not committed to God?

2. Acts 2:42 mentions the early church as being devoted/committed to four specific duties  the apostles teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. Are these four equally important? If not, which is most important? Which is least important?

3. Supposing a local church was not committed to one of the above (e.g. breaking of bread), could it still function as an effective New Testament church? Why or why not?

4. Are the four duties mentioned in Acts 2:42 still applicable in the context of today’s culture/time? Or are we free to determine other duties to which our churches should be more committed?

5. Why do you think Acts 2:42 does not mention the believers being committed to evangelism or witnessing. Isn’t sharing the Gospel one of our most important duties?