Lessons from the early believers

And with many other words he (Peter) testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

-- Acts 2:40-47

A few years back when I was teaching a college and career Sunday school class, we studied the book of Acts. It was more of a survey than an in depth study, to be honest.

In Acts 2:44-45, the Bible relates the following: "Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need."

It's an easy section of scripture to sort of read by right over as you head towards the marvelous accounts of the apostles' missionary journeys and a myriad of miracles, but it struck me at the time and still rings in my mind, causing me to ask several questions of myself. First and foremost is, do I possess the faith that the first followers of Christ had? It appears to have been a faith so deep and strong that they seemed to have no problem selling everything they owned and sharing the proceeds with their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Is that something that I could do? Do I have the faith to do that? Is that even possible given the culture in which we live in America? Is it possible in our church culture?

The depth of their fellowship was also incredible, as detailed in Acts 2:46-47: "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."

Two things stand out to me in verses 46-47: "simplicity of heart" and "having favor with all the people." I allow so many things to complicate my life and battle for my heart. Like my brothers and sisters in Acts, I long to enjoy a true "simplicity of heart."

And the fact that those early believers found "favor with all the people" also amazed me. Perhaps it was their simplicity of heart and overall lifestyle that was so appealing to those around them.

Finally, what is most encouraging about this passage from Acts is found in the last phrase of verse 47: "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." Those early believers planted the seed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, watered it, and God gave the increase on a daily basis. Amen!

Father God, may we rediscover the faith of those first followers of Jesus Christ, live our lives daily according to your word, and, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Amen.