Acts 2:39-42

The impact of the The impact of the gospel after gospel after obedience.obedience.

Part 2Part 2

Hearing God’s word, meeting together and having fellowship,

breaking the bread together, and as we shall see in the next

paragraph, sharing our resources with those in need, are all acts of worship that we must continue in order to please God and maintain

our steadfastness.

RelationalRelational

THE CONTRIBUTIONTHE CONTRIBUTIONTHE CONTRIBUTIONTHE CONTRIBUTION

FirstFirst CorinthiansCorinthians 16:1-2a:16:1-2a:ConcerningConcerning thethe collection forcollection forthe saints…: on the first daythe saints…: on the first day

of of [every][every] week, let each of you week, let each of youlay something aside, storinglay something aside, storing

up as he may prosper.up as he may prosper.

FirstFirst CorinthiansCorinthians 16:1-2a:16:1-2a:ConcerningConcerning thethe collection forcollection forthe saints…: on the first daythe saints…: on the first day

of of [every][every] week, let each of you week, let each of youlay something aside, storinglay something aside, storing

up as he may prosper.up as he may prosper.

inin [the][the] fellowshipfellowship

[[Gk. term Gk. term koinoniakoinonia——thethe contribution].contribution].

inin [the][the] fellowshipfellowship

[[Gk. term Gk. term koinoniakoinonia——thethe contribution].contribution].

CONTINUED STEADFASTLY CONTINUED STEADFASTLY IN THE IN THE FELLOWSHIPFELLOWSHIP (Acts 2:42).(Acts 2:42).

THE CONTRIBUTIONTHE CONTRIBUTIONTHE CONTRIBUTIONTHE CONTRIBUTION

The Fellowship The Fellowship of of Acts 2:42 Acts 2:42 refers to the refers to the contribution because any time the Greek contribution because any time the Greek term term koinoniakoinonia is found in the NT with the is found in the NT with the definite article definite article (“the”) (“the”) before it or when it before it or when it

stands alone without any qualifying phrase, stands alone without any qualifying phrase, it refers to its root it refers to its root meaning—contributionmeaning—contribution. . (For examples of this see (For examples of this see Romans 15:26, Romans 15:26, Second Corinthians 8:4, 9:13, & Hebrews Second Corinthians 8:4, 9:13, & Hebrews

13:16.)13:16.)

The Fellowship The Fellowship of of Acts 2:42 Acts 2:42 refers to the refers to the contribution because any time the Greek contribution because any time the Greek term term koinoniakoinonia is found in the NT with the is found in the NT with the definite article definite article (“the”) (“the”) before it or when it before it or when it

stands alone without any qualifying phrase, stands alone without any qualifying phrase, it refers to its root it refers to its root meaning—contributionmeaning—contribution. . (For examples of this see (For examples of this see Romans 15:26, Romans 15:26, Second Corinthians 8:4, 9:13, & Hebrews Second Corinthians 8:4, 9:13, & Hebrews

13:16.)13:16.)

CONTINUED STEADFASTLY CONTINUED STEADFASTLY IN THE IN THE FELLOWSHIP (Acts 2:42).FELLOWSHIP (Acts 2:42).

The word The word KOINONIAKOINONIA is a word which is a word which has to do with has to do with giving and receiving; giving and receiving; with communication in giving; with with communication in giving; with sharing. literally having a share with sharing. literally having a share with

someone in something, a someone in something, a joint joint participation in privileges and participation in privileges and

responsibilitiesresponsibilities. .

CONTINUED STEADFASTLY CONTINUED STEADFASTLY IN THE IN THE FELLOWSHIP (Acts 2:42).FELLOWSHIP (Acts 2:42).

IT INCLUDES THE WEEKLY IT INCLUDES THE WEEKLY OFFERINGOFFERING OF MONEY, but also much more.OF MONEY, but also much more.

THE PEOPLE OF GOD MUST EVER THE PEOPLE OF GOD MUST EVER CONTINUECONTINUE IN IN FELLOWSHIP, FELLOWSHIP,

PARTICIPATING AND SHARING FULLY PARTICIPATING AND SHARING FULLY IN THE LIVES, LABORS, AND LOSSES IN THE LIVES, LABORS, AND LOSSES

ONE OF THE OTHER.ONE OF THE OTHER.

“And they were continually devoting themselves to

the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the

breaking of bread and to prayer.”

RelationalRelationalKoinoniaKoinonia = =

“to have in common”“to have in common”““to share”to share”

RelationalRelationalCf. Cf. vv 46 46 ““Every dayEvery day continuing continuing with one mind in the temple, and with one mind in the temple, and

breaking bread from house to breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity together with gladness and sincerity

of heart.”of heart.”

RelationalRelationalIs this weird?Is this weird?

What IS weird:What IS weird: - The way we are alienated- The way we are alienated

- Spending days and nights often - Spending days and nights often without without

MEANINGFULL human relating MEANINGFULL human relating

RelationalRelationalIs this weird?Is this weird?

What IS weird:What IS weird: - Living in a sea of people - Living in a sea of people who have no idea what’s who have no idea what’s

really happening in our livesreally happening in our lives

RelationalRelationalIs this weird?Is this weird?

What IS weird:What IS weird: - Never having experienced - Never having experienced

actual intimacy with a actual intimacy with a community of people community of people

RelationalRelationalIs this weird?Is this weird?

What IS weird:What IS weird:

- Feeling like superficial banter - Feeling like superficial banter means “being friends” with means “being friends” with

othersothers

RelationalRelationalIs this weird?Is this weird?

What IS weird:What IS weird: - Thinking television or football - Thinking television or football

or video-based entertainment or video-based entertainment can substitute for deep human can substitute for deep human

relationshipsrelationships

RelationalRelationalOur union with God Our union with God

OUGHT to provide the basis OUGHT to provide the basis for closer relating… for closer relating…

But it doesn’t happen But it doesn’t happen automatically automatically

ReflectiveReflectiveBecause of our selfish Because of our selfish

preoccupation we begin preoccupation we begin to take what God has to take what God has

done for granteddone for granted

ReflectiveReflective

We need focused We need focused reflection on God’s reflection on God’s nature and worksnature and works

CONTINUED STEADFASTLY CONTINUED STEADFASTLY IN THE IN THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD.BREAKING OF THE BREAD. Acts 2:42Acts 2:42

They were They were CONSISTENTCONSISTENT in their in their ATTENDANCE TO THE LORD'S ATTENDANCE TO THE LORD'S

SUPPER SUPPER Here called Here called 'The Breaking of 'The Breaking of Bread'. v42 Bread'. v42 clearly refers to worship, clearly refers to worship,

so this is The Lord's Supper.so this is The Lord's Supper.

Don't confuse - 'the breaking of the Don't confuse - 'the breaking of the bread', with bread', with v. 46. 'v. 46. 'breaking bread breaking bread from from

house to house'house to house' which which refers to a refers to a common meal, NOT to the Lord's common meal, NOT to the Lord's

SupperSupper

THE LORD’S SUPPER ► WHEN?THE LORD’S SUPPER ► WHEN?THE LORD’S SUPPER ► WHEN?THE LORD’S SUPPER ► WHEN?

Acts 20:7a: Acts 20:7a: On the first day of the week when On the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread the disciples came together to break bread

[observe the Lord’s supper].[observe the Lord’s supper].

Acts 20:7a: Acts 20:7a: On the first day of the week when On the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread the disciples came together to break bread

[observe the Lord’s supper].[observe the Lord’s supper].

1 Corinthians 11:20: 1 Corinthians 11:20: When you come together ... When you come together ... it’s … to eat the Lord’s supper.it’s … to eat the Lord’s supper.

(Paul’s point in verses 20-21 was obviously to show that though they (Paul’s point in verses 20-21 was obviously to show that though they thoughtthought they were observing the Lord’s supper, they actually they were observing the Lord’s supper, they actually weren’tweren’t doing doing

that at all!)that at all!)

1 Corinthians 11:20: 1 Corinthians 11:20: When you come together ... When you come together ... it’s … to eat the Lord’s supper.it’s … to eat the Lord’s supper.

(Paul’s point in verses 20-21 was obviously to show that though they (Paul’s point in verses 20-21 was obviously to show that though they thoughtthought they were observing the Lord’s supper, they actually they were observing the Lord’s supper, they actually weren’tweren’t doing doing

that at all!)that at all!)

1 Corinthians1 Corinthians 16:2a: 16:2a: On the first day of [every] On the first day of [every] week, let each one of you lay some-thing aside.week, let each one of you lay some-thing aside.

1 Corinthians1 Corinthians 16:2a: 16:2a: On the first day of [every] On the first day of [every] week, let each one of you lay some-thing aside.week, let each one of you lay some-thing aside.

CONTINUED STEADFASTLY CONTINUED STEADFASTLY IN THE IN THE BREAKING OF BREAKING OF THE BREAD (Acts 2:42).THE BREAD (Acts 2:42).

THE LORD’S SUPPER ► HOW?THE LORD’S SUPPER ► HOW?THE LORD’S SUPPER ► HOW?THE LORD’S SUPPER ► HOW?

1 Corinthians 10:17: 1 Corinthians 10:17: Because there is one Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body, loaf, we who are many are one body,

because we all partake of one loaf because we all partake of one loaf (NIV); (NIV); The New Century VersionThe New Century Version reads, reads, We all We all [the [the assembled, cf. Alford]assembled, cf. Alford] share that one loafshare that one loaf. .

(Cf. other versions.)(Cf. other versions.)

1 Corinthians 10:17: 1 Corinthians 10:17: Because there is one Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body, loaf, we who are many are one body,

because we all partake of one loaf because we all partake of one loaf (NIV); (NIV); The New Century VersionThe New Century Version reads, reads, We all We all [the [the assembled, cf. Alford]assembled, cf. Alford] share that one loafshare that one loaf. .

(Cf. other versions.)(Cf. other versions.)

1.1. By having communion with By having communion with the Lord and each other via a the Lord and each other via a

common loaf.common loaf.

1.1. By having communion with By having communion with the Lord and each other via a the Lord and each other via a

common loaf.common loaf.

THE LORD’S SUPPER ► HOW?THE LORD’S SUPPER ► HOW?THE LORD’S SUPPER ► HOW?THE LORD’S SUPPER ► HOW?

2.2. By having communion with the By having communion with the Lord and each other viaLord and each other via aa commoncommon

cup.cup.

2.2. By having communion with the By having communion with the Lord and each other viaLord and each other via aa commoncommon

cup.cup.

Matthew 26:27: Matthew 26:27: When Christ had taken a When Christ had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to His cup and given thanks, He gave it to His

disciples, saying, Drink from it, all of you disciples, saying, Drink from it, all of you (NASB).(NASB).

Matthew 26:27: Matthew 26:27: When Christ had taken a When Christ had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to His cup and given thanks, He gave it to His

disciples, saying, Drink from it, all of you disciples, saying, Drink from it, all of you (NASB).(NASB).

Mark 14:23: Mark 14:23: When Christ had taken a cup When Christ had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to His and given thanks, He gave it to His disciples, and they all drank from it disciples, and they all drank from it

(NASB).(NASB).

Mark 14:23: Mark 14:23: When Christ had taken a cup When Christ had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to His and given thanks, He gave it to His disciples, and they all drank from it disciples, and they all drank from it

(NASB).(NASB).

1 Corinthians 11:26-28 says, For as 1 Corinthians 11:26-28 says, For as often as ye often as ye eat this bread, and eat this bread, and drink the cupdrink the cup, ye , ye proclaim the proclaim the

Lord's death till he comeLord's death till he come. .

Later in some of the writings of the Later in some of the writings of the church the church the Lord’s day, the Sunday Lord’s day, the Sunday became known as the became known as the DIE PANIS DIE PANIS the day of the BREAD the day of the BREAD the day the the day the

Lords people came together to Lords people came together to break breadbreak bread

ACTS 20:7. Tells us that ACTS 20:7. Tells us that ON THE FIRST ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK DAY OF THE WEEK WHEN THE WHEN THE

DISCIPLES CAME TOGETHER TO DISCIPLES CAME TOGETHER TO BREAK THE BREADBREAK THE BREAD

That was a That was a special meeting special meeting of the of the Church on a Church on a special dayspecial day, for a , for a special special

purpose. purpose. And it shows that the And it shows that the Christians at TROAS Christians at TROAS followed the followed the

example example of the JERUSALEM Church, of the JERUSALEM Church, in consistently observing the Lord's in consistently observing the Lord's

Supper.Supper.

THE LORD’S SUPPER ► WHEN?THE LORD’S SUPPER ► WHEN?THE LORD’S SUPPER ► WHEN?THE LORD’S SUPPER ► WHEN?

When compared, these passages When compared, these passages show that NT churches observed the show that NT churches observed the Lord’s supper on a specific day every Lord’s supper on a specific day every week (and history very well attests to week (and history very well attests to

this). So in other words…this). So in other words…

When compared, these passages When compared, these passages show that NT churches observed the show that NT churches observed the Lord’s supper on a specific day every Lord’s supper on a specific day every week (and history very well attests to week (and history very well attests to

this). So in other words…this). So in other words…

First century Christians participated in First century Christians participated in the Lord’s supper as often as they the Lord’s supper as often as they

contributed into the Lord’s treasury.contributed into the Lord’s treasury.

First century Christians participated in First century Christians participated in the Lord’s supper as often as they the Lord’s supper as often as they

contributed into the Lord’s treasury.contributed into the Lord’s treasury.

God-centeredGod-centered

CONTINUED STEADFASTLY CONTINUED STEADFASTLY IN IN THE PRAYERS (Acts 2:42)THE PRAYERS (Acts 2:42)..

Corporate prayer:Corporate prayer: - a sharing together in common - a sharing together in common concerns and needs, a bonding concerns and needs, a bonding

together of minds together of minds

PRAYER & TEACHINGPRAYER & TEACHINGPRAYER & TEACHINGPRAYER & TEACHING

Acts 2:42: Acts 2:42: They continued steadfastly in They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine … and in prayers.the apostles’ doctrine … and in prayers.

Acts 2:42: Acts 2:42: They continued steadfastly in They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine … and in prayers.the apostles’ doctrine … and in prayers.

These are the two things that were These are the two things that were consistently observed in assemblies.consistently observed in assemblies.

These are the two things that were These are the two things that were consistently observed in assemblies.consistently observed in assemblies.

Acts 5:42: Acts 5:42: Daily in the temple and in every Daily in the temple and in every house, they did not cease teaching and house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus Christ.preaching Jesus Christ. (Cf. Acts 20:7.) (Cf. Acts 20:7.)

Acts 5:42: Acts 5:42: Daily in the temple and in every Daily in the temple and in every house, they did not cease teaching and house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus Christ.preaching Jesus Christ. (Cf. Acts 20:7.) (Cf. Acts 20:7.)

Acts 4:23-31 record a prayer of an Acts 4:23-31 record a prayer of an assembled group of Christians.assembled group of Christians.

Acts 4:23-31 record a prayer of an Acts 4:23-31 record a prayer of an assembled group of Christians.assembled group of Christians.

PRAYER & TEACHINGPRAYER & TEACHINGPRAYER & TEACHINGPRAYER & TEACHING

1 Corinthians 14:27: When men want to 1 Corinthians 14:27: When men want to speak, let them do so …speak, let them do so … each in turneach in turn. Why?. Why?

1 Corinthians 14:27: When men want to 1 Corinthians 14:27: When men want to speak, let them do so …speak, let them do so … each in turneach in turn. Why?. Why?

The public teachers & prayer leaders were The public teachers & prayer leaders were to to speak one at a time speak one at a time in the assemblies.in the assemblies.

The public teachers & prayer leaders were The public teachers & prayer leaders were to to speak one at a time speak one at a time in the assemblies.in the assemblies.

1 Corinthians 14:13-19 & 29-31 refer to how 1 Corinthians 14:13-19 & 29-31 refer to how that the teaching and prayer leading was to that the teaching and prayer leading was to

be be intelligibleintelligible..

1 Corinthians 14:13-19 & 29-31 refer to how 1 Corinthians 14:13-19 & 29-31 refer to how that the teaching and prayer leading was to that the teaching and prayer leading was to

be be intelligibleintelligible..

1 Corinthians 14:33: Because 1 Corinthians 14:33: Because God is not the God is not the author of confusionauthor of confusion. Besides that…. Besides that…

1 Corinthians 14:33: Because 1 Corinthians 14:33: Because God is not the God is not the author of confusionauthor of confusion. Besides that…. Besides that…

Notice that expression. Notice that expression. THE THE PRAYERSPRAYERS. .

Not 'in PRAYER';Not 'in PRAYER';NotNot that that they kept on PRAYING they kept on PRAYING - and - and we know that they did thatwe know that they did that. But THE . But THE

PRAYERS.PRAYERS.Brethren have been know to Brethren have been know to PRAY AT PRAY AT each each other - not FOR each other, or WITH each other - not FOR each other, or WITH each

other. other. Prayer has become a WEAPON Prayer has become a WEAPON used against used against each other, instead of a weapon with which each other, instead of a weapon with which

to fight the Devil.to fight the Devil.

Jesus sendsThe Holy

Spirit

ApostlesTeaching

(The Bible)

Fellowship and harmony

Among believers

BreakingOf

BreadPrayer

1. A fruitful Church that is pleasing to God

2. Witnesses of Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the ends of

the earth

CONTINUED STEADFASTLY (Acts 2:42).CONTINUED STEADFASTLY (Acts 2:42).

Many of these things that are Many of these things that are spoken of here are under attack spoken of here are under attack

today --today --Sunday meeting together Sunday meeting together

Giving as part of our worship on Giving as part of our worship on the first day of the week etcthe first day of the week etc

we need to remember the work we need to remember the work of the early churchof the early church

May we continue May we continue steadfastly steadfastly in these in its in these in its

footsteps footsteps May every congregation May every congregation

today be characterized by today be characterized by these four features at these four features at

least.least.