Acts 2:42-47

https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+2:42-47

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 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, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved

Study Notes: These will be added throughout the day.

2:42 "Breaking of bread" refers to communion services that were celebrated in remembrance of Jesus and were patterned after the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples before his death (Matthew 26:26-29).

2:44 Recognizing the other believers as brothers and sisters in the family of God, the Christians in Jerusalem shared all they had so that all could benefit from God's gifts. It is tempting--especially if we have material wealth--to cut ourselves off from one another, each taking care of his or her own interests, each providing for and enjoying his or her own little piece of the world. But as part of God's spiritual family, it is our responsibility to help one another in every way possible. God's family works best when its members work together.

2:46 A common misconception about the first Christians (who were Jews) was that they rejected the Jewish religion. But these believers saw Jesus' message and resurrection as the fulfillment of everything they knew and believed from the Old Testament. The Jewish believers at first did not separate from the rest of the Jewish community. They still went to the temple and synagogues for worship and instruction in the Scriptures. But their belief in Jesus created great friction with Jews who didn't believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Thus, believing Jews were forced to meet in private homes for communion, prayer, and teaching about Christ. By the end of the first century, many of these Jewish believers were excommunicated from their synagogues.

2:47 A healthy Christian community attracts people to Christ. The Jerusalem church's zeal for worship and brotherly love was contagious. A healthy, loving church will grow in numbers. What are you doing to make your church the kind of place that will attract others to Christ?

We are learning even now the impact of the lockdowns and extended isolation of the Covid19 mandates. Have you ever thought about the spiritual warfare tactic that edict was? Reading Acts 2:46-47 makes me think the extended lockdown was more the work of the evil ones than God. Now why would we choose to follow those instructions? Contrast to the joy and peace enjoyed by those in fellowship with one another. Each of us gets to decide whether to live in fear or fellowship. As for me, I choose Life, I choose God. I choose glad fellowship with you and other believers.

Thank you, Lord, for Your Word that reminds of Your desire of goodness and righteousness for us. Thank You for your disciples turned apostles and all those working to do Your will now here on earth. Let Your blessings of freedom and provisions flow. Let us experience Your peace and joy, Lord, with loved ones. May Your will be done regarding our enemies. Help us restore sanity to our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtu.be/oMMt1xTI-sw

Have a blessed day.