Characteristics of the early Church
May 28, 2022
Commentary
Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they questioned what they should do (v. 37). Notice how the Holy Spirit took Peter’s message and caused the listeners to be angry about their sin. He told them they must repent, turn to God, and be baptized (v. 38). Repenting means to change our mind, which results in a change of life. God’s promise of salvation is for everyone called by Him, no matter where they are from (v. 39). Peter told the crowd many other things, and about three thousand believed (vv. 40-41).
The characteristics of the early church are listed (vv. 42-47):
1. A Learning Church – it persisted in listening to the apostles as they taught (v. 42).
2. A Fellowshipping Church – it had the great quality of togetherness (v. 42).
3. A Praying Church – these early Christians knew that they could not meet life in their own strength. And by God’s grace, they did not need to (v. 42).
4. A Reverent Church – they were in awe of everything God was doing (v. 43).
5. A Doing Church – signs and wonders were being done through the apostles (v. 43).
6. A Sharing Church – they had a feeling of responsibility for each other (vv. 44-45).
7. A Worshiping Church – they never forgot to visit God’s house (v. 46).
8. A Happy Church – a gloomy Christian is a contradiction (v. 46).
9. An Enjoyable Church – people couldn’t help but like these people (v. 47).
10. An Evangelistic Church – many were saved and added daily (v. 47).
Application
The early church attracted people because of the way the members loved each other, and served each other, and served the Lord. Lord, help me to be that kind of person.
Acts 2:37– 47 (NET)
37 Now when they heard this, they were acutely distressed and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “What should we do, brothers?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” 40 With many other words he testified and exhorted them saying, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!” 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added.
42 They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Reverential awe came over everyone, and many wonders and miraculous signs came about by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and held everything in common, 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and distributing the proceeds to everyone, as anyone had need. 46 Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, 47 praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved.