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Fellowship In The Early Church (Acts 4:23-37) The fellowship of Christians that began in Acts 2:41-47 continues even as the church endures hardships. |
Fellowship In The Early Church (Acts 4:23-37)
The fellowship of Christians that began in Acts 2:41-47 continues even as the church endures hardships.
- They were companions (4:23)-“went to their own company”
- We see the early Christians gather around one another and supporting one another.
- It is good and encouraging to have like-minded people we can be with (Mk 14:32-33; 2 Pet. 1:1); they had become members of the same family (1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 2:19).
- They cared for one another (4:23)
- They were interested in one another’s problems.
- As a family and a body, there was mutual concern (Rom. 12:15; 1 Cor. 12:25-26; Acts 12:5, 12; Gal. 6:10).
- They were spiritual encouragers (4:24-31)
- Notice when these things were reported, they prayed —what sort of people do we surround ourselves with (1 Cor. 15:33; Heb. 10:23-25; Phil. 3:17)?
- Their prayer was one of comfort (Ps. 2:1-7; Ps 73:17) and for boldness (4:13; Phil. 1:20; Col. 4:3-4); which provoked them to action (Prov. 27:17; Eccl. 4:9-12).
- They selflessly helped one another (4:32-37)
- Their fellowship was active—a joint participation.
- This was not communism but rather a lack of selfishness and a willingness to share with one another that would continue (Acts 11:27-30; 2 Cor. 8:1-5).
- Their fellowship had truly brought them together (Gal. 6:2; 1 Pet. 3:8; Phil. 2:1-5).
