This reflection draws on Acts 2:42-47, as we continue with our study on the Book of Acts,
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
However, we will also look at verses 37-41, which gives us the background we need as we study this section of Acts 2.
So, start by reading Acts 2:37-41.
The church is all about The Message
Here’s the reason why I asked you first to read Acts 2:37-41. What happens in verses 42-47 is the result of what went on based on previous verses (37-41).
To make better sense of what’s going on in this chapter, review my previous reflection, Pentecost Power.
The Disciples are out of hiding now. Peter begins explaining what has just happened with them.
He says to the people,
Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! (Acts 2:14-15).
He goes on to connect what has just happened to the Law and the Prophets. Everything that the people in Jerusalem have witnessed is the fulfillment of Scripture (Old Testament). Read verses 16-36.
The message Peter shared was so powerful as Scripture says,
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Verse 37).
The church is all about The Message. It should be the message that cuts people to the heart.
Peter used Scripture and real events with Jesus as the center of his entire message (in Acts 2). Even though the people, who crucified Jesus, had thought that the Message would die with Jesus in the tomb.
They were all wrong. God raised Jesus from the tomb. Jesus is risen, alive, and now seated on the right hand of God the Father (see verses 33-36).
The Message about Jesus being the Son of God, the risen Lord, and Christ is what changed the lives of these people who had followed Him for the last three years of His life here on earth.
Our actions, words, and interactions with others relay a message. It’s a message that tells other people who we truly are, and Christ has transformed us.
What message do you relay to people? Is your life more just about you? Does it tell others of Christ who has transformed your life?
The Message, the disciples shared, made the listeners (watchers) say this: “Brothers, what shall we do?” (See verse 37).
Peter’s response was:
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call. Verses 38-39
[bctt tweet=”How you talk to people translates into a message. Your interactions with others represent a message. What you do in private or public carries a message. Does your message (what you’re about) invite people to faith in Christ?” username=”emmanuelnaweji”]
The Church is all about community
Now, read verses 42 through 47 again:
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
In this piece of Scripture, you notice that community had come out of the people’s response to the Message, which required them to repent (complete change of lifestyle and embracing God’s way of life) and be baptized (a life of commitment to God’s Kingdom).
What you read in the rest of chapter 2 tells us what this community should look like.
First of all, it is a community everyone would want to join.
Second, this community is grounded on radical hospitality and generosity.
Third, brother and sisterhood represent the core of what this community is all about, and it shows in the way they celebrate communion with each other through meals and fellowship (see verse 46).
In Conclusion
Acts 2 teaches about the significance of true Church. It’s more than just what we do as a local Church. The Church is all about the message and building a community. Your daily living is what tells others of the Message. This message says so much of the community you belong to, and that they can also join you and the others.
