My copy of the New King James version contains paragraph headings. Sometimes they accurately describe the paragraph following, sometimes less so. I really like the heading placed before Acts 2:40-47:
“A Vital Church Grows”
Here Luke described the early days of the Lord’s church. Jesus told His disciples it would come in glory and power, and on Pentecost it certainly did! Peter and the other apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, preached the gospel message for the first time in mankind’s history. On that very day, in that very place, the promise of our Lord, “and on this rock I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18) was fulfilled. Three thousand souls were saved that day (Acts 2:41), and as the days progressed the gospel message retained its power. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
I know of no time since where the church has grown as rapidly as it did in its infancy. I know that culture, societal influences, even prosperity can affect the disposition any people will have toward the preaching of truth. However, there are lessons we can learn by what was accomplished in the beginning. And I think the term used in the heading, “vital”, is a good place to start.
Consider the word vital in light of the description given by Luke. The individuals who responded to the gospel did so “gladly” (vs. 41). Such gladness has a direct correlation to action on the part of the hearer. Paul expressed a glad appreciation for his own salvation, and in response to it wrote, “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also” (Romans 1:15).
After becoming obedient to the gospel, these newly minted Christians are described as continuing “steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (vs. 42). Unpack those words.
Steadfastly (constant attention, unremitting care). The idea of attention is important here. Service to God was the focus of the first century Christians. It wasn’t work, family or recreation. They were constantly concerned about the four things noted in the text.
Doctrine (teaching). They longed for the teaching of the apostles. They listened, they learned, they heeded.
Fellowship (sharing). All of the spiritual work that they did together led to shared love, interest and blessings. They were “all in” and they were in it together.
Breaking of bread (the Lord’s Supper). The observance of the memorial feast was constantly attended to. Unlike many today, the practice of Christians in the first century was to remember the Lord’s death in this way every first day of the week (cf. Acts 20:7).
Prayers (talking to God). They communicated with their God. They made intercessions for one another. They gave thanks. They asked for God’s blessings. Their relationship with God was real and precious to them.
The result? There was a closeness present among them. They together showed their respect for God. They helped each other benevolently, to the point that they sold their possessions and goods, and divided the proceeds with their brethren. They came together as a family daily, both in the temple itself, as well as in their homes. They were happy — eating together, and praising God. And God blessed them!
“And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
