Acts: Fellowship of Believers — Best Time Ever!

Read: Acts 2:42-47

One of the most quoted scripture references ever, Acts 2:42 encourages us to be a community of believers, to stretch our corporate understanding of “church” into where we live, even open the doors of our super-secure homes to those we don’t know. And to do all of this with joy, sharing as needed, while giving thanks to God for His amazing providence!

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

If we are to follow this formula, it looks like we need to focus on teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Books have been written centered on these few verses. I promise not to write a book here but highlight some thoughts I find interesting. I hope you’ll do the same as you read this passage and consider your own church context.

Teaching

In Acts 1:3, we read how Jesus met with the disciples and taught them about the kingdom of God. Not it’s their turn to impart knowledge to thousands of new converts to Christianity. At least 3,000 are being taught and ministered to by the 120 or so disciples who were local. The simple math gives us a 1:25 ratio to start with…from day one! Are you jealous? Even the least bit envious? Wow! What an opportunity for advancing the kingdom!

Fellowship

Those who were coming into faith based on the teaching of the Apostles were greeted with amazing hospitality.

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 2:44-45

So many were from distant countries, only in Jerusalem for harvest festivals, the need for opening homes was obvious. Funding for needs was met by selling stuff. They didn’t just sell things for the sake of downsizing, they were focused on supporting the fellowship as needed. Their goal was to break down barriers that would otherwise hold people back, or at least make them hesitate. God will provide for our daily needs. Give with a generous heart!

Breaking Bread

I love the concept of Christ-following believers getting together to celebrate their faith and remembering His great sacrifice through breaking bread together. There’s no reason to wait for the anointed few to deliver fake bread and wine. The only requirement I see here is centered on sincere hearts praising God for Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Acts 2:46-47

Such joy! People actually worshiping together. I long for this place.

Prayer

Jesus modeled prayer throughout His earthly ministry, we should do the same. Meeting together in homes provides the perfect opportunity to pray sincerely for each other. Such intimate environments give us an opportunity to be open and honest. What a concept!

Results

Not that we’re counting butts in seats, but it’s significant to know that the fellowship was growing daily.

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47

The Lord is growing His people, nothing will stop the growth of this community. It’s a dream to see people coming to Christ daily. Why is this a fantasy? Lord, what am I doing today to make this a reality? Why is the church not growing daily? What would it look like to be a part of a group of Christ-followers that met on Tuesday, or Friday, or any day other than Sunday for an hour-plus?

We should be asking ourselves lots of questions in this context. We might not like the answers, but I pray we would at least ask ourselves, our church leaders, our Christ-following friends, these questions.

Lord help us to meet together with glad and sincere hearts, praising You, and enjoying the fellowship You desire for us each and every day — not just on Sunday!