Pentacost
Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Pentecost was a Jewish feast held fifty days after Passover; it was a time of celebration for the first-fruits of the harvest.
At Passover, the first sheaf to be reaped from the barley harvest was presented to God; but at Pentecost, the firstfruits of the wheat harvest were given to God. Therefore, Pentecost is called the day of firstfruits (Numbers 28:26) Also, Jewish tradition taught that Pentecost commemorates the day when the Law was given to Israel; the feast was sometimes called by the Jews shimchath torah, or "joy of the law"
So on Pentecost, Israel received the Law, and the Church received the Spirit of Grace in fullness
All in unity together seeking God.
Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
The word for Spirit is also "wind", a mighty rushing wind filling all the upper room. Is this the fan of Jesus separating the wheat from the chaff? Or is this a new life breathed into born again believers? Perhaps both and more.
Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
The baptism of fire as in Mat 3:11...he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
The idea behind the picture of fire is usually purification, as fire is used by a refiner to make pure gold, or as it can burn away that which is temporary, to leave that which is lasting. This is an excellent illustration of the principle that the filling of the Holy Spirit is not just for power, but for purity.
Under the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit rests upon God's people as individuals - the tongues of fire sat upon each of them.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
How many were filled with the Holy Ghost and spake with other tongues? One hundred twenty were in one accord and were speaking in recognizable languages as the spirit gave them utterance.
tongues - the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct
utterances - to speak forth, speak out, say
Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
A crowd quickly gathered, being attracted by this sound (either the rushing mighty wind or the speaking in other tongues); when they came they heard the Christians speak in their own foreign languages; apparently the Christians could be heard from the windows of the upper room, or they went out onto some kind of balcony or into the temple courts.
What better way to show the presence of Gods Spirit in the hearts of the people, then to speak edifying words of God in each language. This was a reversal of what happened at the tower of Babel. There all were confounded and confused speaking in languages no one understood.
Acts 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
Galileans were not known to be educated men or good speakers.
Acts 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Acts 2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
Acts 2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
This was not a show of cleverness or a work of satan, for each heard in their own language the wonderful works of God. They were glorifying God, this is the evidence and presence of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
They doubted then and many doubt today, trying to reason and explain away this miracle.
Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. Also mockers accusing them of drunkeness.
Tongues is a divisive subject today. Some churches forbid it, saying it is for another time. Other Churches demand it as a proof of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
When the Filling of the Spirit occurred in the upper room all praised God in a language unknown to the worshipper, but known to the various language groups present. Tongues then is an expression of worship, the Spirit glorifies Jesus and the Father. It also is a way of praying to build up the person who is praying. All things must be for edifying. Tongues with a prophetic message require an interpreter so that others may be edified.
1 Cor 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
1 Cor 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Let's read what the Spirit says of tongues
1 Cor 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1 Cor 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
1 Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
The best gifts are gifts that edify the church in love.
1 Cor 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
The greatest gift is speaking forth the revealed word of God, to edify or correct the church.
1 Cor 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Unknown tongues only are beneficial to the speaker and his message to God.
1 Cor 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1 Cor 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1 Cor 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
Edifying the church is required, if speaking in public an unknown language.
1 Cor 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
Not confusion, but a clear message must come forth.
1 Cor 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
1 Cor 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
1 Cor 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
Paul uses these examples to make his point. The Spirit testifies of Jesus. If tongues are used, let them be understood, or there is confusion. Tongues are not a badge of honor, the Spirit seals the Christian and brings various gifts, including tongues.
1 Cor 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
1 Cor 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
As in the confusion at the tower of Babel.
1 Cor 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
Amen, gifts are for edifying the church.
1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
In church be slow to speak a tongue unless you have the confirmation in the spirit that an interpretation may follow. In this instance, the speaker prays for the ability to interpret.
1 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1 Cor 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
Means of expressing by the spirit; for prayer, also praying with understanding. I will sing,or play an instrument with the spirit, a new song or tune, but also with understanding to be in harmony and melody with all. YES, the spirit is expressed in music as well.
1 Cor 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
Do we give thanks or bless a meal in tongues? Paul is giving needed wisdom here.
1 Cor 14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
Our father hears and you are blessed, but others are not.
1 Cor 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
1 Cor 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
Paul spoke in tongues, and had control as to whether speaking in tongues or the word of understanding. The word is the power of God, so speak it with clarity.
In summary tongues are an evidence of the Holy Spirit filling, and the end result is worship and edification. Music and the spoken word are also powered by the Holy Spirit, as are all of the gifts. The Holy Spirit is the life of God to empower the believer for ministry.
Being of one accord in prayer, brought the promised Holy Spirit to all believers. The Holy Spirit is the evidence of salvation, the filling comes when we seek and pray for him and are serving through him.
Peter after Pentacost
Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
Listen to me, hear what I have to say.We should notice that the speaking in tongues stopped when Peter began to preach. The Holy Spirit now worked through Peter’s preaching and would not work against Himself through tongues at the same time.
There is a remarkable change in Peter. He has courage and boldness that is a complete contrast to his denials of Jesus before being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Peter was speaking boldly
1 Pet 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Acts 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
It is too early in the day to be drunk, drunkeness is of the night.
Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; Peter announces the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel, partial fulfillment.
This focus on God’s Word did not quench the moving of the Holy Spirit; it fulfilled what the Holy Spirit wanted to do. All the signs and wonders and speaking in tongues were preparing for this work of God’s Word. The Spirit does not call attention to himself, but to Jesus and his word.
The word and the spirit are the power of God to transform a life. They work together, not apart. The word without the spirit may same dry. The Spirit without the word, may be empty emotion. We need the spirit and the word, then peoples lives are changed and new people are born into the kingdom.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
It was the beginning of the last days. Messiah Jesus had finished the work of redeeming a people from satan's power. Now he was expected to come at anytime to establish his millenial kingdom on earth. These are the last days in expectation of the kingdom.
The promise was the Holy Spirit to be poured out on all flesh. Male and female, boy and girl, Jew or non Jew. The spirit was no longer just to come upon them for a season, as in the Old Testiment. Now, it would be poured out in ministry to others. The Holy Spirit remains with the believer.
... and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
God will speak through the spirit of prophecy to young and old male and female. Those who limit the speaking of women in church, must remember this prophecy. Men are not more spiritual then women, but men are given authority in the church to lead, as well as in the home.
Acts 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Acts 2:19 And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Acts 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Whosever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Jew and gentile shall be saved.
Whosover
Mat 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Mat 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mat 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
Mat 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Mat 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone (Jesus) shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
1 John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride (church) say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
The Holy Spirit had come at Pentacost with Peter speaking in this new power. The message, whosever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The Apostles will be sent out to all the world with the gospel message delivered in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Church age is born and many would be "bornagain".
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Peter's Bold Preaching
Now comes the important gospel message.
Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
A powerful sermon begins with, listen to my words as he spoke with authority.
Jesus of Nazareth, even the devils knew that name;
Mark 1:23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Mark 1:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
Mark 1:25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
Mark 1:26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs;
Yes even his enemies knew he was from God;
Jhn 11:47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
Jhn 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all [men] will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
They were concerned for their own positions, seeking job security, so from envy they killed Jesus. When Jesus becomes king on earth all nations will bow to him. God worked mighty works through him.
Phil 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Phil 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Jesus speaks
Luk 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
The testimony of the healed blind man
John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
John 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
John 9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Peter doesn't hold back, he speaks the truth with new Holy Ghost boldness.
Even though God sent him knowing that he was to die for sins, and Jesus also knowing this was his cup given him by his father, yet he obeyed;
Mat 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Still, those who murdered Jesus must bear the responsibilty for their actions.
"ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain (Jesus):"
Mat 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
Mat 27:26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Peter was not out to tickle the ears of the people, or to make them laugh, he speaks the truth to them
Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Quoting from Psalms 16, In the term pains of death, the word pains is actually the word for "birth pains"; in this sense, the tomb was a womb for Jesus! The grave can no more hold the Redeemer than a pregnant woman can hold the child in her body.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Born of water, a natural birth from woman. Born of the Spirit, the resurrected Christ coming out of the cave tomb a new Spiritual creation.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
For as he was raised by the Spirit of life, so shall we likewise be made alive.
Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
The resurrection is the proof of our new life in Christ
1 Cor 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
1 Cor 15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
1 Cor 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
1 Cor 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1 Cor 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
1 Cor 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Peter continues to speak of the resurrection. Killing Jesus was not a victory for Satan, but his defeat!
Acts 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
Acts 2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
Acts 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Here is prophetic evidence that Jesus descended into hell,
Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eph 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
He ascended and led captivity captive. Parading the vanquished enemy, satan and his demons, having victory over them by his death and resurrection.
1 Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1 Cor 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
Acts 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Acts 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
This is the gospel message! That Jesus took our punishment for sin on the cross, and remained a perfect Savior through the whole ordeal - proved by His resurrection. He remained holy, even when taking on our sins.
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Praise God for the conviction of the Holy Spirit! Questions, yes ask them, Jesus has the answer, he is the answer to every question. What shall we do? Praise God for that open door of opportunity. Never be afraid to answer this question. It is the entrance into salvation. We show them Jesus, his death burial and resurrection. This for all who will receive him and the forgiveness of sins.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
The promise is to you and to your children, note that this breaks the curse they had, his blood removes the guilt and all curses. By not believing, you are guilty of his blood. For he died because of your sin problem.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
The exact words used to convince others is dependent on the Holy Spirit, there is no one way to convince another of their need of the savior. One thing is sure, we must come to Jesus and be separated unto him.
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Those who received were baptized, those who truly believed received the Holy Spirit, baptized unto Jesus. Three thousnd souls were added this day to the kingdom. Here Peter had done a greater work as Jesus predicted.
John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Jesus had completed all that was required to bring others into his kingdom. Others will bring in millions more. This is the time of the great harvest. There have been more saved in these last days then all the preceding years combined.
Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
A soul is delivered from captivity, what greater joy is their then this? Praise God for our living Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!
Church Growth
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine; they relied on the apostles to communicate to them who Jesus was and what He had done. They just trusted in Jesus; now they want to know more!
Continued steadfastly uses a Greek verb communicating "a steadfast and single-minded fidelity to a certain course of action." There was to be no departure from the apostles’ doctrine, because it was the truth of God. We have the doctrine, it is the New Testament.
They continued in fellowship: The Greek word koinonia has the idea of association, communion, fellowship, and participation; it means to share in something
Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
They continued in the breaking of bread: Even living so close to the time when Jesus was crucified, they still never wanted to forget it - how much more should we?
They continued in prayers. Whenever God’s work is done, God’s people are praying. This is important. Everything else we read about the power and glory of the early church flows from this foundation of the word, fellowship, remembrance of Jesus’ work on the cross, and prayer.
They continued in the word;
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
They Had all things common;
Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Breaking bread, the Lord's Supper;
Act 20:7 And upon the first [day] of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight
1Cr 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
Prayer
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Jud 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Act 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
The presence of the power of the LORD brought fear or reverence to every soul.For some it drew them to God, others fled from him.
Heb 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
The power of God was evident because many wonders and signs were done, and where God is moving, lives will be touched in miraculous ways.
Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common: With the influx of more that 3,000 believers, most of whom stayed in Jerusalem and didn’t have jobs, the family of Christians had to share if they were to survive.
Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
This was done willingly. In fact the needs continued as Paul took collections for the church at Jerusalem. Persecution would come against them from the Jews and the Roman government. Still all that was done was through love for one another, Jesus fed his people through the sacrificial giving of others. We don't see this kind of love offered today in our materialistic church body.
Acts 2:46 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,
They were together in the temple daily, not once or twice a week, devotion to God was continual. Following church was fellowship eating together from house to house. They were glad hearted and joyful in God's spirit. They loved sharing the Lord together.
Act 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved: This is God’s prescription for church growth. If we take care to follow the example of Acts 2:42-47a, God will take care of growing the church Himself.
Church growth...
1. They continued in the word of God, in church every day
2. They had all things in common, loved to share things and the Lord
3. They took the Lord's supper together
4. They prayed in unity in the Spirit
5. The power of God came, with signs
7. The Lord added to the Church daily
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