We live in a world where we are taught to put “me” first. To go after what I want and keep my focus on the things I want for my life. Every now and then, if we have time, if we are not too tired, if we have extra funds, or if we want to, we will lend a hand to take care of someone else. However, even then we have our limits as to how much we will allow our lives to be interrupted for someone else. This is not God’s intention for the Christian. Over and over in scripture, we see that we are to be selfless and reach out to others. Taking care of each other was one of the first actions of the first Christian church.
In Acts 2:42 we see the first church. There were several characteristics of this church that were noted for us to follow. They were steadfast in doctrine and fellowship. It wasn’t just about being together. The ties that bound them were not feelings or fun. Their common bond was their belief in Jesus Christ as their Savior. They were committed to following His teachings. From that common bond grew their care for one another. They ate together and prayed together.
Act 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
In Acts 2:43, we see that “fear came upon every soul.” They had seen what God had done and they were in reverence and awe of Him. When you truly get a glimpse of God there will be a seriousness that will invade your life. There will be awe at His greatness. You will not have the idea that many do in the modern church. Their common thread promotes His love for us as superior to all other attributes. This causes slackness in their reverence for God. God loves everyone, but His holiness is His highest attribute. It was His holiness that required His Son to pay the price for our sins. If love were His supreme attribute, He could have forgiven us without our sins being paid for by the perfect Lamb. We know from our own relationships that love overlooks a lot of things, but holiness requires perfection. That is why He paid our debt. He was the only one qualified to pay them. When we accept Him as our personal Savior the Father sees us robed in Jesus’ righteousness.
Act 2:43 “And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.”
Because of their belief in God and their desire to please Him, they had all things in common. They still had their personal differences and they each had different strengths and abilities, but they were all in tune with serving God. Their desire was first and foremost to obey and honor Him. Their desire was to evangelize the lost and disciple them to full maturity in Christ. They met the needs of one another. If one Christian had more than they needed, they sold what they had to meet the needs of someone else. They ate together from house to house. They were sharing what they had with each other and praising God. Eating together and having church was a natural exhibition of Christ dwelling within them.
This behavior was pleasing to God. Their attitude was selfless, not selfish. They were focused on others and they trusted God to take care of themselves. They had a sincere heart in their works and love for each other. These believers were satisfied with what they had. They were thankful people not desiring the luxuries of this world. They did not aspire to be great in the world’s eyes, they aspired to make God great in the eyes of others.
As believers, allowing their words to be followed by their actions, they found favor with those around them. Not just Christians, but unbelievers respected them also. They led humble, serious, committed lives to their Master. Because of the purity of their faith, and their desire to obey, God added to the church daily. Every time I read verse 47 that He “added to the church daily,” I am a little envious. I cannot imagine the spiritual atmosphere that prevailed in this body of believers. I long to see people saved. Their testimony challenges me to do more, to question my desires and my priorities. The world is full of people who need God. They can be reached, and I believe a church that takes care of one another is a good testimony to them of God’s love for His people. I believe God still wants the church to remain pure and to exhibit His love and holiness to others.
Act 2:44-47 “And all that believed were together and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 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, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
I think it is time we examined ourselves to see where we are failing to follow the pattern of the first church. Are we living a selfless life? Where are our limits on what we will do for others? Do you know the believers in your church well enough to know if they have needs? Do you care about a lost world enough to get out of your comfort zone and do something to show them who Jesus is and how much He cares for them? Are you willing to share the gospel and warn them of a hell to come if they don’t repent and turn to God? Are you taking care of your brothers and sisters in Christ and passing the truth to others?
