. Biblical Pictures of First Century Fellowship (Acts 2:40-47; 4:32-36).
1. Long winded preachers who didn‘t preach long enough (Acts 2:40).
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, “Save yourselves from this untoward (perverse) generation.”
2. Separation from the existing perverse generation vs. 40. “changed lives!”
3. Powerful witnessing and widespread salvation (Acts 4:33 & 2:41).
And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Then those who gladly received his words were baptized, and that same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
4. Hunger for preaching and teaching of the word vs. 42.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread and in prayers.
5. Intense desire and joy in being with believers and assembling together (Hebrews 10:25)
And continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their meat with gladness and singleness of heart
6. An incredible sense of awe and amazement at the miracles taking place vs. 43.
And fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles
Everyone felt a deep sense of awe, while many miracles and signs took place through the apostles (Phillips Translation).
7. One with God and each other (vs. 44 & 4:32, and Psalms 133).
One accord. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and mind.
8. Uncommon generosity in sharing and meeting needs vs. 45 and Acts 4:32, 34.
Neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common … nor was there any among them who lacked…
9. Consistency of worship publicly and house to house vs. 47.
And continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their meat with gladness and singleness of heart
10. And great grace was upon them all (Acts 4:33).
III. What changes or decisions do you need to make help build this kind of fellowship?
1. Long winded preachers who didn‘t preach long enough (Acts 2:40).
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, “Save yourselves from this untoward (perverse) generation.”
2. Separation from the existing perverse generation vs. 40. “changed lives!”
3. Powerful witnessing and widespread salvation (Acts 4:33 & 2:41).
And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Then those who gladly received his words were baptized, and that same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
4. Hunger for preaching and teaching of the word vs. 42.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread and in prayers.
5. Intense desire and joy in being with believers and assembling together (Hebrews 10:25)
And continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their meat with gladness and singleness of heart
6. An incredible sense of awe and amazement at the miracles taking place vs. 43.
And fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles
Everyone felt a deep sense of awe, while many miracles and signs took place through the apostles (Phillips Translation).
7. One with God and each other (vs. 44 & 4:32, and Psalms 133).
One accord. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and mind.
8. Uncommon generosity in sharing and meeting needs vs. 45 and Acts 4:32, 34.
Neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common … nor was there any among them who lacked…
9. Consistency of worship publicly and house to house vs. 47.
And continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their meat with gladness and singleness of heart
10. And great grace was upon them all (Acts 4:33).
III. What changes or decisions do you need to make help build this kind of fellowship?