THEMES FROM THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. (a) Describe the Communal Living of the Early Church. (b) What three lessons can be learnt fr...

(a) The Communal Living of the Early Church (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37)

After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, the community of believers in Jerusalem developed a distinctive pattern of shared life marked by unity, devotion and generosity.

• The believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, receiving instruction in the doctrines concerning Jesus Christ.
• They continued steadfastly in fellowship, sharing a common life and regarding one another as brothers and sisters.
• They observed the breaking of bread, both in the fellowship meals and in the Lord's Supper, remembering the death of Christ.
• They were constant in prayers, meeting together to seek God.
• A sense of awe and reverence came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
• Those who believed were together and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need.
• The company of believers was of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that his possessions were his own.
• They continued daily with one accord in the Temple and broke bread from house to house, eating with glad and sincere hearts.
• They praised God and enjoyed the favour of all the people, and the Lord added daily to their number those who were being saved.
• Prominent among the givers was Barnabas, who sold a field and laid the money at the apostles' feet.

(b) Three lessons from the life of the Early Church

1. Genuine love expresses itself in sharing. Christians should be ready to care for one another and to meet the material needs of the poor and the needy in the community of faith.
2. Unity and fellowship strengthen the Church. Believers ought to live in peace, agreement and mutual support rather than in division and selfishness.
3. Devotion to teaching, prayer and worship is essential. A healthy Christian life is built on steady attention to God's word, prayer and regular fellowship, which draws others to the faith.