Acts 2 Today

August 12, 2019

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer.

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 NLT

Does Acts 2 have anything to say to us today? Some wonder that because it was 2,000 years ago. But though the methods may vary a bit, the practices of the early Christians are very applicable to us today. We ought to pay close attention to the things they did and the way they thought because many of them knew Jesus personally. They were not far removed. They literally “followed” Christ and had an accurate view of His teachings.

What are the principles that transcend time?

• They weren’t isolated. They mutually devoted themselves to the teaching of the Word, to fellowshipping together, sharing the intimacy of meals together, and praying together.
• As they were so spiritually focused, they experienced miracles! They prayed and saw answers, and the experiences they shared filled them with awe.
• Everyone was willing to share with whoever was in need, even to the point that they sold things they owned to help other people. (Can you imagine how Jesus would be made famous and the world would be awed if we became known for even selling big-screen TVs to help a needy family pay their medical bills?)
• They worshiped together at church.
• They met in small groups in homes.
• Their meetings were characterized with joy and generosity.
• They continually praised God.
• Their neighbors thought very well of them.
• They had a continual stream of people who were being saved.

Does any of that sound out of date? Perhaps far from being outdated, it is the very thing for which our tense, hostile, suspicious, isolated world yearns. The God who created us and said, “It is not good for man to be alone” created the church with the capacity to be a transforming, satisfying community. Let’s pray and work with Him to see a new birth of community now!

• Pray: Lord Jesus, start a revival of community in my church and in my town, and let it begin in me! Show me my next step, and I will take it.