A Church is Formed

Acts 2:42–47 ESV

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.

The forming of the first Church

The community is in a crisis

Jesus has been crucified

He has risen and shown himself to over 500 people

The Jews are besides themselves

The Romans fear they are on the brink of a uprising

The spirit moves 3,000 are saved and the church is formed.

BTW we would not think this is the time to start a church

we must hide

they will kill us

The “old paths” of Judaism are being challenged

This is where it all begins

Big idea - obedience to scripture and relationships is what defined the early church

Many people today understand the church as a building. This is not a biblical understanding of the church. The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia, which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The root meaning of church is not that of a building, but of people. Romans 16:5 says, “Greet the church that is in their house.” Paul refers to the church in their house—not a church building, but a body of believers.

A church is called out from the world unto the Lord .

Background Of Pentecost

Pentecost emerged from a Jewish Harvest festival named Shavuot (Feast of Weeks in English). God commanded the Jews to count seven full weeks beginning on the second day after Passover and then as a lasting ordinance present offerings of new grain to the Lord, hence the name “Feast of Weeks.”

The incidents happening in Acts Chapter 2 transpire against the backdrop of the celebration of Pentecost in Jerusalem.

It starts by stating how the Apostles have gathered in one place on the Day of Pentecost. Then, a sound like a mighty wind came from heaven and filled the entire room. The wind is a common symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Apostles noticed what appeared to be “tongues of fires” that split apart and landed on each of them. Afterward, the Holy Spirit filled them with His presence, and the Apostles began to speak in other tongues.

This event represents the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy in Joel 2:28 when God will finally pour out His Spirit on everyone. Peter affirms that this event marks the beginning of a “continual outpouring” of God’s Spirit that is available to every believer from that point on.

Background

Pentecost - thousands from across the region came to Jesusalem for the annual pilgrimage

read 2.1-5

Acts 2:1–5 ESV

1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.

Peter explains/preaches what the miracles and sign gifts mean and sermon about Israel and Jesus' crucifixion.

read Acts 2.36-41

Acts 2:36–41 ESV

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Speaking in languages they did not know

A loud sound of rush wind

Tongues of fire rested on them

All nations are there thousands in attendance

Somthing is happening ....

Peter preaches a sermon it cuts to the heart ..... 3 thousand get saved and baptised.

2:37. Verses 37–40 contain the application of Peter’s sermon. The verb cut (katenygēsan) means “to strike or prick violently, to stun.” The convicting work of the Spirit (cf. John 16:8–11) in their hearts was great.

Their question had a ring of desperation about it (cf. Acts 16:30). If the Jews had crucified their Messiah and He was now exalted, what was left for them to do? What could and must they do?

The gift of the Holy Spirit is God’s promise (cf. 1:5, 8; 2:33) to those who turn to the Lord, including Jews and their descendants and those who are far off, that is, Gentiles (cf. Eph. 2:13, 17, 19). Acts 2:38–39 put together the human side of salvation (“repent”) and the divine side (callmeans “to elect”; cf. Rom. 8:28–30).

2:40. Peter’s words in this verse look back to verses 23 and 36. Israel was guilty of a horrendous sin; individual Jews could be spared from God’s judgment on that generationif they would repent (cf. Matt. 21:41–44; 22:7; 23:34–24:2). They would be set apart to Christ and His church if only they would be disassociated from Israel.[1]

Three thousand who believed were baptized, thus displaying their identification with Christ. This group of people immediately joined the fellowship of believers.

Now what to do with this group of people.

What we have in Acts 2,42-47 are the words describing the first church

What are they

Three thousand who believed were baptized, thus displaying their identification with Christ. This group of people immediately joined the fellowship of believers[1]

Characteristics of the Early Church

1. THE CHURCH WAS DEVOTED TO SCRIPTURE

Acts 2:42 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

First was the teaching of the apostles. Just as the apostles had been instructed by Jesus, so they passed along that instruction to the new Christians. This would have included such subjects as his resurrection, the Old Testament Scriptures, the Christian witness, and surely their experiences during Jesus’ ministry. The content of the church was centered on God’s Word.

The apostles’ doctrine. This means the inspired teachings of the apostles, delivered orally at first, and now preserved in the NT.[1]

They learned spiritual truths.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

The church is a place where God’s Word is proclaimed, explained, and applied. 2. THE CHURCH WAS DEVOTED TO FELLOWSHIP

The second activity to which they devoted themselves was “the fellowship.” The Greek word used here (koinōnia) Its basic meaning is “association, communion, fellowship, close relationship.” They were with other believers.

This is where discipleship takes place

They had people in their life who knew Jesus and knew where they were at in their spiritual life. It is hard to Love God and love people when we are not around people.

Genesis 2:18 ESV

18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

THE EVIDENCE OF A NEW LIFE IS WAS THE DESIRE TO AROUND THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

3. THE CHURCH WAS DEVOTED TO BREAKING BREAD It was either participating in the Lord’s Supper or simply eating meals together. Either way, they came around the table to remember Jesus and engage in spiritual conversations.

A time as a group to recognize and celebrate the Lords death burial and resurrection

We know that they observed the Lord’s Supper. Remember the sacrifice of Jesus and keep their focus on him.

We understand from this was the practice early on ......

4. THE CHURCH WAS DEVOTED TO PRAYER Praying together in their homes. Praying individually and corporately. Prayed for needs, boldness to share the Gospel. Gratitude.

Prayed for a complete dependence on God!

Prayers. This was the fourth principal practice of the early church, and expressed complete dependence on the Lord for worship, guidance, preservation, and service

Psalm 18:6 ESV

6 In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

5. THE CHURCH WAS AWE-INSPIRITING Acts 2.43

Acts 2:43 ESV

43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

The mighty power of the Holy Spirit was so evident that hearts were hushed and subdued. Astonishment filled their souls as they saw the apostles performing many wonders and signs. Wonders were miracles which excited wonder and amazement. Signs were miracles designed to convey instruction. A miracle could be both a wonder and a sign.[1]

God was moving it was exciting

This was being picked up by the community

Apathy and negativity will kill a church ...

Its picked up by visitors right off the bat

Missionary - visits small churches all over the USA . he said when he walks in immediately he can tell where the church is by the spirit of the people.

“Everyone” probably refers to those outside the Christian community who were awed by apostolic miracles People outside of the faith noticed their faith. Stories of life-change. It was amazing. Do people notice our faith? Do people hear about the stories of life-change that are happening?

SDalvation brings transformation and exciting change.

Wonders (terata, “miracles evoking awe”) and miraculous signs (sēmeia, “miracles pointing to a divine truth”) authenticated the veracity of the apostles (cf. 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:3–4). The apostles performed many such “signs and wonders” (Acts 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 8:6, 13; 14:3; 15:12).

Christ too had performed many “wonders” and “signs”—and also “miracles” (dynameis, “works of power”).[1]

6. THE CHURCH WAS UNITED AND GENEROUS ACTS 2.44-45

Acts 2:44–45 ESV

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.

Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. The gathered community had a strong emphasis on their unity. This was a unity in theology and oneness.

It doesn’t mean that they were uniform. Uniformity: Remaining the same in all cases and at all times. Unity: The state of being joined together as a whole. Unity is different from uniformity.

We can be unified around a goal, mission, idea, or vision while celebrating our diverse gifts, experiences, and backgrounds.

Uniformity in a church brings judgmental self-righteousness of others that are different and cherry picking Scriptures justify their position.

Hymn - all verses or you disrespect the hymn writer;

God is glorified when we are unified around the Gospel. The church is a powerful picture of unity. Diverse gifts, styles, and cultures unified around the Gospel of Jesus. Unity can happen without uniformity. Promoting uniformity – that we are all the exact same, isn’t biblical and goes against the teaching of the Body of Christ with it’s diverse parts.

They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need.

I dont believe the early church members had have their arms twisted to give to for the needs of the church.

There are times where people sold their property and gave it to the apostles to distribute as needed. Here we see a continual giving. This debunks the myth or not having enough money to help. Do you have stuff? Are you willing to get rid of what you have so that someone else can eat? Pay their medical bill?

7. THE CHURCH MET TOGETHER FREQUENTLY Acts 2.46

Acts 2:46 ESV

46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

Meeting together was a top priority

As to religious life, we must remember that these early converts were of Jewish background. Although the church was now in existence, the ties with the Jewish temple were not severed immediately. The process of throwing off the graveclothes of Judaism continued throughout the period of the Acts. And so the believers continued to attend the services in the temple, where they heard the OT read and expounded.

In addition, of course, they met together in homes for the functions listed in verse 42.

Acts 2:42 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

As to their home life, we read that they broke bread, taking their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. Here it seems clear that the breaking of bread refers to the eating of regular meals. The joy of their salvation overflowed into every detail of life, gilding the mundane with an aura of glory.[1]

8. THE CHURCH WAS JOYOUS Acts 2.47

Acts 2:47 ESV

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.

One of the subthemes of Acts is joy, because a victorious church is a joyful one.

This is seen in verses 46–47 and numerous other times (5:41; 8:8, 39; 11:23; 12:14; 13:48, 52; 14:17; 15:3, 31; 16:34; 21:17). In their fellowship they broke bread in their homes and ate together (cf. 2:42) with joy. (The word praising [ainountes] is used only nine times in the NT, seven of them by Luke: Luke 2:13, 20; 19:37; 24:53; Acts 2:47; 3:8–9; Rom. 15:11; Rev. 19:5).

With the first of seven summary progress reports (cf. Acts 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:30–31) Luke brought this section of Acts to a close: each day others were being saved. The church grew rapidly right from the start![1]

Acts 5:41 ESV

41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.

Acts 8:8 ESV

8 So there was much joy in that city.

Acts 8:39 ESV

39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

Acts 11:23 ESV

23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,

Believer’s Bible Commentary D. The Day of Pentecost and the Birth of the Church (2:1–47)

Life became an anthem of praise and a psalm of thanksgiving for those who had been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of the Son of God’s love.

Believer’s Bible Commentary D. The Day of Pentecost and the Birth of the Church (2:1–47)

In this chapter, then, we have had the account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s memorable address to the assembled Jews, the conversion of a great multitude, and a brief description of life among the early believers. An excellent resume of the latter was given in the Encyclopaedia Brittanica, 13th edition, in the article on “Church History”:

So what does this all mean for us?

The early church and historical Christianity was sold out for God!

They were bible centered, giving, joyful, loving and serving!

The upcoming persecution would scatter them throughout the region but they would hold on to their characteristics.

What kind of church member are you?