The physician Luke wrote how Peter spoke to the multitude gathered outside the upper room, and “with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls”, and in chapter two and verse forty-two of the book of Acts Luke shared how the multitude, “continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” where we read:
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The verse begins, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, ...” Luke began with the words, “and they continued steadfastly” which means “and they, the multitude of new believers as well as the people in the upper room, stayed and remained adherent to as well as unremittingly and attentive” “in the apostles' doctrine” or “within the delegates', messengers' and sent out disciples of Christ's teachings and instruction” “and fellowship” which is the Greek word “koinonia” and means “intimate association, community and joint participation”. Luke shared how the newly formed church of Jesus held fast to “continuing” in the “teachings and instruction” of Jesus' disciples and held “intimate community” with one another as well.
The verse goes on to say, “... and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Luke continued with the words, “and in breaking of bread” or “and fracturing the mixture of flour with water and baked”, “and in prayers” which means “and in oratory supplications, worship and addresses to God”. Luke shared how the people within the newly formed Jesus' church also participated in “communion, eucharist or the lord's supper” and “worship, supplications and orations” to God.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn about the four activities of the people within Jesus' newly formed church. “Continuing in the apostle's doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers” were their basic concentrations, and they demonstrated a pattern for the church of Jesus today. Every church should “continue” in these four characteristics even as they were the priorities of the disciples of Jesus. God wants people to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus, and afterward they become a part of His church who practice these four activities. Each of these are essential for the ministry to the members of the church, and they keep the church from division and separation. Let all who read Luke's words carefully examine the activities observe by this first church and resolve through God's help to keep each of them.
Next time Luke shares how, “fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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