Opening: Have you ever attended a sporting event or concert with a large group
of people who were very excited about what was going on? What was it? What were
the emotions and feelings you had? Of the crowd?
Scripture: Read Acts2:37-47.
Insights:
- Church leaders and commentators look at verses 42-47 and see a description of the Early Church. They note twelve characteristics of this growing and thriving Early Church. See if you can find them all.
- A few commentators look at verse 42 as a pattern for worship? If this is true, what should be part of every worship? How does that compare to worship we experience?
- In verse 42, Luke uses the Greek word proskartereĊ. It comes from two words: pros which means “towards,” and kartereĊ which means “to be strong.” Together, the word means “to be strong towards” and “to endure in, or persevere in, to be continually steadfast with a person or thing.” It was used in Acts 1:14 referring to the disciples’ prayer life. The NIV and NLT versions translate it “devoted.” What would it mean to be “devoted” to the four things in Acts 2:42?
- Lest we miss the point, there was no place for 3,000 to meet, be taught, experience fellowship, share meals, and pray together. (They do worship together in the Temple.) Luke indicates in verse 46 how the apostles were able to assimilate these new believers: they met in homes. This same technique was used in the Wesley revival and the spread of Methodism in America. Today, churches use what they call “small groups,” “life groups,” “growth groups” or “Sunday School” to nurture and disciple people in the faith.
Life
Questions:
- What “pierced your heart” from the Gospel message? Does it still today?
- Imagine 3,000 people suddenly became part of our church? If you are honest with yourself, how would you feel? How should you feel? What would it take to welcome them, begin to establish a fellowship with them, disciple them, equip them, and love them?
Prayer: For our
church to be devoted to discipleship, fellowship, sharing, and prayer.
