They communed with the teachings of the apostles, broke bread, and devoted themselves to prayer. (Acts 2:42).
The day of Pentecost is very important for believers today. Because we are committed to becoming people of God’s word and enjoy the communion of believers as the body of Christ and with Jesus our Savior.
It reaches new believers through unity of faith, shared purpose, and powerful prayer fellowship.like Acts 2:42the teachings of the apostles, the breaking of bread, and the devotion to prayer open the doors of heaven.
The most important event in history was now history. The disciples witnessed the death of their dear friend and teacher. Yet, in awe of the miracle of his resurrection, full of joy and sorrow, they watched the nail-pierced feet rise from the ground and ascend into heaven.
“Wait for the gifts the Father has promised,” “You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit,” “You will receive power,” and “You will be my witnesses,” continue to ring in their ears. I was. Returning to Jerusalem, they went upstairs and waited (Acts 1:4-5).
After waiting 10 days, Apostle 2 A sound like a rushing wind came from heaven and filled the house where they were sitting.
They saw what appeared to be tongues of fire separate and rest on top of each other. They spoke in another language because the Holy Spirit enabled them – another miracle.
Miracles were well known to the disciples. They saw blind and deaf people open.
People in many neighboring countries celebrating the annual Jewish festival of Pentecost heard these disciples speaking in their native languages and praising God (2:5-11). ). Confused, they asked, “What does this mean?” (2:12). Others were making fun of them, thinking they had too much wine.
Peter used this opportunity to preach the death and resurrection of Jesus and call for repentance and the forgiveness of sins. This “gift of promise” began to bear fruit.
3,000 people accepted the message, increasing from 120 believers in the upstairs room to 3,000 believers.
As Jesus’ new followers, they “communed with the teachings of the apostles, broke bread, and devoted themselves to prayer” (Acts 2:42).
They met daily in the temple courtyard, broke bread in their homes, and shared their possessions with those in need. The many wonders and signs performed by the apostles fascinated everyone and showed the power of God through the Holy Spirit.
Like-minded faith was essential for Jesus’ followers. The apostle Paul writes:Galatians 1:8).
The unity of what they believed about Jesus and His teachings was very important to the communion and unity of faith.
1. Fellowship of unity
Jesus illustrated the value of unity. “I and my father are one” (John 10:30). The unity of Jesus’ teachings became the foundation that bound them to each other and to Jesus.
This fellowship, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5), paved the way for the transformation of the old self into the new self, “created in the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
The Apostle John writes: “We declare to you what we have seen and heard. fellowship with us.and our fellowship with the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3emphasis added).
The unity of Jesus’ teachings shaped and empowered the purpose of evangelism: “Ye shall be witnesses.”
2. Fellowship in Purpose
To further this purpose, God made it possible for the Apostles to “prepare the saints for a ministry and to build up the body of Christ.”Ephesians 4:12).
With the help of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of the Apostles, their purpose was clarified.Matthew 28:19-20). And “every day the Lord added to their number those who were saved” (Acts 2:47).
The work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers gave them the power to live their faith and share the gospel. This unity and fellowship of purpose was strengthened by prayer.
3. Fellowship is Prayer
The disciples knew of their closeness and conversation with Jesus during the three years they walked with him. The time the apostles conversed with Jesus was a precious encounter with God, and new converts were learning from them.
Jesus said to his disciples, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father who art in heaven, may your name be holy. Thy kingdom come. Thy will is your will.’ Let it be done on earth as it is in heaven.’Matthew 6:9-13).
The apostles continued important conversations with Jesus, devoted themselves to prayer, teaching new converts how to speak and listen to God.
The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective (James 5:16b). As apostles, disciples, and new converts prayed and lived in unity with Jesus’ teachings, the fruit of the Spirit helped them control their emotions, live for eternity, forgive one another, love their enemies, and be bold. Helped me learn to witness and share. In Christ’s suffering from persecution.
When Peter and John healed a lame man on their way to prayer (Acts 3:1), the authorities put them in prison and asked: “With what power and under what name did you do this?” (4:7).
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declared to Jesus:
When the officials saw the courage of Peter and John, “they were astonished, and found that they were with Jesus” (4:13).
Rebuked and warned to stop speaking and teaching in the name of Jesus, they were unable to punish them, for all people were praising God for their miraculous healings. freed them.
Believers devoted themselves to the teachings of the apostles, communion, the breaking of bread, and the Lord’s Supper.
They followed the pattern that Jesus and his disciples did on the eve of his crucifixion. Do this in memory of me “(Luke 22:19).
Through communion with God, prayer, sharing meals, fellowship, and caring for one another, the body of Christ continued to grow and thrive.
Jesus’ prayer was answered. I am in them and you are in me—as they are brought complete unity.” (John 17:21-23emphasis added).
Faith, purpose, and unity of prayer were expressions of fellowship among believers.Acts 2:42).
Today, as believers, we are instructed by the same faith, purpose, and unity of prayer to live as it was written in Acts. Through Scripture, we “grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus” (2 Peter 3:18) and trained to live to please the Lord (2 Timothy 3:16).
of know the bibleDr. Arthur Pearson tells us:
We were created to pursue the purpose of fellowship with the Lord, fellowship with each other, united in faith, and sharing the gospel. spirit.
For further reading:
What Does the Bible Say About Fellowship?
Can we have fellowship with God through His Word?
What does the Body of Christ mean?
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