In the previous parts of this study, we have focused upon the characteristics of the first church of Christ, established in Acts 2 on the first Pentecost following the Lord’s resurrection. Our goal in this study is to know and imitate those traits so that we also may be the faithful church of Christ. Being faithful involves much more than merely claiming to be. So far, we have examined three characteristics: (1) they were devoted to spiritual things (Acts 2:42); (2) they promoted reverence for God (Acts 2:43); and (3) they were willing to help one another, even if it meant selling their possessions (Acts 2:44-45). In this final part let us note the remaining two characteristics, remembering that each of us must have these characteristics in order for the whole church here to be faithful.

In addition to the previous characteristics mentioned above, the early church genuinely enjoyed being with one another. “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart” (Acts 2:46). The “temple” area was the meeting place of the early church (cf. Acts 3:11; 5:12, 20, 25, 42). This was a very convenient place to meet since even the Gentiles were allowed access to the outer court, and at this time, Christianity was considered by the masses as a sect of Judaism. The church met daily with one another in the temple for the purpose of learning God’s word and encouraging one another. The early church had no problem understanding the importance of “the assembling of ourselves together” (Heb. 10:24-25), yet many “Christians” today seem to think that the Lord only requires us to meet on Sunday morning!
Not only did they enjoy being with one another at the temple, they also enjoyed one another’s company in their homes. “Breaking bread” here refers to common meals as seen in the latter part of the verse, “did eat their meat [food].” Eating together, especially in the first century, has always been an indicator of fellowship (cf. 1 Cor. 5:11). Their eating together in one another’s homes was characterized by “gladness” and “singleness of heart.” This latter term suggests sincerity and single-mindedness (cf. Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22). In other words, they sincerely enjoyed being with one another whether it was in a worship setting or in each other’s homes. Do we sincerely enjoy being with one another?

When a congregation is devoted to spiritual things, promotes reverence for God in their lives, is willing to help one another, and sincerely enjoys being with one another, they will attract those who are outside of Christ. “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). Note that they did not attract outsiders by gimmicks (such as classic car shows, concerts, roller coasters, etc.), but by “praising God” which is often used in reference to verbal expressions of God’s greatness (Lk. 2:13, 20; 19:37), but would also include their way of life (1 Cor. 10:31). “Favor” is often used of finding favor (grace) in God’s sight (Lk. 1:30; Acts 7:46), but in the phrase “favor with all the people,” it refers to the natural consequence of their admirable lives. Real Christianity attracts attention, even in this world of religious confusion and skepticism. Daily additions to the church showed that people were daily being saved (Acts 2:47b).
Are we, individually and/or collectively, attracting outsiders to Christ and his church? To answer, let us ask ourselves these questions: Are we devoted to spiritual things? Are we promoting reverence for God? Are we willing to help one another? Do we sincerely enjoy being with one another? If we answer any of these in the negative, then we are not faithful like the church we read about in Acts 2:42-47. Are we merely the “Church of Christ” on the outside, or do we have the characteristics of a faithful church of Christ on the inside? May God help us to be like the early church and “follow...that which is good” (3 Jn. 11).

-Brian Kenyon -