The Book of Acts

The Formation of a Community

Acts 2:42-47 _{Amplified Bible}

“They were continually and faithfully devoting* themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread together and to prayers.”- Acts 2:42

            This was to be the beginning of the Christian church. Whatever believers existed prior to Peter’s preaching were brought together with the 3,000 or so new converts to form a community. They were now spiritual brothers and sisters who felt compelled to tend to one another’s needs. They sold some of their belongings and shared the proceeds with the community. This is a perfect example of how God’s family works best when its members work together with a humble spirit.

            The “instruction of the apostles” refers to the things they taught regarding the message about Jesus of Nazareth. They were considered by the people to be officially recognized as preachers and teachers of “the Way”. The earliest disciples were called followers of “The Way” because Christianity wasn’t just another religion. Jesus made that clear when he said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NLT)

            A common misunderstanding regarding the first Christians, who were Jews, was that they rejected Judaism. “The Christian community was not just a sect of Judaism, even though they continued to observe Jewish rites and customs and had no intention of breaking with the nation or its institutions. They held to the centrality of Jesus of Nazareth in the redemptive program of God and in their worship. Their proclamation of Jesus as Israel's promised Messiah and the Lord of the human race set them apart in Jerusalem as a distinguishable entity.” ^[1] By the end of the first century, the Jewish Christians belief of Jesus as the awaited Messiah caused a great amount of discord with the non-Messianic Jews, making it necessary for the believers to meet in private homes to have Communion, pray and teach about Jesus. Because of their Messianic beliefs regarding Jesus, many of these believing Jews were thrown out of their synagogues.

            The first Christian church in Jerusalem was known for its zeal in worship and brotherly love, which was contagious. It was the cause of many others to be attracted to Christ. Perhaps this is something today’s church should take particular note of. 

            Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

^[1] Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament, c.2004.

* The verb translated "devoted" connotes a steadfast and single-minded fidelity to a certain course of action.