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Believers Praise God

Study Scripture: Acts 2; 32-33, 37-47

Lesson 4       September 25, 2021

Key Verse

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teachings and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Acts 2:42

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Today’s Study Lesson is on the immediate aftermath of that momentous event and occasion of the coming of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. Pentecost began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and disciples, evidenced by a great wind-like noise, ‘tongues of fire’ and the apostles and disciples speaking the praises of God in the native languages of the many different nationalities present in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. In response to the curiosity and amazement of onlookers and to refute the accusations of scoffers, Peter preached his famous sermon.

It must first be understood that the Book of Acts focuses always on the work of God as He prepares His people in order to bring them to Himself. The Spirit’s work in Scripture shows God’s diligent preparation of those involved in significant phases in His plan of redemption.

So we should ask ourselves the question as to what exactly is God’s timetable and arrangement, and what is God’s intention and purpose. Does God intend to create a new community focusing first on the nation of Israel, and then secondly on the bringing in of the Gentiles into this new community where they are grafted into the original “Olive Tree” as the apostle Paul insists.

Since God is developing the congregation or ‘ekklesia’ of His people which necessarily would involve Old Testament saints and New Testament saints it will of necessity shows some startling outcomes.

It is emotionally exciting to look at what happened in our Study Text as the “good old days” when the new converts under the influence of the Spirit devoted themselves to praising God, to prayers, to worship, to the apostles’ teaching, to sharing and to fellowship. This kind of behaviour has led to all kinds of arguments as to whether this is normative behaviour or not for if it is normative the modern church should be doing the same thing. The problem however is in this word translated “Fellowship”. One writer explains:

“The early church was rooted in their relationships with God. But this rootedness isn’t all that these verses describe. That small community was also deeply connected through healthy relationships in community.

Immediately after referencing the apostles’ teaching, we hear how  this community was “devoted to the fellowship”. This is a powerful word in the New Testament. It is the Greek word koinonia. While ‘fellowship’ is a good translation for this word, it doesn’t begin to capture its full meaning.

The word koinonia has its origin in the idea of sharing. It refers to being connected deeply to other people through common interests and needs. One scholar points out that the word doesn’t refer to close relationships. It refers to the kinds of activity that result in close relationships. These early disciples were committed to doing the things that connected people to deep healthy relationships”.

One can therefore immediately see the difficulty for people who live in a modern capitalist society when the Scriptures speak of the fact that these early Christians “had all things in common’.

Whether we like to think about it deeply or not we must realize that this is the story of Pentecost where the Holy Spirit powerfully came on those who were the remaining followers of Jesus Christ and those who were exposed to the truths and the promises of the Holy Spirit.

We know that Paradise has been lost but we see an inkling of the future for we are looking at a little of Paradise regained. Our Text shows us the work of the Holy Spirit which manifested itself in unusual and magnificent ways. Our study therefore is going to raise the question, Why did it end?

We don’t know exactly how long this near-perfect community relationship lasted and to the length of this near-perfect extent but we know that it wasn’t long before Christians started to mistreat one another, lie to and take advantage of one another as the world became aggressive in their antagonism and Satan ramped up his disruptive work.

We can be sure that as Luke wrote the history of this early church there were tears in his eyes when he saw the developments and the beauty that was going away.

We must therefore never forget what the Holy Spirit can do among human believers. We know what we should do as believer but it is all so difficult and seemingly unrealistic to follow the example of the early church.

But it is very likely that God intended to show us what is often necessary when we are witnessing. The early church felt called by the Holy Spirit to show the world that there is a better way of life. We might not be as motivated to live in that fashion as one writer says:

“Most of us have no desire to live in this fashion and are thus  overly motivated to find reasons not to do so.

And surely it is no coincidence that this activity is described as the following of the powerful gifts of the Spirit and performing of wonders through the apostles! These points suggest that we see what God is especially after and when we are in God’s presence we especially experience such giving and sharing as a natural Christian response”.

As difficult as it might be, we should always bear in mind the principles behind Jesus’ judgment as He separated the sheep from the goats as recorded in Matthew 25:31-46.

Some people consider the “coming of the Holy Spirit” as recording the birthday of the Church without considering that the church is a continuation of the ekklesia of God, the congregation. It is important to find exactly what the church is, and determine whether or not the people of God have always existed and regarded by Him as a special group. This is of course necessary because some Christians seem to think that the Holy Spirit as one writer puts it:

“Was a stranger to the Old Testament and to the Old Testament saints. In reality, the spirit of God is much more quickly evident than the second person of the Trinity, the Son of God. A look at a Concordance will quickly indicate this. The Holy Spirit first occurs in the second verse of the Bible, Genesis 1:2 actively involved in the creation of the Earth. Shortly thereafter in Genesis 6, the Holy Spirit is said to be involved with the creation and specifically with men, in striving with them due to their sin. In the closing books of the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit is frequently mentioned, that last clear reference being found in Malachi 2:15”.

It is of course clear that the Holy Spirit had a special relationship with Israel and His work was extremely prominent with that nation as He guided many of its leaders, its judges, and especially the prophets which He inspired and empowered. When men disobeyed the word of the Lord they were said to be not only resisting God, but His Spirit as well. (See Nehemiah 9: 20, 30; Psalm 106: 30; Isaiah 30:1-2; 63: 10-14; Zechariah 7:11-12).

The sovereign choice of God determined the “coming of the Spirit”.  God took the initiative and men responded. The response we will see in our Study Text as believers praise God and the magnificent work of God.

This Spirit’s work and role in the age in which we live was as of critical importance as it was in the Old Testament era. His work in the New Testament is consistent with what is previously reported but arguably to greater degrees in some cases since that involve bringing Gentiles into the congregation of God, a totally unexpected and unanticipated development, even though the prophets had spoken of this. Christians are beneficiaries of the promise of God to the fathers. This promise we will see in Acts 2 as coming at the time called Pentecost because of the promise of God.

Rooting his argument in Scripture on every point, Peter explained to the gathered crowd that what was taking place was part of the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy concerning the outpouring of the Spirit of God, which though culminating in blessing for Israel, would first trigger God’s judgment.

Peter went on to show the basis of the judgment; they had rejected the One whom God attested to be the Messiah through miracles, wonders and signs. They had wickedly killed God’s Messiah but God had both raised Jesus from the dead and exalted Him to the ‘His right hand’. Interestingly all the events surrounding the death, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus were according to God’s plan as Peter detailed from Scripture.  His sermon indicated the next item on God’s agenda was the judgment of His enemies and those enemies were the ones who had rejected His Son.

The Sermon showed the gathered crowd that had come to Jerusalem to celebrate The Feast of Pentecost but the stark reality of their situation was that imminent judgment was on their doorstep.

Their reaction was dramatic; “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” they asked the Apostles.

Peter then told them to repent and to be baptized and thus save themselves from the terrible fate now looming. Approximately three thousand heeded the Gospel Call and were baptized. It is this group of people who will now be the focus of our Study.

Note the first word of the Gospel message is Repent. Repentance is a very powerful word for it involves a complete about-face; one would now be led by the Holy Spirit, rather than by the flesh.  In this state there is a completely new attitude, a new life, the life of the risen Lord and a new power.

Our Lesson today really deals with the issue of profession and possession, or the ‘life in the body’. The community that is presented to us today tells us of individuals that share the same divine life, who love each other and who love to meet together, though they might be of all ages, social classes, status, education, and background.

It is quite staggering to think who these people were for they were from different parts of the ancient world, culturally very different from each other, speaking different languages though sharing a Jewish heritage. But note that they connected with each other because of their relationship with Jesus.

Remember though that there is a counterfeit Christianity, where people belong to a kind of religious association with mutual interest in religious ideas, causes, or programs. Our lesson presents a view into this group also. There are several tests for them.

Another key concept which is critical for those in the body of Christ is difference between “sin” and “crime”. One writer illustrates:

“A young man was once told by my friend that he had a problem- he did not know the difference between “sin” and “crime”. “There are”, Fred explained, “a number of crimes that are not sins, and a number of sins that are not crimes”. An illustration of Fred’s point can be found in the story of Ananias and Sapphira, recorded in Acts 5. This couple had committed no crime, but they had committed a sin”.

We warn then, that what seems trivial to us might not be trivial to God. It therefore behoves us to study the Scriptures to make sure that we know the kind of life that is pleasing to God.

The Book of Acts records the example of how life went on in early churches and those whose hearts are turned to God, who want to obey Him and please Him. We invite you to look at the incidents recorded, to see if the behaviour then are patterns for us today. This raises many questions and poses dilemmas for many of us today.

These dilemmas are heightened by our culture, that tends to regard God as being aloof and detached, making little or no claim on our conscience and not too concerned about the lesser gods of the western world like self, money, sex, power, and prestige.

Because of the dominance of the lesser gods, which have captivated the world, the issues related to dealing with poverty generally and with the marginalized and oppressed at home or abroad have led to many heated discussions. Then there is the question of whether or not poverty can be eliminated by human effort, given that believers should love God and love their neighbours

The corporate life of this group of believers we are studying has generated much discussion, particularly in what is seen as their strong communal orientation and the extent of their generosity.

The selling of property and sharing of goods to meet the needs of the group has created difficulty for many, who are unsure of the scope of church’s responsibility in this area. Still there are others who view the early church’s example in this area as something peculiar to that group and not necessarily something for the church at large. 

On the other hand the consistency and commitment of this early church to other areas of church life is held up as fine examples for all to follow.

The thing we should pay attention to however is that these early believers were described as people in unity, who were of one heart and soul. Their heart or spirit, the deepest part of human life, were united into one life by the work of the Holy Spirit. They were of one soul, for they shared the life of Christ.

It is to be noted that their mind, their emotion and their will, were all engaged in displaying the unity of the body of Christ.

This unity is not the same as union and this should not be confused. Those who are in the body of Christ are united together by the Holy Spirit, but ‘union’ is an attempt to achieve an appearance of unity without it necessarily being real.

In this case we will look at people who were united in heart and soul, feeling unity, experiencing unity and emotionally enjoying unity as part of their daily life.

They were not, as is extremely common today, simply coming to church, sitting together in close proximity with other Christians, singing the same hymns, listening to the same teachings but having no sense of belonging to one another. We often see people coming to church every week, year after year, getting some emotional thrill, but never really knowing the people with whom they worship. There is no sense of oneness.  They do not belong to each other.

The early church, on this particular issue possessed what we lack today.

The Scriptures therefore are quite clear.  Believers are to love God and love their neighbours as themselves.  This means that in the ‘Body of Christ’, led by the Holy Spirit, people are to be one and behave as if they are one in every respect.

While a great deal of attention has been paid to what many regard as the extra ordinary generosity of that early church, the other significant aspects of their corporate life have been somewhat overlooked but is of no less importance. This church was marked by an unrelenting commitment to apostolic teaching, fellowship, communion and prayer.

Note, a desire to learn and understand God, to desire to understand the  Scriptures is a natural and compulsory reaction to salvation. This position actually turns a believer to praising God for His mercy and kindness and His provision of salvation.

This early church bore the hallmarks of a church led by the Holy Spirit and as a result, the believers had a particular identity and were clearly different from the Jerusalem populace at large. Sadly, in our day many Christians are indistinguishable from their societies.

THE TEXT

Verses 32-36. Peter referred to the messianic Psalm 16 concluding that this psalm could not be referring to the writer David for he had died, was in the grave and his tomb was in Jerusalem. He had not ascended to heaven. The prophecy in fact refer to the son of David who ascended to heaven and who God the Father had told to sit at His right hand until He the Father would make His enemies His footstool.

The house of Israel should know for certain that Jesus had been crucified according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God and now that He had been risen and ascended to the right hand of the Father He was now both Lord (kyrios) the word which was sometimes used of Yahweh, and (Christos)the Greek word for Messiah, the Anointed One.

Death had absolutely no effect on Jesus Christ His flesh did not see corruption. And He was raised up from the dead and ascended to God the Father.

He and the other disciples of Jesus had witnessed this resurrection. The tomb was empty and he knew that for sure.

David had also testified a thousand years before to the fact that the tomb of His son the Messiah would be empty.

They too had been witnesses of a sort for they had seen the outpouring of the Spirit as promised in Scripture which said that this would happen when Messiah had come and ascended. This was part of the promise of God the Father.

The apostles and many disciples knew that Jesus had been crucified but they also had seen that He was resurrected and therefore their witness was strong and credible.

Peter reminded the crowd that Psalm 110: had said that David called the crucified and ascended Jesus the Messiah Lord and so God invited the Messiah to sit at His right hand.

It is to be noted that the word “Lord” means ruler of the entire world and all things. Lord is the one that has the key to life and death, is over heaven and hell and there is no authority over Him or can give Him direction.

The word “Christ” is a title and means Messiah, the Promised One, the Deliverer, and the only hope of mankind.

In verse 36 Peter bluntly stated that it was this Jesus, the Messiah and the Deliverer, the nation had crucified.

Verse 37. The Spirit of God was at work and the crowd listening to Peter were spiritually convicted, given a sense of personal involvement in what Peter had just said. Their eyes were opened and they now realize that behind what had appeared as normal events was a disastrous activity. The Deliverer was no other than the man they had nailed to the Cross some days earlier and so they cried out in fear and despair, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

They knew now that there was no greater sin than that of murdering God’s anointed Saviour. They were in peril. They knew that God had punished people severely for doing much less. They were hoping that there was something that would be able to undo their guilt.

Verse 38. Peter acknowledge that there was something that they could do and that was to repent, to think again, to change their minds, to link themselves with reality and turn completely away from the bad things and  the way thing really are. Peter knew that God would offer people a second chance. The second chance meant that they would naturally change their actions or beliefs for this would determine behaviour.

They would have to do an about-face and then be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the “name” expressed something of a person’s identity. To be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ meant that they would receive something of Christ into themselves and so they would become a new person in the likeness of Christ.

Their sins would be pardoned and they would no longer be enslaved to their sin but would be delivered and forgiven.

Clearly for deliverance is linked with repentance. They were guilty but they would be saved.

It is to be noted that Peter told each one of his listeners individually that they should repent and be baptized for repentance can only be made one person at a time. One cannot use another person’s repentance to their benefit. Repentance meant for each individual that they turn away from something and that they were saying “no” to what they once were and what they once believed”.

Baptism in water now would make clear that they were in union with Christ, standing with Him, buried with Him, and raised with Him.

The promise from God was that each member of the crowd once they repented and been baptized became members of the community of faith and as promised by God would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 39. In His initiative God had made a promise to many generations that they would be forgiven and would receive gifts from the Holy Spirit. This promise was to them, for all their children, and for all those that were far-off.

It is interesting to note that Peter had some difficulty in understanding the extent of the potential beneficiaries of this Promise for the Promise of life was made to many more people than he had thought; the Promise was for Gentile as well as Jews.

Peter made it clear that God’s had called out and the Promise and blessing was given to those who responded to God’s  call, Even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.

One can imagine the amount of praises that went up to God from that crowd. Their guilt could be cleansed.

One can also imagine the amount of praises that were made to God in Heaven for we are told that there is immense rejoicing over even one sinner that repented. Can you imagine the joy and praises uttered in Heaven when over 3000 people repented!

Note however that it is God the Father who is working. It is God that finds you. One writer comments:

“If you have in your heart right now a hunger to know God, and you think it is a desire you have to find answers to your questions, or to seek a new relationship, and you think that started with you, it did not. It started with God. God the father is working on you, drawing you, calling you. Jesus said on one occasion,

“No man can come unto me except my Father draw Him”.”

Verses 40-41. Peter testified and exhorted with many other words encouraging them to save themself from the wicked generation of wicked people. This word about the crooked generation is used in Numbers 32:13; Psalm 12:7;78:8; 95:10 and many other Scriptures .

As a result of the work of the Spirit working through Peter’s Sermon  3000 souls were saved that day. They were glad. They praised and rejoiced.

Verses 42-47. We are now looking at the fundamentals for Christian growth after one become a Christian and is therefore related to Jesus Christ the Lord of glory. Once you come to Jesus Christ the Christian life begins and there are many experiences ahead of you.

So now we will see the fundamentals of Christian growth. First there will be a clear identification of the believers’ life with Jesus Christ.

Then there was a steadfast continuation, an earnest perseverance, with diligence to adhere to the Apostles’ teaching. Jesus had told the Apostles and disciples to teach all men to observe everything that He had commanded. This was biblical doctrine taught by the appointed Apostles. There can therefore only be a meaningful fellowship if it is based on apostolic teaching. If any organization departs from that apostolic doctrine they are really not being a biblically-based institution or organization.

There was also a steadfast fellowship (koinonia-the fellowship).

This means fellowship or sharing. 1 Corinthians 1:9 states that they had been called to the fellowship of God’s Son Jesus Christ our Lord and so the believers would naturally share their resources among themselves just as Christ had shared His resources with them.

This included “breaking of bread”. One writer comments on what this means in the controversy surrounding its interpretation:

“When Luke speaks of “the breaking of bread”, does he mean on ordinary meal or the celebration of the Lord’s Supper? We can’t be certain. People would use the phrase “breaking of bread” or “breaking bread” to speak of ordinary meals.

However, the use of the definite article (the bread) good point to a special meal –i.e. the Lord’s Supper. Also, “the breaking of bread” in this context is one of four activities. The other three (teaching, fellowship, and prayer) are spiritual in nature which suggests that Luke might intend the breaking of bread to be a spiritual discipline (the Lord’s Supper) as well (Fernando, 121).

Luke records four occasions where Jesus broke bread (Luke 9: 16; 22: 19; 24: 30, 35). One of those (22: 19) was the occasion when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. The author is, while speaking of ordinary means, using language that clearly evokes the Lord’s Supper (language such as “bless”, “broke”, “gave”). In the book of Acts, Luke records two occasions where disciples broke bread. One (20:7) refers to the Lord’s Supper, while the other (27: 35) refers to an ordinary meal.”

Then there was prayer with the definite article (the prayer) which suggests these might be the prayers used in public worship as in the Temple. But this is also probably including the Lord’s Prayer taught by Jesus.

One writer notes: One of the most striking characteristics of the newly-born church in Jerusalem was their commitment. They were committed to Jesus, the Christ. They were committed to one another. They were committed to meeting the needs of others. They were committed to gathering together. The key expression here is “continually devoting themselves” (2:42) and the same term rendered “continuing” (2:46, NASB). The other key term or expression is “daily” or “day by day.” Day after day these saints pressed on, committed to the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Day after day they went to the temple and ate from house to house.

Another characteristic of this emerging church to be noticed in our Study was their strong sense of community. Gone were the jostling, personal ambitions and jealousy, now they wore the badge of discipleship; their love for one another (John13:35). They were empowered through the Holy Spirit to a deep unity, which would be expressed by a strong community among them. We read: And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. They also shared everything together and they “had all things in common”.

Verse 43.   There is no distinction here between the believers and the unbelieving crowds. There was a sense of awe and respect on all, even from those who had previously mocked. This is understandable in light of Jesus recent crucifixion and the wonders that attended that event, the events of the day of Pentecost, the many wonders and signs done by the Apostles and the dramatic change in the character and behaviour of those saved. The signs were of such a supernatural nature, that coming on the heels of each other, these events were bound to produce fear, contemplation and anxiety.

One commentator notes: The effect of a great work of God’s grace is commonly to produce an unusual seriousness and solemnity in a community, even among those who are not convicted. It restrains, subdues, and silences opposition.

The signs of the power of God were very evident, for wherever the life of God is there is always power and it manifests itself in different ways. The statement that great fear came shows the powerful effect that the work of God has on people, for that reaction indicates God is meeting men. When that occurs there is always visible indications or manifestations that God’s transforming grace is at work. When men’s hearts are changed by the power of God there must be manifestations on the physical level of this supernatural power at work.  These supernatural manifestations as well as the changed behaviour in those called by God would always baffle people.

Wonders refer to the amazing acts performed and signs are as proofs and some of these are detailed in the coming chapters of Acts.

Verse 44-45.   All in this special community believed that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, for this was what distinguished the ‘followers’ from every one else.

They were united in their belief about Jesus and there was therefore spectacular unanimity in the affairs and activities of the group, reflecting in their conduct and mindset as followers of Jesus. They had a strong desire for fellowship and community and so were united both in mind and their spiritual activities; they congregated whenever and wherever possible.  They used every opportunity for prayer, conversation, study and worship.

…..had all things common; one commentator explains thus: That is, all their property or possessions. See Acts 4:32-37; 5:1-10 apostles, in the time of the Saviour, evidently had all their property in common stock, and Judas was made their treasurer. They regarded themselves as one family, having common wants; and there was no use or propriety in their possessing extensive property by themselves. Yet even then it is probable that some of them retained an interest in their property which was not supposed to be necessary to be devoted to the common use. It is evident that John thus possessed property which he retained, John 19:27. And it is clear that the Saviour did not command them to give up their property into a common stock; nor did the apostles enjoin it. Acts 5:4: “Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?” It was therefore perfectly voluntary; and was evidently adapted to the peculiar circumstances of the early converts. Many of them came from abroad. They were from Parthia, and Media, and Arabia, and Rome, and Africa, etc. It is probable, also, that they now remained longer in Jerusalem than they had at first proposed. And it is not at all improbable that they would be denied now the usual hospitalities of the Jews, and excluded from their customary kindness, because they had embraced Jesus of Nazareth, who had been just put to death. In these circumstances, it was natural and proper at they should share together their property while they remained together.

Some have sought to link these verses (44-45) to socialism or even communism, while ignoring the unique conditions that spawned this practice. It was not commanded by Christ or the Apostles and seemed to have lasted for a relatively short time and certainly it seems that the Apostles accepted that people always retain the right to their private property, deciding whether or not they wanted to give to others.

But there is no note that the mentality produced by the Spirit and by what existed when Jesus was present was different from what we would normally consider to be normal.

The circumstances from which it arose certainly would vary, depending on the times and the communities. There is no teaching to suggest the practice should be perpetuated. Of course one can argue that the principles on which it was based continues, only now manifested in different forms.

The problem however, is that poverty and want is such a common state even in the church, that it is important to determine whether or not this example, this practice of the early church does not have a special continuing relevance.

The command is to love one another and we are so empowered by the Holy Spirit, and active, sacrificial care for the brethren is but one manifestation.

The rather extreme generosity in the early church should not really be considered as ‘extreme’ behaviour. Generally, when we hear discussions about whether or not the charity of the early church is to be the “rule” for all churches or for every Christian, versus the ‘charity’ simply serving as an excellent example and illustration of the change in values which the gospel brings, we get clear indications of our attitude toward our possessions.

It is easy to say that we are stewards, since all that we have had been given to us by God. But it is quite another thing to fulfill the instructions in Romans 12:13. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Galatians 6:10, Hebrews 10:34, Hebrews 13:16, James  2:14-17, 1 John 3:16-17,  2 Corinthians 8:12-14, or especially Luke 13:33.

But irrespective of the difficulties we experience, we must as a very minimum, meet the material needs of others.

And sold…..This is not to be understood as them selling all their possessions and goods. Rather it means they sold their goods and possessions as much as was necessary, to meet the needs of each other. Possessions refer particularly to fixed assets such as land, houses, farms etc., while goods would be personal or movable objects.

As every man….This phrase shows that these acts of charity were done as there was a perceived need and the attitude was a willingness to relinquish ownership of assets (all things common) if it was needful to meet the wants of others.

This whole experience was the work of the Holy Spirit as the natural love of property is broken in the ‘new man’. With the ‘new heart’ comes a radical change, a new attitude, as the fruit of the Spirit comes to the fore. Jesus on many occasions warned against the materialism that is so much a part of the unsaved and sad to say many Christians.

Though this particular expression of generosity was not necessarily common among all early believers, there can be no doubt that all converts were imbued with compassion and felt and demonstrated a willingness to provide for the poor. This is the natural responsibility of the church.

In western societies, it is the Christian influence that was the moving force behind the establishment of social institutions that have so benefited society at large and the poor in particular, to the extent these institutions have helped them.

Of note, historically, all communities or societies where ‘all things were in common’ have been short lived. Inevitably as one writer notes, it ends soon in anarchy, and licentiousness, idleness, and profligacy; or the more cunning secure the mass of property, and control the whole.

One can argue about the extent of the truth of this statement, but the warning about human nature is valid. The fact is however that any human system will invariably be corrupted. All systems as well as human beings are very imperfect.

Verse 46.   Similar to the sentiments of verse 42, but here the emphasis is on community and singleness of purpose. With one accord… they continued together by desire and design. They persevered with deliberation in all their Christian activities in what was now a way of life. They went to the Temple together, studied together, ate in each others homes and the ‘joy of the Lord’ was in each heart. There was a unity of purpose, with one mind; there were no schisms, no divided interests, no discordant notes. It is to be noted that this beautiful picture of oneness among the followers for which Jesus prayed (John 17:21), can only be realized through the work of the Spirit in surrendered hearts.

They had a spirit of contentment and thanksgiving, they were satisfied in Jesus, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life held no allure for them.

Verse 47.   They continually praised God and gave Him all the glory.  The execution of God’s plan of redemption, the security of His promises among other things, would and should set-off spontaneous and effusive praise and such was the case.

It is amazing to note how spontaneous was the conduct of the church and how there was this constant mood and atmosphere of celebration.

There is no hint that it was duty or obligation that motivated the believers to do what they did.

They enjoyed this sacrificial giving because they were filled with a deep sense of gratitude to God. One writer notes and advises us:

“Here is perhaps the most desperately lacking ingredient of all-celebration. Worship has become a fad, and celebration can be a part of worship, but celebration is not seen only in worship it is seen in everything we do. Celebration is the fruit of the Spirit of God, perhaps a blend of love, Joy, and peace.

It is that which comes when we are aware of the grace of God at work in and through us. May God grant us a Spirit of Celebration in our church and in our individual lives”.

 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. (Psalm 33:1).

 Though this arrangement of charity might only have continued for a short time, they were looked upon favourably by all the people in general. Their charity, humility and devoted lifestyle could not but win the favour of their community. When Christians walk by the Spirit, opposition and slander is rebuked and true Christian conduct is the antidote for the contempt, disrespect and hostility now directed at Christians. Realistically though, Christians should not expect to be favourably regarded by society for any sustained length of time.

The Holy Spirit continued to convict of sin, leading to repentance and salvation. It is God that saves people and all true increase is to be attributed to the grace of God.

….the church….=assembly, called-out, in this case the assembly of the followers of Jesus. It is applied to Christians being as they are called out of the world and separated to follow Christ.

Those added were the ones who heard God’s effectual call and their behaviour gave proof of the sincerity of their call. This would seem to imply that those who are truly called will seek to attach themselves to the assembly of believers. Also it appears true, Christian living will garner respect, even grudgingly and will be a constant testimony of salvation in Christ, leading to the conviction and conversion of some people.

CONCLUSION

We now note that the boldness of the church, not only in its profession, but in its practice which seemed Right and natural to them  without reservation. This meant seeking the welfare of their community at large, even at the expense of their possessions. Their mindset had changed from owners to stewards and the interest pursued was no longer personal, but that of the brethren.

As mentioned earlier, it is not that private possessions had been abolished among the followers, but rather that they held their possessions, not as their own, but as subject to the will of God to be employed for the relief of the needy.

 We see proof that the Christian lifestyle gives substance and testimony to our message and as we demonstrate love and concern in our actions, as indeed it is the only way to show love, people are moved and persuaded as the Holy Spirit brings conviction.

One writer notes:

 Hence our Saviour was engaged in healing the diseases, and supplying the wants of the people. He drew around him the poor, the needy, and the diseased, and supplied their necessities, and thus prepared them to receive his message of truth. Thus God is love, and is constantly doing good, that his goodness may lead men to repentance, Romans 2:4. And hence no persons have better opportunities to spread the true sentiments of religion, or are clothed with higher responsibilities, than those who have it in their power to do good; or than those who are habitually engaged in bestowing favours.

The brethren continued to ensure that the needs of all were met, as individuals sold goods and property and made the funds available to meet individual needs. Note, we are not told that property owners disposed of all their property.

Note also, the whole exercise was voluntary, there was no compulsion whatsoever. People gave and donated as moved by the Spirit. These changed lives were not bound up in the goods and vanities of this world but felt an inner compulsion to love the brethren at all cost. They sought those in need, didn’t wait for someone else to give, but gave themselves. This was the power displayed by a transformed life.

Seemingly, by this time, the distribution of help was more organized and comprehensive as no one was allowed to ‘slip through the cracks’.

The ways by which the needs of the poor were met evolved over time

as circumstances changed, the principle of meeting those needs however has remained constant to this day.

This is an example of people who have been transformed.

None of us today can say that we cannot do what everyone will consider to be impossible.

The Holy Spirit works with great power and when we really possess the Holy Spirit we will; “put God first, people second, and material things a distant third.”

The grace of God brings with it marvellous power and activity and people everywhere will see it. Believers are to seek to behave like God as they are transformed into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. They thus praise God continually and show these praises of God in their life.

Jesus called on all men who would follow Him to give up pursuing the accumulation of material things as a goal, especially those who had possessions as their god, He called upon some to sell all they had. This was for the good of those so directed, like the rich young ruler. Men could not serve two masters, and thus if money were the master of a man, Jesus called on him to get rid of it so that He could be His master.

While this church sets the standard for corporate life on many fronts, we note theirs was not the consistent practice of all the churches in Acts. Rather than looking at them as examples, we should see that their glory lay in the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ being evident in their church life. If we individually show the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, cumulatively we will have a praying church, with a strong sense of community and commitment to Jesus Christ and will be diligent and generous in seeking to meet the needs of all our brethren. That must be our aim.

The characteristics of the ‘followers’ are but only the fruit of the Spirit and all churches should pray that the fruit of the Spirit might become evident in them corporately and individually. May those attitudes and characteristics of the first church be found in us, by His grace, and through His Spirit.