Food for Friday
And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42
This is the account of the first post-Pentecost converts, along with the pre-Pentecost believers. It is very safe to say that what marked the very first New Testament Assembly should also mark every New Testament Assembly today. The pattern is clear. What transpires in this verse is a permanent pattern, it is not a transient stage for the church, as were the sign gifts and the Apostles’ ministry.
While we do not have the Apostles’ presence today, we definitely have their doctrine, wonderfully preserved and packaged within the Word of God. Let us continue to read and treasure it.
The fellowship that was evident in the early church has definitely been badly fractured by heresies, schisms, and personalities. But that should never stop us from seeking fellowship where we can do so in truth, just as we would if we could gather with members of that early church.
We continue in the breaking of bread; we have the pattern for it laid out clearly in Scripture. This ordinance unites God’s people and warms our hearts on a regular basis. May its simplicity, solemnity, and significance ever grip our souls and draw us nearer to our Lord.
What did those early believers pray for? The same things we pray for today: each other and the salvation of souls. We can do that.
Dear Brother, dear Sister, let us continue steadfastly. -Jim MacIntosh