Acts 2:42-47 The Fellowship of the Believers

The apostles experienced such an explosive growth - just 3,000 people responded to Peter's sermon. What did they do? What was their lifestyle like? How did they spend their time? The Scripture says they "devoted" themselves to certain things. Their existence in the community of faith was one of devotion - giving most of their time and resources, to persist obstinately, to adhere, to be constant, to be steadfastly attentive, to give unremitting care. They were attentive and persistent despite the obstacles; they dogged these things. As I read this, I am convicted about my own level of devotion.

What were the things that were so important and worthy of their constant devotion? They were the apostles' teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayers. I have the apostles' teaching in the Bible. Fellowship is a communion, partnership, association to pursue a common interest. My relationships are not for the sake of a friendship, as great as that is. It is to come together to plan and strategize to work towards a common goal. Meals together are more likely referring to both the Lord's Supper (communion) and eating together as a family. The Lord's Supper gives me the opportunity to remember the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ - one Lord, one faith, one Church. Also, having meals together is a great reminder that I am part of the family of God. I am my Father's child together with other brothers and sisters - my siblings in the faith. Am I devoted to these things?

The effects upon ones life for devoting oneself to these things should motivate me to pursue them with a passion. Notice the resulting effects: awe, signs and wonders, unity, community, gladness, generosity and worship. The interesting thing here is that growth was God's doing and not the people's doing. If I devote myself to the Scriptures, fellowship, meals, and prayers, my life will be filled with a sense of awe (reverent fear) for God. The gifts of the Spirit will be at work producing more signs and wonders. There comes a unity that becomes community as everyone's needs are met and not ignored. My heart is filled with gladness (contentment) and generosity that moves me to worship and praise.

A community like this would be a magnet for a needy world! The Lord would then add the numbers. Growth is a result of devotion to the right things and not pursuit of growth per se. If I devote myself to the teaching of the apostles, to fellowship, meals, and prayers, there is no stopping of what God can do in terms of growth. He takes care to add the numbers. I should take care of devoting myself to the right things.

Father, forgive my lack of devotion and forgive my devotion to the wrong things. Give me a heart that is fully devoted to you and your kingdom. Help me prioritize my life to make Scripture, fellowship, meals, and prayers the most important things in my life.