“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” -Acts 2:42-47
As Christians in 2019 we are offered very few glimpses into the life of the disciples in the early church. What was it like after Jesus ascended into heaven? What was it like as the first group of believers began to establish the early practices that would define the new family of faith?
Luke writes the book of Acts. It is his descriptions of Peter and the early disciples that allows us to see and understand how they functioned. Luke describes many wonderful things about the early church. They were a devoted group. Each day they focused on prayer and worship. They taught each other about Jesus and all that he did while he was on the earth. The first disciples took seriously their duty to share their new faith with each other and with the world.
As you read the book of Acts you will also see another defining characteristic of the early church. They were generous. Luke writes, “All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.“ Throughout the book of Acts we see the early church caring for one another with their possession. They did not hold back but gave liberally so that other’s needs were met.
The early church consisted of women and men from every imaginable walk of life. Most were not wealthy, although some had financial means. Their practice was simple yet powerful. They gave of what they had to meet the needs of others.
The early church in Jerusalem performed a miracle. They went from a small group who followed Jesus to starting a church that now has over 2 billion followers around the world. Their care for each other helped to make that early church miracle happen. As they lived a life of generosity among the people of Jerusalem, people witnessed their care for each other and as Luke makes clear, “Day by day” more and more people joined their number.
Generosity was a defining mark of the early church. Through their giving they made a difference amongst themselves and around the world. Not much has changed in 2000 years. Our practice of generosity still makes a difference in our community and around the world. Each day our gifts help to make miracles happen and as others witness our giving they too join in with “Glad and generous hearts.”
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship.
