The life of the church
Acts 2:41-47
The life of the church centers on the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, shared meals, and prayer
1) So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls, 2:41.
2) And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers, 2:42.
3) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching
And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles, 2:43. What was the apostles’ teaching? What are the ways we devote ourselves to the apostles’ teaching today?
4) The fellowship
And all who believed were together and had all things in common, and they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need, 2:44-45. What is “fellowship”? What are the ways we devote ourselves to fellowship?
5) The breaking of bread
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 4:46. “The breaking of bread” most likely referred both to sharing meals together as well as the Lord’s Supper. What are ways we can break bread together frequently? Why does Luke point out that they did this “with glad and generous (or, humble) hearts?
6) The prayers
Example of the results of their prayers. Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. What are ways we as a church and individuals can devote ourselves to prayer? What should our priorities be in prayer?
7) Witness
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved, 2:47. Practically, how might we praise God publicly? How does the way the church shares life together lead to people being saved daily? What is important about the fact that Luke says “the Lord added to their number those who were being saved”?