Acts 2:40-47

So far the book of Acts has proved to be eventful. Already the reader has experienced Jesus’ final instructions before He ascended into heaven (1:1-11), the choosing of another disciple to replace Judas (1:12-26), the Holy Spirit coming to dwell inside believers (2:1-13), and finally Peter preaching Jesus to those who had gathered (2:14-39). Although this was a sad time for Jesus’ followers because they missed His fellowship, they found new strength in the very presence of the Holy Spirit who now dwelt inside them. Instead of wasting their time mourning Jesus’ departure, they immediately began the work to which Jesus had called them (1:8). As Peter finished his first sermon (2:14-39), those who were listening responded to his message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Luke writes, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (2:41). The reaction of the crowd to Peter’s message was incredible, but let us consider that he was enabled by the power the Holy Spirit. As Jesus had reminded them before His death on the cross, “without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

At this point the church is born and three thousand people begin to provide a picture of what that early church looked like. Luke paints a picture for us:
- Scripture was their foundation for faith and practice (2:42a)
- the Lord’s Supper or Communion was celebrated (2:42b)
- they prayed together (2:42c)
- great miracles were performed by the apostles (2:43)
- money and possessions were used to meet the needs of others (2:44-45)
- they were joyful (2:46)
- they were unified through Jesus Christ (2:47a)
The result of the church’s passion for God and each other allowed Him to add people to the church (2:47b). As the church focuses on the mission which God has given (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8), His presence accomplishes much and the lives of people are changed. Again, we must recall the words of Jesus before He was put to death on the cross, “he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:12-13). Jesus told His followers that they could accomplish greater things than even He did here on earth. Jesus was not referring to the miracles which He performed, but rather the power to spread the gospel to all people through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As a result of their willingness to be used by God, many who were far from God would be brought near through the blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:13).

The church’s goal is not to build bigger buildings and bigger crowds to be recognized by the world around them; however, the goal of the church should be to build worshippers of God who are seen by the world around them. When Jesus preached His sermon on the mountain (Matthew 5-7), He spoke these words which should apply to the church: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Peter also adds, “having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles [unbelievers], that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation [judgment]” (1 Peter 2:12). David wrote something similar in the Old Testament in Psalm 40:3: “He has put a new song in my mouth– Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.” The church should take special note of what made this early church great.

Dear God, fulfill Your plans in the life of the church and may we be submissive to Your mission and not our own. Let us learn from the early church that we might also see Your works done in this generation.