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, according to the Lord"s instructions (Acts 2:38, 41). The church of Christ in Acts 2, and throughout the New Testament, was not a denomination. Rather, it was (and is) the body of Christ (Eph. 5:23, 30; Col. 1:18). As we consider the "church of Christ" today, we realize that in order to be the faithful church of Christ, we must emulate the characteristics that made this original, Jerusalem church of Christ faithful.

In Part I of this study, we learned that the early church was devoted to spiritual matters (Acts 2:42). As we noted, their devotion to spiritual matters manifested itself in four ways, two of which were considered in Part I; namely, that they (1) were devoted to the "apostles" doctrine," and (2) they were devoted to "fellowship." As we continue this study, let us note the other two spiritual matters to which they were devoted.

Third, they were devoted to "breaking of bread" (Acts 2:42d). This "breaking of bread" refers to the Lord"s Supper. In the original language there are definite articles before "breaking" and "bread," which distinguish this "the breaking of the bread" with the "breaking of bread" in Acts 2:46, which, from the context, clearly refers to common meals. The frequency with which the bread was broken is not here given, but is found elsewhere as being every first day of the week (Acts 20:7 cf. 1 Cor. 11:20). The Lord"s Supper is communion with Christ (Mt. 26:29; 1 Cor. 10:16-17). Next to a person being baptized, there is no single event in the earthly life of a Christian in which he or she is closer to Christ than in the weekly observance of the Lord"s Supper! Spiritual obligations were a matter of devotion for the early church (Acts 20:6). How important is "the breaking of the bread" to the church of Christ today?

Fourth, they were devoted to "prayers" (Acts 2:42e). Prayer was a very integral part of the early church. The definite article in the original language (literally, "the prayers") suggests a particular reference, either to specific prayers or specific subjects. Prayer was not limited to certain times (cf. Acts 3:1; 1 Thes. 5:17). The vitality of the church corresponded to the reality of their prayers (cf. Acts 1:14-26; 4:23-31; 6:4; 7:55-60; 8:14-17; 9:11, 36-43; 10:1-4, 9; 12:1-11; 13:1-3; 16:13, 25; 20:36; 21:5; 27:35; 28:8). Prayer can, and will, make a difference in the church today: for forgiveness of saints" sins (Acts 8:22-24); for help in time of temptation (Mt. 6:13); for daily needs (Mt. 6:11); for rulers (1 Tim. 2:1-2); for the sick (Jas. 5:14); for laborers to enter the harvest (Mt. 9:38); for God"s word to be glorified (2 Thes. 3:1); for God"s children (Phil. 1:9-11); for God"s will to be done (Mt. 6:10; 26:39). How important are "prayers" to the church of Christ today?

Promote Reverence For God

Not only was the early church devoted to spiritual matters, but they also promoted reverence for God. "And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles" (Acts 2:43). The word "fear" is not that which scares people away (cf. Acts 2:47), but refers to deep reverence and awe (cf. Heb. 12:28). Part of this awe was attributed to the miracles done by the apostles (Acts 2:43b). The apostles were able to perform miracles. "Awe" often resulted from miracles (cf. Acts 3:10; 5:5, 11, 13; 19:17).

While it is true that no person today can perform true miracles, we can still influence respect for God in our homes and communities by our works (cf. Mt. 5:13-16; 7:15-20). "Every soul" includes non-believers, and lets us know that others are watching us. Are we promoting reverence for God? When people see us, do they have more respect for God, or less respect for God? May the Lord help us promote reverence for Him, for it will make a difference as shall be seen later in Acts 2.

[to be continued]

- Brian Kenyon -