What the Church Looked Like
[ READ ] Acts 2:42-47
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 2 is one of the most monumental chapters in the Bible. We see the birth of the church of Jesus through the incredible events surrounding Pentecost, followed immediately by the Apostle Peter’s first sermon where 3,000 people surrender their lives to Christ. Right on the heels of these two events, Luke describes how these initial followers of The Way conducted themselves. Even to this day, it is a model for those who call themselves Christians to follow!
This is God’s prescription for church growth. If we take care to follow the example of Acts 2:42-47a, God will take care of growing the church Himself. (The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Gusik)
- Chris Adomanis
This is God’s prescription for church growth. If we take care to follow the example of Acts 2:42-47a, God will take care of growing the church Himself. (The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Gusik)
- Chris Adomanis
[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ According to verse 42, what four things were these earliest converts “devoted to” (another translation uses the phrase “continued steadfastly in”)? Do you see a significance in Luke using the phrase “the apostle’s teachings” versus, for instance “Jesus’ teachings”? Why or why not?
+ Do you think verses 44-45 teach a form of Christian communism that should be in practice today or were they just describing the actions of these earliest followers due to their particular set of circumstances? If this is a teaching for us today, how can we practically carry it out?
+ What do you make of the phrase “having favor with all of the people”? Is that something we as the church should strive for today? Why or why not?
+ According to verse 42, what four things were these earliest converts “devoted to” (another translation uses the phrase “continued steadfastly in”)? Do you see a significance in Luke using the phrase “the apostle’s teachings” versus, for instance “Jesus’ teachings”? Why or why not?
+ Do you think verses 44-45 teach a form of Christian communism that should be in practice today or were they just describing the actions of these earliest followers due to their particular set of circumstances? If this is a teaching for us today, how can we practically carry it out?
+ What do you make of the phrase “having favor with all of the people”? Is that something we as the church should strive for today? Why or why not?
[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How devoted are you to the four practices listed in verse 42? How/where can you improve in your devotion without it becoming a legalistic exercise?
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How devoted are you to the four practices listed in verse 42? How/where can you improve in your devotion without it becoming a legalistic exercise?
[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, forgive us for our selfish thoughts and actions when it comes to living out the Christian life. Help us lay down our lives for Jesus and for others, especially to those in the family of faith. May we be described as people who “receive their food with gladness and generous hearts”, and act as a conduit that You use to save souls and add to the Church of Jesus Christ. Amen.
+ Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, forgive us for our selfish thoughts and actions when it comes to living out the Christian life. Help us lay down our lives for Jesus and for others, especially to those in the family of faith. May we be described as people who “receive their food with gladness and generous hearts”, and act as a conduit that You use to save souls and add to the Church of Jesus Christ. Amen.
[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Who in your circle of influence needs to experience true Christian worship and fellowship as detailed in Acts 2:42-47?
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Who in your circle of influence needs to experience true Christian worship and fellowship as detailed in Acts 2:42-47?
Recent
Archive
2026
April
May
Leaders Gone WrongA Coming KingWhat God RequiresThe Fall of NinevehThe Day Draws NearGod Rejoices Over YouHow Long, O Lord?The Righteous Live by FaithYet I Will RejoiceWake Up and ReturnThe Lord Judges But He Also RestoresPride Comes DownConsider Your WaysGreater Glory AheadReturn to Me AgainNot by MightGod Dwells AgainYour King Is ComingLook on HimHalf-Hearted WorshipThe Sun of Righteousness
June
The Promise of the SpiritWaiting and ChoosingWind, Fire and WonderThe Gospel Goes PublicWhat the Church Looked LikeMore Than Silver or GoldRepent and Be RestoredArrested but UnsilencedOne Heart, One MindThe Cost of PretendingRejoicing at Being BeatenWhen the Church Has ProblemsA People Who ForgotThe God Who Keeps ComingBlood and ScatteringA Cast Down SoulLight and TruthOur HelpThe Throne of God
No Comments