Because a building may have a sign that indicates "Church of Christ" does not necessarily mean that those who worship there are the faithful body of Christ. Obviously, there is more to being the faithful church of Christ than a sign on a building. In order to ascertain characteristics of a faithful church of Christ, many passages and principles could be studied. For the purpose of this study, attention will be focused on the Jerusalem church in Acts 2. What better place to learn the characteristics of the faithful church of Christ than from the original church of Christ?

The church of Christ was established on the first Pentecost following the Lord"s resurrection (Mt. 16:18-19; Mk. 9:1; Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:9 cf. Acts 2:1-41). The church of Christ consisted of those who received the word of God by being baptized (Acts 2:38-41). This original church of Christ was faithful, and as a result, they grew and evangelized their world (Acts 4:4; 5:14; 6:1, 7; 8:12, 38; 9:31, 42; 11:21; 12:24; 13:49; 14:1, 21; 16:5, 15; 17:4, 12, 34; 18:8; 19:10 cf. Col. 1:23). They grew and evangelized without TV, radio, the internet, newspapers, cars, trains, or planes. What made them faithful? Below are some characteristics that the early church possessed which made them faithful, and, if churches of Christ today possess these same characteristics, they also will be faithful and may have similar results in growth.

Devoted To Spiritual Matters

The early church of Christ was devoted to spiritual matters. Note Luke"s description, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles" doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). The term translated "continued steadfastly" means "to devote oneself to, to continue in." This Greek verb is found ten times in the NT. In a non-religious sense, it indicates duration (cf. Acts 8:13; 10:7; Rom. 13:6). Concerning Christian life, it may refer to enduring faith (Heb. 11:27). In the early church, the word denotes their spiritual attitude (Acts 1:14; 2:42). The apostles saw it as their function to "devote themselves" to the ministry of the word and to prayer (Acts 6:4). The construction of this verb in Acts 2:42, connects it with each item in the verse. In other words, they were not merely devoted to the "apostles doctrine," but also to "fellowship," "breaking of bread," and "prayers." Consider these in more detail.

First, they were devoted to "the apostles doctrine" (Acts 2:42b). The definite article "the" indicates a specific body of teaching. The apostles were the only teachers this early, and they exercised the Great Commission (cf. Mt. 28:19-20). The apostles" authority was recognized by the church at this early stage in history. Eventually, apostolic teaching took written form (cf. 1 Cor. 14:37). It is the duty of all converts (i.e. Christians) to learn and abide in the apostles" doctrine (cf. 1 Cor. 15:1-2). The first century church abided in the "apostles" doctrine" (Acts 5:42). If there was a command to assemble "daily" for study of God"s word, it is not recorded, but the early church did this because they saw the need to learn (Mt. 5:6). The need is no less today! Today"s church of Christ has a great advantage over the first century church in that it has abundant access to God"s word (cf. Jas. 1:25). How important is the "apostles" doctrine" to the church of Christ today?

Second, they were devoted to "fellowship" (Acts 2:42c). The word "fellowship" means association, communion, joint-participation; sharing together. This fellowship involved the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 1:9). The object of this fellowship was God (cf. 1 Jn. 1:3-7). Included in this sense of fellowship was a collection and distribution of monetary gifts (Acts 2:44-45 cf. Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:13). Fellowship must also be important in the life of the church of Christ today. No congregation can follow God without seeking this sense of joint-participation, and no congregation can grow that does not seek to maintain true fellowship (Eph. 4:1-3). Christians should seek the company of other Christians for encouragement and support. This means that assembling is important (Heb. 10:23-25) and the helping of "one another" (Rom. 12:10; 15:7, 14; Gal. 6:2; 1 Thes. 5:11). How important is "fellowship" to the church of Christ today?

(to be continued)

- Brian Kenyon -