Meeting the Needs of the Family
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47Let's break down this passage. What did they do?
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to breaking of bread and to prayer.
The believers weren't just following a trend of religion.They were true, loyal and sincere to what they believed in. They were diligent in learning more about the Word of God. They devoted time in fellowship and communion. In the breaking of bread, they celebrated the memorial of Jesus' death. They expressed their love and need for Him through steadfast prayer.
The apostles performed many wonders and signs.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the apostles were able to perform many wonders and signs such as healing, raising of the dead, casting out of the demons. This fulfills what Jesus preached in Mark 16:17-18.
They were together and had everything in common.
Because of their love for one another, each of their possessions were used for the common good of the believers.
They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
Materials and possessions no longer held a priority in their hearts that they were willing to sell them and give to anyone who was in need. "This was not to destroy property, but selfishness." (Matthew Henry Bible Commentary)
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.
They met together in the temple courts to teach.
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
They met in homes for fellowship.
Alexis Brown
Social justice refers to the equal distribution of wealth. In the light of this topic, we are often hesitant to engage and participate in it. But what we have to realize is that we are already in the arena of social justice. "As family in Christ we should be concerned with the plights and oppressions of our brothers and sisters."
Peter and John were on a mission to encourage fellowship among the believers. They wanted to develop sincere and long lasting relationships.They were willing to even be imprisoned and lay down their life in order to provide for the new believers,healing and the message of salvation, repentance and Jesus' soon coming. The believers in return of God's love, sold their possessions and shared their proceeds so that the disciples could also move freely in Christ.
"In Heaven Christ saw our need: He left His comfort zone, communed with us, fought against the injustice of Satan our oppressor, willingly died so that we can live justified in Him, and continues to be our Great Advocate. May Christ's example teach us to not merely win souls for Him but also guide them to restoration through our love, fellowship, and sacrifice." - Monique Marisa Norris
REACT
How can our experiences create platforms for building relationships and sharing Christ's love?
Each one of us has a unique experience with God. Whatever we have received from Him, whether tangible or not, we can share it with others. It's not all about material possessions. God orchestrates moments in our lives that enriches our experience with Him. Through different events in our lives, we can learn something. Whatever we have learned, we can share it with others. I don't have much to give in terms of material things, but what I have is the love of Jesus in me. What I have is the knowledge that He is the Savior of the world. I have experienced Him in my deepest joy, in my fear and in my pain. I have these treasures to share.
My blog is my platform. What's yours? Feel free to comment below. :)
This blog post is based on Monique Marisa Norris' article on Collegiate Quarterly.
