“They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
This is the description of life in the early Church just after the day of Pentecost. The Church was a devoted group of believers who were living out their faith in commitment. Their first devotion was to the “Apostles’ teaching”, which was in reality, the teaching of Jesus that they had received from Him directly over His three year ministry. These teachings were centered in the death and Resurrection of the Lord and its impact for all of humanity. Next, they were devoted to the “Fellowship” which means the regular Worship of God’s people. Typically, this would include the reading of Scripture, a Message and songs and prayers. The other commitment this early Church shared was in the “Breaking of Bread”. While this can sometimes mean eating a meal together, likely here, it is referring to Holy Communion and the reception of the Lord’s Supper.
You may notice that the pattern of faith described in this verse from the Book of Acts is similar to what we do today as the Church. We too are devoted to the teachings of Christ and include Scripture Readings in our regular routines. We make a point of gathering for Worship where we receive the Holy meal and celebrate our Fellowship together as God’s Church. Our lives revolve around His Word and the message of forgiveness and life that Jesus’ death and Resurrection grant to us.
The final point of commitment is that of prayer. While as the Church, we make a point for Corporate Prayer in our Worship Service, this act of devotion goes beyond the Sanctuary. The early Church was collectively and individually engaged in regular prayer and petition, asking for God’s will to be done in every moment of their lives. We share in that same commitment today and live out our lives as the people of God accordingly. This section of Acts closes the chapter with these words, “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
It is our commitment as the Church on earth to live out devoted lives to receiving the gifts of God and in offering our devotion in prayer. As we do so, we share our faith with others and, like the early Church, we know that we too will be blessed indeed!
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Kilian