Study—Acts 2:42-47 Devoted in Fellowship

Observations:

Questions?

What is the “apostles teachings”?

What is “the fellowship”?

It says “breaking of bread” twice, is there a difference?

What does “awe came upon every soul” mean?

What types of “signs & wonders” may have been done? (tongues?, prophecy, healings).

Is “selling possessions, belongings and distributing proceeds to all as any had need” normative or narrative?

What was the “temple”?

What it does it mean to have “favor with the Lord and with people.”

Main theme--The Holy Spirit grows the Kingdom of God through believers being devoted to one another.

This is Ben - I will add any comments in blue. Making sure this is working

Why is this important? 

The body of Christ (believers/disciples of Christ) is meant to communicate the mystery of the Gospel (Ephesians 3) to the world and if we are not growing in devoted fellowship the world can't see God as he intended them to see him through our love for one another, our good deeds towards others and our proclamation of the good news.

Outline—3 ways that believers were devoted in fellowship to spread the gospel of the kingdom of God:

#1. Believers desired to grow in God's word, communion (remembering the Lord) & prayer  VS.42 /

reference Colossians 3 let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, 1 Cor.11 as often as you eat & drink do in remembrance of Jesus,  1 Thessalonians 5 Pray without ceasing & give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you.

Acts 2:42 ESV

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

#2. Believers were filled with awe and witnessed miracles VS.43 / reference Ephesians 3 rooted in God's love (wide, long, high, deep is the love of Christ, surpasses all knowledge...far more than you can think or imagine. 

#3. Believers found common ground with one another & served one another VS.44-45 / reference 1 Peter 4 as each has received a gift; use it to serve one another.

#4. Believers intentionally interacted daily to encourage each others hearts & to give God praise. VS.46-47a / reference Hebrews 10 don't neglect meeting together as some are in the habit, encourage one another all the more as we say the Day of Lord draw near.

#5. Believers experienced the favor of man & of God. VS.47b / reference Matt.5:16 let our light shine before men, may see our good deeds and give glory to our Father in heaven. Luke 11 if we who are evil know how to give good gifts how much more will our heavenly father give the Holy Spirit (out pouring, people being born again/saved).

Application:

How devoted am I in these areas of fellowship with other believers?

What would our church look like if we strived to be devoted in fellowship by the power of the Holy Spirit?