June 14
“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers,” Acts 2:42.
Sometimes, we say that certain people give us a good example to follow. The Bible verse quoted above might be used for such a purpose. Indeed, following the example of the early Christians can result in some spiritual blessing.
However, was following their example the intent of reporting what they did? Scripture reports what they believed and what evidence they gave of their Christian faith. Who was included in the group introduced with the word “they”? It included the twelve apostles, the 120 people who were assembled with the apostles on the day of Pentecost, and the 3,000 souls who repented and were baptized on the Day of Pentecost after listening to Peter’s soul-touching Pentecost sermon through which the Holy Spirit touched their hearts.
After hearing Peter preach, they pleaded with the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37. In response to their question, Peter did not give them a long list of things to do to quiet their accusing consciences. He did not give them a list of good works to perform in order to get right with God. The apostles never taught a way of salvation by good works. They taught and knew, as every Christian knows, that we are saved not by our works, but by the grace of God through faith in Christ Jesus alone.
On one occasion, not long before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples that He was going to leave them and prepare a place for them and that He would come again to receive them into the heavenly mansions. Thomas told Jesus, “‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me,’” John 14:5-6. Faith in Jesus as God’s Son and the only Savior is the only way to eternal life. The way of salvation was clearly taught by the apostles, as expressed by the apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Ephesians: “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9.
Those early Christians, whom we might call charter members of that congregation in Jerusalem, had their faith and trust in what the apostles taught. And what they taught were the teachings recorded in Holy Scripture. Those early Christians also continued in Christian fellowship. That means more than enjoying coffee and donuts together, which in the minds of many today is the essence of church fellowship. They were united in faith and purpose, and that was the essence of their Christian love and concern.
Frequently and faithfully they celebrated the Lord’s Supper, and they gathered together to pray for and with one another. They expressed their joys and their sorrows, their blessings and their problems before the throne of God.
Through all of these means, their faith and fellowship were strengthened, and the Church grew, not only in numbers, but the members enjoyed spiritual growth.
The Church’s one foundation, Is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
She is His new creation, By water and the Word.
From heav’n He came and sought her, To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her, And for her life He died. Amen.