All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper ), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity - all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47 NLT
After Jesus departure and in response to His command to wait on the promise of the Holy Spirit, the disciples began to experience the birth of a new community. In this community of believers they worked together, shared together and served each other. Imagine a community where no one was allowed to go without their needs met. From cash to accommodations the word shared had an entirely new meaning. From this passage in Acts 3 points of community standout.
- Community is Reconciling - not your past but your present and future life is of importance and to be supported.
- Community is not about self Recognition "as each had need". Elitism had no place in this community of sharing.
- Community is about Relationships - some needs may be obvious, but in order to meet specific
needs there had to be sense of trust where individuals were not afraid to express it with one another.
For thought:
- What makes community so vital to a healthy church?
- What is different between the community in Acts vs. today?
- How can you contribute to a healthy community?
