All Things in Common

So far in our study of the Acts 2 church we’ve discussed the constant devotion of the early church members to God through the apostles’ teaching and fellowship (breaking of bread and prayer), the sense of awe they kept feeling, and the wonders and signs taking place through the apostles. Today we’ll dig deeper into the amazing unity of this church.

Unity of Acts 2 church: together, all things in common, selling their stuff to meet needs. #FAMILY
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All Things in Common

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. -Acts 2:42:47 (NASB)

My oldest son and I recently had a great conversation about the Acts 2 church. He had heard someone ask about this church being communist. His response (my paraphrase) was: “No. Communism is a form of government forced on people. This was anything but forced. This was family.”

My wheels started spinning as I thought through our conversation on multiple occasions afterward, and I realized the truth of his statement. It’s hard for us to fathom in our culture, but many people of that day most likely lost family ties because of their Christian faith. Not only that, but they faced persecution from all sides. When you lose your family and face constant persecution, there’s only one thing to do: band together with those who share your faith. That’s exactly what these early church members did.

Throughout the New Testament, especially in the letters of Paul, there are many scriptures that point to the importance of unity within our churches. Surely the example set by the early church underscores just how much we need unity. Even Jesus, in his final days with His disciples, talked about how the world would know they were His disciples by their love for one another.

I’ve been blessed to be a part of some wonderful family of believers in my lifetime–people who took care of each other. I can only assume (but I think it’s a good assumption) that God is pleased when the children in His family have each others’ back and the commonality that comes from belief in and service to Christ.

Discussion

What are some ways in which the modern-day church can exhibit unity?
Why is the analogy of family a good one to use in referring to the church?

Live loved,

P.S. Today is the first day of the virtual book tour for THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS (Bible study booklet), and the first stop has a giveaway of the book: http://giveawaygal.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-fragrance-of-crushed-violets.html

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