Bible Study Series: Acts 2:42-47. Do we belong to a thriving church?
Friendly greetings and a warm welcome to this Bible study! I write to learn. Let’s learn together and apply these truths to our lives.
I also translate to learn. The translations are mine, unless otherwise noted. If you would like to see many others, please click on this link:
At the link to the original post, next, I write more commentary and dig a little deeper into the Greek. I also offer a section titled Observations for Discipleship at the end. Check it out!
In this post, links are provided in the commentary section for further study.
Let’s begin.
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
42 They were devoted to the teaching of the apostles and to fellowship and to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 There was great awe in every soul. Many wonders and signs were happening through the apostles. 44 And all the believers were gathering together at that place and were sharing everything in common. 45 They were selling their property and possessions and were distributing them all, as anyone might have need. 46 Each day they were devoted in unity and purpose in the temple precinct, breaking bread by household, taking their meals with gladness and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor before all the people. And each day the Lord was adding in that place those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
Comments:
This is the first of a summary section that talks of signs and wonders (Acts 4:32-35; 5:12-16) The whole atmosphere is charged with the Holy Spirit, and signs and wonders happened. Have we declined at all today?
Schnabel (p. 175) spots five themes in this short passage and other summary passages:
Historical: Luke reports the goings on in the early Jerusalem church.
Literary: Luke uses them to indicate the passage of time.
Theological: The presence and power of God are continual; miracles happen. Lives of the believers are being transformed by them.
Ecclesiastical: This passage describes the characteristics of the communities of Jesus’s followers.
Missiological: This passage describes the grown and expansion of the church.
41:
“argument”: In this context it does not mean “verbal quarrel,” but an orderly and logical presentation of the facts based on eyewitness evidence, for proof of your personal convictions and belief. Recall that Luke wrote that Jesus showed himself alive by many “convincing proofs” (Acts 1:3). See v. 40 for a closer look at the noun.
42:
This verse and 43 lay out the five elements of Spirit-filled Christian fellowship: (1) apostolic teaching (for us today that’s the Scriptures); (2) fellowship (it can happen only at church, even a big meeting, or in a small group); (3) breaking bread (sharing meals together and especially the Lord’s Supper); (4) prayer (much neglected in the church nowadays); signs and wonders (they are happening all over the world but have declined a bit in the Western world). We need each other to survive and thrive in our world today.
The Spirit in the Church and Believers
The Power of Scripture and Doctrine in the Church
“persistently and consistently devoted”: It’s as if they were looking towards or paying intense attention to “the teaching of the apostles and to fellowship and the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
“fellowship”: it comes from the Greek noun koinonia (pronounced koi-noh-nee-ah). “Close association involving mutual interests and sharing” (BDAG, p. 552, considered by many to be the authoritative lexicon of the Greek NT). Synonyms: association, communion, fellowship, close relationship. Another definition: attitude of good will that manifests an interest in a close relationship (ibid., 553). Synonyms: generosity, fellow-feeling, altruism; Also, a sign of fellowship, proof of brotherly unity, and sometimes even a gift, contribution; participation, sharing. Scriptures for your future study of the noun: Acts 2:42; Rom. 15:26; 1 Cor. 1:9; 10:16l 2 Cor. 6:14; 8:4; 9:13; 13:14; Gal. 2:9; Phil. 1:5; 2:1; 3:10; Phm. 6; Heb. 13:16; 1 John 1:3; 1:6, 1:7.
Their practice of fellowship was intense. They had larger meetings in the temple precincts. It was a mega-church by our standards. Then they also met in each other’s houses and shared food and their possessions. No doubt an apostle stopped by to encourage them and pray for the sick.
“prayer”: it is the very common noun that appears 85 times. The verb and the noun appear the most frequently for prayer or pray in the NT. Christians took over the word and directed it towards the living God. I like to believe that they leaned in toward him and prayed their requests fully expecting an answer. It is not a mere wish or heartfelt payer to a pagan deity.
Prayer flows out of confidence before God that he will answer because we no longer have an uncondemned heart (1 John 3:19-24; Rom. 8:1); and we know him so intimately that we find out from him what his will is and then we pray according to it (1 John 5:14-15); we pray with our Spirit-inspired languages and our native languages (1 Cor. 14:15-16). But that’s what all believers should do; however, too often theory outruns practice. Pray! For a theology on how to respond when God does not answer our prayers, as when James was executed by Herod, see Acts 12 and the very last Observations for Discipleship section.
Prayer can be (1) for oneself, like overcoming sins and vices in your heart and mind or receiving wisdom from above (James 3:17) and not being double-minded about receiving it (Jas. 1:5-8), but (2) it is also for the needs of the community. It was coming under attack, so prayers were offered. Praying for boldness to reach out and spread the word is wonderful. We should do it more often. (3) Further, prayer brings down the manifest presence of God. God is omnipresent (everywhere) of course, but his presence can make itself felt and experienced. God showed up and shook the place where they were gathered.
Prayer can be visualized like a pebble in a pond, and the ripples go outward. (1) It starts with oneself and one’s needs; (2) then it goes outward to one’s own family and (3) to the Christian community (your home church). (4) It goes out to evangelism and the needs of the community, (5) and finally to parts around the globe. But this prayer here in Acts varies the order, which you may do, if you like. Prayer is ultimately and most deeply a conversation with God.
What Is Biblical Intercession?
“breaking of bread”: indicates ordinary meals which believers regularly shared, but during the meals they remembered Jesus’s sacrificial death on the cross and the forgiveness of sins. Verses 46-47 indicates these meals took place in private homes and the temple precincts (Schnabel, p. 179).
“Breaking bread” means more than just chowing down on food. It has clear references to remembering and honoring the sacrifice of Jesus. It was an agape feast, similar to the one described in 1 Cor. 11:27-34. But it was still a joyful feast, not a somber meal after a death and a funeral. Jesus was had been risen. Celebrate!
Basics about the Lord’s Supper
John 6 and Partaking of His Body and Blood
The Lord’s Supper in Synoptic Gospels + Church Traditions
Why Our Churches Must Consider Communion Elements and Baptismal Waters As Sacred
43:
Signs and wonders happening right before one’s eyes is awe-inspiring. They inspired everyone, not just believers. Renewalists believe they still happen today.
For a discussion of “wonders and signs” in v. 43, see above, at v. 22. For a nearly complete list of miracles, signs and wonders in the New Testament and a theology of them, see the post:
What Are Signs and Wonders and Miracles?
Longenecker points out that the verb “was done” is in the imperfect tense, which “denotes that such awe and miracles were no momentary phenomena but continued to be features associated with the church during those early days” (comment on v. 43). Let’s hope that these same miracles are no momentary phenomena today, either.
“soul”: In this context it can also mean “person” or “everyone,” but I translated it expansively. Your mind is helped when it is filled with awe of teaching (or the Word), fellowship, sharing meals, and seeing signs and wonders.
“awe”: The Greek has a wide range of meanings, depending on the context. When the church “fears” the Lord, it does not cower in fear and dreads and runs away, but they are supposed to feel a reverential awe, which speaks of being inspired by an atmosphere charged with the tangible or felt presence of the Holy Spirit. Awe and intimacy go together between us and the Creator of the universe.
44-45:
“believers”: the verb means to “believe, be convinced of something.” In a more specific definition it goes in a direction: “to have faith in Christ or God” (Mounce p. 61). Believing (verb) and faith (noun) is very important to God. It is the language of heaven. We live on earth and by faith see the invisible world where God is. We must believe he exists; then we must exercise our faith to believe he loves us and intends to save us. We must have saving faith by trusting in Jesus and his finished work on the cross.
True acronym:
F-A-I-T-H
=
Forsaking All, I Trust Him
Let’s discuss the verb believe and the noun faith more deeply. It is the language of the kingdom of God. It is how God expects us to relate to him. It is the opposite of doubt, which is manifested in whining and complaining and fear. Instead, faith is, first, a gift that God has distributed to everyone (Rom. 12:3). Second, it is directional (Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 20:21). We cannot rightly have faith in faith. It must be faith in God through Christ. Third, faith in Christ is different from faith in one’s ability to follow God on one’s own. It is different from keeping hundreds of religious laws and rules. This is one of Luke’s main themes in Acts, culminating in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) and Paul’s ministry for the rest of Acts. Faith in Jesus over faith in law keeping. Fourth, there is faith as a set of beliefs and doctrines, which are built on Scripture (Acts 6:7). Fifth, there is also a surge of faith that is poured out and transmitted through the Spirit when people need it most (1 Cor. 12:9). It is one of the nine charismata or manifestations of grace (1 Cor 12:7-11). Sixth, one can build faith and starve doubt by feasting on Scripture and the words about Christ (Rom. 10:17).
In this verse it refers to believers who are saved.
Please see my word study on believe and faith:
Word Study on Faith and Faithfulness
Schnabel insightfully points out the historical occasion of food distribution here in Acts 2 with Acts 6:1. Diaspora Jews, who only spoke Greek, may have returned to Jerusalem and then converted to the Jesus Movement but had no income after their husbands died. Add to that the persecution. Also, Agabus predicted the famine (11:28), which happened at the time of Claudius (AD 41-54). So needs arose throughout the early Christian community in Jerusalem (comment on v. 45). No wonder Paul felt compelled to take up an offering to help the Jerusalem believers—they were in the direst needs because of these factors (1 Cor. 16:3; 2 Cor. 1:16; 8:9).
“Sharing everything in common” was done in a small, voluntary society. (See Acts 5:4 for its voluntary nature.) It was not a top-down government imposition, like communism. If a small society wishes to join together freely and share everything freely, then that is their decision. (The old hippies from the 1970s used to do that up in Oregon; they were called “communes.” Even Christian communes emerged around the country.) But don’t expand this passage to encompass an entire nation and a massive government for everyone, one size fits all.
They sold their properties and possessions and distributed the proceeds. We will learn that Peter told Ananias that he was free to keep whatever portion he wanted, and all of the proceeds were at his disposal, No one forced him to sell anything (5:4). Private generosity is better than government compulsion.
Does Book of Acts Teach Modern Communism or Socialism?
46-47:
“In the temple precincts” shows unity in a large gathering. Call it an open-air mega-church. Church is not limited to home fellowships.
“Singleness of heart and mind”: The Greek adverb appears eleven times, and ten only in Acts (1:14; 2:46; 4:24; 5:12; 7:57; 8:6; 12:20; 15:25; 18:12; 19:29), and once in Paul (Rom. 15:6). The application is clear. God wants us persistently devoted and attached to prayer in unity, in a group. He wants us together. There should be no Lone Rangers, with just Tonto. When we are united in our minds and spirits, great things will happen, as great as the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-13. We are in this together (Matt. 18:19-20; Ps. 133:1).
“Gladness and generous hearts, praising God”: those wonderful human attributes and actions go together. The Spirit-filled atmosphere inspired them. It is difficult to be stingy (ungenerous), when we are praising God. And joy and generosity of heart are linked to praising God. It is impossible to praise God and remain discouraged (opposite of “glad”) for long.
“having favor of all the people” can also be translated “they had favor towards all the people.” In other words, the Jewish-Christian community showed the whole city favor. It’s a two-way street, though I believe all the translations are right: the whole people showed favor to the smaller Messianic-Jewish subculture. When people are unified, worshipful, generous of heart, and full of praise, sooner or later they enjoy favor from the larger town or city. Police departments tell us that when a church, like the one described here, moves into a neighborhood, the area improves morally. Human degradation and crime rates decline.
“favor”: It comes from the noun charis (pronounced khah-rees) and means “graciousness, attractiveness; favor, gracious care, help or goodwill, practical application of goodwill”; a “gracious deed or gift, benefaction.” In some contexts, it means “exceptional effects produced by divine grace,” in other words, empowerment to accomplish a task or receive a blessing.
Let’s go deeper, by repeating part of what I wrote in the post
Do I Really Know God? He Is Gracious.
Mounce in his Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words teaches us about the Hebrew and Greek words. The Hebrew noun “describes that which is favorable or gracious, especially the favorable disposition of one person to another” (p. 302). The Greek noun further means “the acceptance of and goodness toward those who cannot earn or do not deserve such gain” (p. 303). The verb in Hebrew means “to show mercy, favor, be gracious” (ibid.).
Here is a quick definition. God’s grace means he gladly shows his unmerited goodness or love to those who have forfeited it and are by nature under a sentence of condemnation.
Good news! We do not have to suffer condemnation for our past sins because God hands us his grace.
Here it means, as noted, favor before all the people.
“Those who were being saved”: It is in the passive voice, which can often mean that God is behind the scenes acting and saving people. This is called the divine passive.
“in that place”: it is an idiom that can mean “in that place” or “together.” It could be translated expansively as “community.”
Once again:
Does Book of Acts Teach Modern Communism or Socialism?
So far, and throughout Acts, particularly Chapters 1-15, Jesus is presented in these themes:
Jesus is Israel’s Messiah and Lord (Lord: 2:21, 34, 36:10:36. Messiah: 2:31, 36, 38; 3:18, 20; 4:10; 10:36).
He is the Son of David and God’s Servant (Son of David: 2:29-31; Servant of God (3:13, 26; 4:27, 30).
He is the holy and righteous Savior (5:31; 3:14; 4:27, 30).
He is the prophet like Moses and the judge of humankind (3:22; 10:42).
In Jesus God requires repentance to receive God’s revelation in the life, death, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus and in the bestowal of the Spirit and prophecy (2:38, 40; 3:19; 5:31 see 8:22; 10:42-43; 15:8).
Only in allegiance to Jesus, God offers salvation who is Israel’s Messiah and Lord (Acts 2:21, 39; 3:19, 26; 5:31; 10:43-45, 36, 43, 45; 11:18; 15:9; 22:16; 26:18).
To conclude, on the charismatic side, the Spirit is the free gift from God through Christ. He produces gladness, generous hearts and praise, awe in the mind. Evangelism happens naturally-supernaturally when the atmosphere is charged with the electricity of the Spirit, so to speak.
In everything you do, unity and love and sharing things in common also is a big draw for people to come to church. And they will know we are Christians by our love (John 13:35).
You individually can enjoy divine favor from people. Just stay in fellowship, the teaching of the apostles (now called Scriptures), and regular church attendance. If the word church is no longer popular, stay in a local Christian community (same thing!). People outside of Christ can perceive something different about you, something positive. Jesus radiates outwardly from you to them, and they will show you favor.
GrowApp for Acts 2:42-47
1. The earliest Christian community were united in prayer and sharing and breaking bread together. Do you belong to a thriving church?
2.. Without being arrogant or judgmental or confrontational, how can you help your church to be even healthier?
RELATED
Sixteen Characteristics of a Healthy Church
Sixteen Characteristics of an Unhealthy Church
The Historical Reliability of the Book of Acts
Book of Acts and Paul’s Epistles: Match Made in Heaven?
SOURCES
For the bibliography, please click on this link and scroll down to the very bottom:
Dr. Jim's Essential Bible Teaching 