Key Texts: Acts 1-2; Acts 4: 32 – 37; Philippians 2: 1 – 7
Additional Texts: Ephesians 4: 1 – 7, 11 – 13; 1 Corinthians 1: 10 – 17; Romans 12: 16; Psalm 133: 1; Galatians 3: 26 – 29; Matthew 18: 19 – 20; 2 Corinthians 13: 11
The pun (play on words) in the title is intended! The book of Acts gives insight into the early church – there is much to like about it. Likewise, there is a challenge to us who belong to the body of Christ to behave accordingly. As I’ve said before, we’re all work in progress – no one is perfect; the process of sanctification is indeed a journey, involving growth in knowledge and application of any truths God reveals to us. This new series, focused on lessons from the early church, has been in mind for a while – which body could be more appropriate than the early church to learn from, as the ones who walked with Jesus and launched ministries that influence us today? As usual, it is helpful to read the Key and Additional texts prior to reading, but the key messages may also be grasped if time is limited.
In the first two chapters of Acts, the disciples met with Jesus, listened to His command to wait for the Holy Spirit (divine power), experienced this empowerment, and established the practice of assembling to encourage, support and care for each other.
The disciples met with Jesus, regularly fellowshipped with each other and spread the gospel as Jesus instructed. They realised the value in the community of believers Jesus encouraged them to nurture, and relied on each other in this period of transition after His ascension. Though they had no immaculately defined vision board or specific building of assembly (yet) for the church (they met in the room where they were staying), they prioritised prayer to connect with God and to guide them before they made key decisions such as appointing one to replace Judas (who had betrayed Jesus). The early disciples shared a common purpose, focusing all their efforts on growing in Christ and making Him known. When the prophesy about the Holy Spirit’s availability to all who believe in Jesus was fulfilled (Joel 2: 28 – 29), they were all present, united, praising and seeking God. That initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which was manifested (on that occasion) in them speaking in tongues which were previously unfamiliar to them was spectacular, and attracted both awe and criticism. If they were fragmented, there would perhaps have been selfish ambition, but the early disciples valued the gift and got to work in spreading the gospel – there was no envy of others gifts, angst about the languages God chose to reveal Himself through to them, or attempts to identify and rank or form degrees of the gift of the Holy Spirit! Their focus was on obedience – sharing the gospel message as Jesus had instructed them.
Not only not did the members of the early church meet to support each other and share the gospel in unity, but they also expressed love and togetherness in other tangible ways. In Acts 4, for example, the generosity of those who were more fortunate than others, rooted in compassion, likewise provides a template for practical unity. Property owners among them humbly stewarded their wealth, sold some of their estate and donated to the apostles’ work. This money was not used for personal gains; instead, it was used to support the needy amongst them. Those who shared their wealth had perhaps realised the demands of running the ministry and the dire needs of some amongst them. They had all things in common and the disciples ensured that everyone’s needs were met – not those they were closest to, or those they had a preference for – they shared with everyone in the community of believers. Sincere concern for the well-being of others was prioritised, seemingly without the needy having to directly approach those who were able to help. The leaders identified or discerned the needs of others, and used their resources to help.
Having such influence is quite far-fetched for many of us; we may never possess surplus land or houses to sell, and proceed to share the profits with the church. However, we may equally discern and address the needs of others, even if these needs are not verbalised. In what ways might someone need support according to their circumstances? How could you pray specifically for them? What resources do you already possess which may be a blessing to others? It may be time to listen and share with them, time to pray for their needs, or tangible resources such as a car to offer them a ride, or a home to offer them a meal. Though unity is not necessarily dependent on sharing, sharing is often a byproduct of unity. In Ephesians 4: Paul reminds us that Christ gave us gifts to build the church, whether directly in spirituality, or in other tangible ways.
Many of you are already, like me, a part of a body of supportive believers. The challenge for us as the body of Christ is clear in this first part of the series. It is not a multiple-choice proposal or a suggestion, but an expectation that we live in unity, care for the needs of the Church, and directly meet those needs if we are able to. How might we continue in this unity, and devise new ways to strengthen our bonds within fellowship groups, denominations, or the body of Christ at large? Food for thought. More next time.
Heartfelt Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit that You promised to us, and for Your Word which provides a reliable template for us to live in unity and serve each other. Help me to selflessly build Your church, using the gift(s) You loaned to me to honour You. I ask these mercies in Your Son’s – Jesus’ name. Amen.
