ISAIAH 61 in action: January 2013

10 April 2010
Title: The Acts New Testament Church
Acts 2:42-47

Aldwin Naruse

Introduction:
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate and show how the
Scriptures and with other secondary literature support and fits with the
advancement of the theme called the New Testament Church and also as
to how they contribute to the overall narrative flow of Acts.
Specifically, the scene will be divided into two main areas. One is the
activities of the early church and the other is focused on the acts of the
apostles. In addition, it will include a careful analysis and explanation of
the New Testament Church, to include research from commentaries and
to have a insightful application and reflection.
Moreover, the paper will form a mental picture for the reader to
visualize the activities, participants, and its meaning and purpose of the
practices conducted there.

And finally, the paper will carefully explain and apply this passage
selection. The attention to detail of context and explanation of any
difficult aspects of the topic as well as to include providing proof for any
concluding opinions. The paper will be faithful to keep the meaning of the
passage and will do more than just a paraphrase. The research and
writing requirements will be under the generally accepted guidelines in
accordance with the "Writing Checklist"

In Acts 2:42-47, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine
and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came
upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the
apostles. Now all who believed were together and had all things in
common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among
all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the
temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with
gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all
the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being
saved." (NKJV, Acts 2:42-47).

In terms of context, in what way does this passage fit with and
advances the themes and narrative flow of Acts. One of the major themes
in Acts is pertaining to the first century church. The passage describes the
activities, practices and the progression of the early church. The specific
parts to this passage that help fit, advance the theme and narrative flow
is found in four main areas: apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of
bread, and in prayers. According to Fitzmyer, "four things are noted as
characteristic of Jerusalem Christians: their adherence to the 'teaching of
the apostles,' 'communal form of life,' 'the breaking of bread,' and
'prayers.' (Fitzmyer 269).

Moreover the word "fellowship koy-nohn-ee'-ah koinonia means a
having in common, partnership, fellowship, denotes the share which one
has in anything, a participation, fellowship recognized and enjoyed; thus
it is used of the common experiences and interests of Christian men, Acts
2:42." (Strong 141).

In addition the word "church ek-klay-see'-ah stresses a group of
people called out for a special purpose. It is designated the new society of
which Jesus was the founder, being as it was a society knit together by
the closest spiritual bonds and altogether independent of space." (Strong
81).
Equally important, according to Bruce, "the three thousand converts
were then formed into a distinct community, the apostolic fellowship,
constituted on the basis of the apostolic teaching. The fellowship which
this new community enjoyed was expressed in a number of practical
ways, of which two are mentioned in v.42--'the breaking of bread and the
prayers.' (Bruce 79).

Thus a four-step process was developed and patterned as a blueprint
for the early church leaders to follow. These four elements help define
and explain why this passage Acts 2:42-47 is suitable and in one accord
and also promotes and supports the overall theme of the first century
church.

The immediate context is found in Acts 2:40-41. "And with many other
words he testified and exhorted them, saying, 'Be saved from this
perverse generation.' Then those who gladly received his word were
baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them."
(NKJV, Acts 2:40-41). According to Johnson, "Luke resolves the narrative
suspense by showing mass conversions in response to Peter's challenge.
Three thousand Jews in the city are baptized and enter the messianic
community (2:41).

Although Luke will be careful to note further such
increments, this one is fundamental, for in it we find the realization of the
restored people of God within historic Judaism. Those who repent receive
the Holy Spirit, have their sins forgiven, and enjoy the blessings God
promised to Abraham, which derive precisely (in Luke's understanding)
from the gift of the Spirit itself." (Johnson, 61).

In the preceding verses vs. 39-41, Peter's exhortation speech focuses
on his listeners to repent. Apparently the power of the Holy Spirit
together with Peter's sermon affected the multitude for each person to cut
the chase and make a decision to turn to Jesus in faith whom God made
both Lord and Christ. The promise was that if they repent and be baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ, their sins would be forgiven and they in turn
will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This gift is the baptism of the
Spirit.

In the after foregoing verses vs.44-45, the early church was instructed
according to the apostles to share freely to those who were in need. The
disposal and distribution of possessions was a trademark of the New
Testament believers and demonstrated love by action rather in words only
to address both spiritual and physical needs.
In addition, in Acts 4:32-35, the early church voluntarily shares,
sharing in all things. According to Luke, that for the early church
Christians, the definition of being filled or baptized in the Holy Spirit
meant not only to proclaim the Word of God but to also sharing freely
from the heart from their possessions to help those in need.

To expound and make clear how the various passages are suitable and
in one accord with one another, the key elements contained of these
passages puts it all together. The practice and belief of the early church is
the central objective of focus and in this is the hub and the various
passages form the connecting parts of the wheel. The wheel including the
hub and its connecting parts represent the ministry of Jesus Christ. Thus
the hub which comprises of practices and beliefs together with Scripture
reference connectors make up the wheel of Jesus' earthly ministry.

For example the condition of their hearts were repentant and thereby
affording them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. With the Spirit and
the baptism of Jesus Christ they were able to respond to apostles
teaching, having fellowship, breaking of bread--the Lord's supper and in
prayers. And so as now being submitted to the Lord Jesus Christ by the
Holy Spirit, they were now able to see and understand the love of Christ
in action. Self interest was now not an issue. No one said that any of
possession was their own, but had all things in common to freely share to
those who in need.

The practices and beliefs of the early church is only
the hub, Scriptures in Acts are the connectors and the resulting wheel
represents that which Jesus Christ started as his earthly ministry. His
blueprint for the church, the vehicle is contained here in Acts, with
enough specifics Scriptures for leaders to pattern their ministries to fulfill
and advance the kingdom of God on earth which is the wheel, the
ministry of Jesus Christ. The ministry of Jesus Christ contain ample and
complete information through Scriptures, beliefs and practices in showing
how to structure a ministry pattern after Jesus Christ. The ministry or
wheel of the local church denomination may not fit this vehicle. The
vehicle to which the wheel is attached to should be the New Testament
Church. The vehicle, the church and its wheels, the ministries now are
fueled by the Holy Spirit which continues to grow and develop. The
starting point is found herein. The book of Acts chapter 2.

In terms of interpretation, the major elements of this passage are
described in the context of a community life. According to Bock, "the early
believers held their possessions in common, go to temple, reflecting their
embrace of Messiah." (Bock 149). Specifically, there are four major
elements: apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.
The first activity/element is apostles' doctrine. According to Jesus, as
per the Great Commission "teaching them to observe all things that I
have commanded you;..........." (NKJV, Matt. 28:20). And so as part of
the newly formed church, instructions and teaching are an essential part
of establishing the foundation. The feeding the flock through Scriptures
allows for growth and maturity and solidifying their new faith in Christ. As
documented in the Luke-Acts writings, Luke is emphasizing teaching. In
Luke 1:1-4 "it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding
of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most
excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in
which you were instructed. (NKJV, Lk. 1:3-4). And also again in Acts
1:1-2, "The former account I made, O Theophilus of all that Jesus began
both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He
through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom
He had chosen. (NKJV, Acts 1:1-2).

The picture from these passage reveal and makes clear how important it
is for sound doctrine. As Jesus Himself commanded and instructed His
disciples, the first major element in the newly formed New Testament
Church is apostles' doctrine which means the teachings and illustrations of
Jesus Christ. To clarify this element further, the church is the
manifestation of the kingdom of God on earth and one of the primary
purpose is for the continuation of the ministry of Jesus. In Acts 1:8, Jesus
instructs the disciples to be a witness to Him in Jerusalem, and all Judea,
Sumaria and to the ends of the earth. According to Polhill, " in v. 42 the
believers are said to have 'devoted themselves' to four practices in their
new life together. First was the teaching of the apostles. Just as the
apostles had been instructed by Jesus, so they passed along that
instruction to the new Christians." (Polhill 119).

The next activity/element is fellowship. As previously mentioned in
the context section, the word koinonia means sharing in common. One
major aspect of fellowship is the common experience and partnership with
the Holy Spirit and with other believers. According to Bruce, "There was
an organic continuity between the people of God in New Testament times
and the people of God in Old Testament times, but the day of Pentecost
marked a new beginning, for then the outpouring of the Spirit, predicted
long before as a sing of the end-time, came true in experience. The
church in the New Testament phrase is 'the fellowship of the Spirit.'"
(Bruce 6).

The physical expression of fellowship as practiced by the
Essenes at the time were viewed as the natural and most practical way of
demonstrating sharing of community of goods. However, the major
difference is the prevailing spirit. The new church had the Holy Spirit as
the governing authority. The picture of the New Testament church in
terms of fellowship or communion, the believers enjoyed the sharing of
things in common to the community. The physical aspects as well as the
spiritual. The relationship with Jesus Christ and with one another was
manifested through the expressions of love for the Lord as well as for one
another. A very healthy sign to see in a New Testament Church.
According to Jesus, "So he answered and said, 'You shall love the Lord
your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength,
and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself'" (NKJV,Luke
10:27). The fellowship practice was the evidence of keeping the greatest
commandant of the Lord Jesus Christ. To love the Lord was to share
things in common with one another.

The next activity/element is breaking of bread where it referring to
table fellowship.The terminology is making reference to meals and the
more common meaning is used for the Lord's Supper. (Bock 150).
According to Jesus, "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it
and broke it and gave it to the disciples and said, 'Take, eat, this is My
body. Then He took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to them saying,
'Drink from it, all of you.' For this is My blood of the new covenant, which
is shed for many for the remission of sins." (NKJV, Matt. 26:26-28). And
in addition, according to 1 Cor. 11:24-26, "and when He had given
thanks, He broke it and said, 'Take, eat; this My body which is broken for
you; do this in remembrance of Me. In the same manner He also took the
cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This
do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as you
eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He
comes." (NKJV, 1 Cor. 11:24-26).

Accordingly, Bruce states, "The breaking of bread might refer
generally to their fellowship meals, but especially to the taking of bread
and wine in remembrance of their Lord. This memorial act appears to
have been a daily practice, taking place in the course of a fellowship
meal, in the houses of various members of the church." (Bruce 6). The
picture here is that of being in one place, in one accord, in one order so
as to have been equally yoked and to have sweet fellowship with one
another. The reason and motivation of conducting this practice was for
the purposes of remembering the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is
there to bear witness that they are one with each other as well with the
Lord. The believers were following the teachings of Jesus as well as the
translations and interpretations of the apostles.

The fourth activity/element is prayer. Accordingly, in Luke 11:1-2,
"And it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He
ceased, that one of His disciples said to Hi, 'Lord teach us to pray, as John
also taught his disciples. So He said to them, When you pray, say: Our
Father in heave, Hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come Your will be
done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread, and
forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us,
and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
(NKJV, Luke 11:1-2). And so prayer is mandated by the Lord Jesus
Himself and His disciples are continuing the teaching and also being
examples to the new believers. One of the activities that were common to
the disciples is praying in the upper room In Acts 1:12-14, the disciples
together with the women went in the upper room to pray. They usually
stayed into the night watches continued in one accord with much prayer
and supplication seeking God's will.

Thus the early Christians continued to
follow their Jewish traditions in that they would go to the temple to attend
the services that include prayer as well as the morning and evening
sacrifices. (Bruce 6). Accordingly prayers were directly associated to the
set prayers in Judaism, a practice that is connected to temple prayers and
the prayers that the Lord Jesus taught His disciples. The emphasis here is
the fact that the atmosphere of this new Christian community is the life of
a New Testament Church. Prayers were a part of the Jewish religion and
this new community had a good foundation of what it meant to pray daily
in the temple. Now with the Holy Spirit, the believer had a basis of
expression from set temple prayers to spontaneous unctions by the
leading of the Lord Jesus. (Bock 151).

Now looking at the four elements listed in Acts 2:42, what are some
generalizations one can make pertaining to them and what are the
patterns to the elements? The four elements describe and paints a
blueprint of how the first century church was founded and the basis of
implementing the plans and strategies carrying out the Great
Commission. The vehicle is the church, the wheel is the Scriptures, beliefs
and practices of the apostles. The fuel to empower is the Holy Spirit, the
base camp is the first church in Jerusalem and its mission is to carry out
the mandate to teach and make disciples of all nations.

The early Christian community had evidence of a reoccurring way of life, a pattern
once when the inception of the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost.
This sequence identifies the particular Christian church in Acts in the first
century Jerusalem. The ideal model for a Christian church is found
through the four major elements. How can such a simply model be so
profound and why do the church elsewhere do not model after the Act
churches? Surely the answer can be found by daily applying what is found
there and that a true genuine Christian is exhibited through the daily life
of apostle's teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and in prayers!
In summary then, what does it mean apostles' teaching, fellowship,
breaking of bread, and prayers?

The apostle's teaching are the teaching
of Jesus as He expounded and illustrated to the disciples. The apostles
must continue those teachings in that the Spirit of Truth is revealed
through the teachings and the Holy Spirit. Fellowship is God's love being
revealed. If they do not love God as well as their neighbor, how would
one be able to freely share with others. The breaking of bread or the
Lord's Supper is to continuously bring remembrance to the Lord's sacrifice
for humankind. As the memory of that event will stir the spirits and
hearts of the believers of who and what this church is all about. And
finally prayers are the communion and communication between the
believers and God. It is God's will to have regular prayers and to pray
without ceasing.

The four elements contained herein are the basis and
strategies to establish His church and a plan to battle against the wiles of
the devil and to take the gospel message to the ends of the earth.
In terms of historical and cultural background, "the church of
Jerusalem was the first Christian church. This first church was considered
the holy church throughout the entire world. It lasted for about forty
years. Not long before the fall of Jerusalem in A.D.70, the church of
Jerusalem was dispersed and was not connected to the city Jerusalem at
all. When Jerusalem was re-founded as a Gentile city in A.D. 135, a new
church came into being but this was a completely Gentile Christian church
and had no continuity to the church of Jerusalem of apostolic days."
(Bruce 5).

In terms of Timeless Theology, the major study of the Christian
faith in regards to practice and experience found in the passages, Acts
2:42-47 is the local church. This church is the first church in Jerusalem
and records the first meeting held there. The timeless truths that are
found here is in the reason for participating in the local church. The
numerous benefits of participation are described as receiving instructions
through the continuing and being steadfast in the apostles' doctrine.

In addition fellowship which includes sharing of things in common with one
another, observing and following of ordinances in the breaking of bread or
the Lord's supper and having corporate prayers. To expound on this
study of the practice and experience of the first local church, accordingly,
the apostolic teaching was the authoritative basis because it came
through the teaching of the Lord and communicated through the apostles.
In the function of time, eventually the New Testament Scriptures were
written and shaped by them. The succession of apostolic teaching found
in local churches can be traced back to the original first local church.
(Bruce 79).

Furthermore, in regards to other aspects of the practice and
experience of the first local church, fellowship with one another included
both breaking of bread or the Lord's Supper and corporate prayers.
Besides sharing of things in common to those who were in need, the
regular observance of the Lord's Supper was the main focus and reason.
The significance of bringing to remembrance of what the Lord did and the
reason of why they should gather together in fellowship. It is more than
with one another sharing a meal but most important to fellowship and
have communion with Him.(Bruce 79).

As for prayers, it is one of the most important aspect of the Christian
community life. For a believer not to seek God's direction and guidance
through prayer, his faith would not be able to experience the presence
and his life style practice would show that God is not real in his life. God's
people should not be operating on their feelings or intuition but be in a
constant moment by moment submission to God's will. Prayers then in
this context refers to a range that include temple prayers that were
prescribed during the times of the day as well as the prayer taught by
the disciples according to the Lord's prayer. Nevertheless, a group of
believers functioning without prayer is like having no faith, no relationship
at all with Lord Jesus who is the main reason for the existence of the
church. (Bock 151).

In terms of what does this passage teach about the work of Jesus and
the Spirit is found in devoting themselves 'with one accord' and being
together in the temple. By this it is meant that in Acts they were
exhibiting and expressing a unity of purpose in regards to having a 'one
heart and mind' towards Him. Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is the
foundation of this particular fellowship. Only by the Holy Spirit's guidance
and leading the church community can remained unified. Jesus is the
head of the church and the Holy Spirit is the governing influence. (Polhill
121).

Moreover, the teachings that are described herein focuses on Jesus
Christ as the source. He is the head of the Body, the church and that He
is the one adding to their numbers daily. If the Holy Spirit had not come
upon the apostles, there would no evidence of the miraculous signs and
wonders being experienced there. All the believers that were gather there
had a common basis. They had one Lord, one Spirit, one faith, one love,
and because of that they were able to stay together. The Lord Jesus was
the focus of worship and the Holy Spirit empowered them to keep the
faith and unity.

In terms of what theological principles Luke is emphasizing, according
to some of the moral standards that are presented here is in the area of
the "common accord of Jerusalem Christians. The concept of communal
ownership of property, Luke is relating to holding all things in common
and the practice of communal living of sharing with one another. This
practice was used to example how they should make use of their wealth.
Luke has included this description of early Christian life as an ideal that he
would desire to be characteristic of all Christians.

It may be and idyllic description, but it highlights the elements that should be part of genuine
Christian life: harmony, reverent care for one another, formal and
informal prayer in common, and celebration of the Lord's Supper.
(Fitzmyer 269).

Another area that Luke is emphasizing is in the "portrait of the first
community. The description is idealized in the literary sense, especially in
his use of the language associated in Hellenistic philosophy. He is using
three main concepts of characterizing the community, topos on
friendship, one as the community having koinonia and holding all their
possessions in common (panta koina). Luke is using this example from
Plato's Critias which pictures the early days of Athens as a time when
none of its members possessed any private property, but they regarded
all they had as the common property of all. Other political thinkers like
Plato say such sharing of possessions as a feature of the ideal state.
Some philosophical schools saw the sharing of possessions as the perfect
fulfillment of the ideal of friendship. By using this topos, Luke
communicated to his readers in vivid fashion that the gift of the Spirit
brought about a community which realized the highest aspirations of
human longing: unity, peace, joy and the praise of God."
(Johnson 62).

And so the underlying faculty of the first century church are communal
living and ownership of property. The Christian common ownership were
seen as very similar in structure to the Essene practice. As for communal
living, all the believers lived together and in the same place. The practice
of believers living in close proximity to the temple is a derivative of this
practice. What makes this practice not any different from communism? It
is because this is a church and not a form of government. According to
Witherington, "The practice is described more fully in another summary
passage at 4:32-35, and we will deal with the early church's sharing of
goods more fully there. Here it is sufficient to point out that taken
together, vs. 44-45 do not at all suggest what we would call communism,
or some sort of system where there was no such thing as private
property. Rather, what is described here is that no one was claiming any
exclusive right to whatever property he or she had, and when need arose
the early Christians readily liquidated what assets they had to take care of
fellow believers' needs.(Witherington 162).

The sea of Galilee has both an inlet as well as an outlet. The analogy
is that the first major activity is focused on the apostle's teachings, which
was passed on from Jesus. The items of teaching was such areas as the
death, burial and resurrection of the Lord, the Old Testament and the
many witnesses and testimonials from other believers which centered
around the His earthly ministry. There is so much inflow and feeding that
if not to have an outlet, it would become similar to that condition found in
the Dead Sea. However, the second activity described herein is the focus
to fellowship, breaking of bread and in prayers. Now this is the releasing
and sharing aspect of what is being sown into their daily lives from the
apostle's teaching and feeding of the Word. What a better way to stay
healthy both physically and spiritually. The laws that govern the sea of
Galilee of having a constant inflow as well as having an outflow keeps it
healthy and prosperous. Only a portion of the total inflow is re-disbursed
and so the believers in a community environment living and sharing
things in common kept the unit healthy by applying this principle.The
focus of priority was their love for the Lord Jesus Christ and for their
neighbor. It is consistent in keeping compliance with the two greatest
commandments and offers some tremendous insight into a master
strategy of keeping the entity healthy and protected. The opposing forces
from the evil one will do everything to spoil and void the church. The daily
devotions and the elements contained in the first group of activities
together with applying themselves through the second group of activities
keeps them protected against the wiles of the devil.

This theological principle that Luke is expounding here in these
passages of Acts 2:42-47 helps to insure that the health or status of any
local church of Jesus Christ can measured up to the amount and quality of
sound apostolic type teachings and to the degree of the church regularly
engaging in fellowship with one another. How much of sharing occurs in
the churches in terms of communal sharing of goods and services,
breaking bread in the Lord's Supper and in corporate prayer can be easily
evidence by the group members involvement rather just a download only
of instruction and information. Does this theological principle of Luke
apply for all churches that have confessed the Lord Jesus Christ? Why do
we not see this similar pattern of practice of meeting daily not evident
any more? Is the Catholic church today the only one that is following very
closely to the Apostolic church? Isn't there a universal generally accepted
theology for all Christ based churches? Is there hope for the return of the
Acts New Testament church?

In terms of Main Idea, the following represents a concise statement
of the main points of this passage in Acts 2:42-47. A healthy church
should comprise of at least four major elements to be considered as a
church of Jesus Christ. Specifically they are the evidence of consistent
devoted and faithful adherence to apostolic teachings. The major first
activity is the teachings that were taught during Jesus' earthly ministry.
Secondly, as part of the major second activity, the church exhibits
fellowship which was sharing those things in common with those who
were in need.

In addition, having the regular breaking of bread or the
Lord's Supper as a form of worship to bring to remembrance the Lord
Jesus Christ. And finally corporate prayer which was part of an institution
of temple worship. At least during the watches of the day, prayers were
lifted up to God. The pattern and the practices of the first church in
Jerusalem contained the basis of what it means to be a healthy member
of the body of Christ. The inflow from sound apostolic teachings kept
them feed and growing. The fellowship of sharing and having communion
with God and with one another kept them balanced. By the act of
dispersing to those in need and caring for one another kept the inflow and
outflow possible. All the four elements and points discussed are the
essential ingredients of a successful and prosperous church.

In terms of Application/Reflection, the suggestions and
inferences made through the topic of the practices of the early church are
in terms of Scriptures, faith, belief and practices. How does this apply to
me and to the church today? The model is laid out and has the
components to co-construct and duplicate an Acts New Testament
church.

The allusion is this, if anyone loves the Lord and truly with all their heart,
soul and mind and really love their neighbor as well, then the church will
be displaying these attributes. This model that is described herein is a
standard for the church community today to be measured against. For the
leader of the local congregation, the manifest fruits of the teachings or
sermons and the evidence of fellowship indicate the spiritual and physical
health of that church. Surely red flags would be raised if the members
especially do not have the Spirit of Christ in them. In addition, because
Jesus had created the church, he is the head and the church should be
about carrying out and continuing the ministry of Christ. The Day of
Pentecost was a major defining moment in church history and it was the
Lord adding to the church daily to those who were being saved. And so if
the mission statement does not aspects of the early church,then one can
be guided to seek out a Spirit driven church that follows the pattern and
marks of this first church of Jerusalem.

The inference is this, that in any
local church today if the prevailing spirit is not consistent with the Spirit
found in the first century church of Acts, then the Lord Jesus Himself shall
bring judgment and even retribution against their leadership for what
they have taken and plundered, the sheep for their own personal
consumption to keep feeding their own belly. If the church is exhibiting
the Spirit of the church in Philadelphia 'who have kept His Word and not
denied His name, there would be a consistency that is described in the
Acts church. There are some signs today of a peculiar teaching called
'soaking experience'. Are we having another Day of Pentecost? What
about the phrase 'seeker sensitive membership'. Where is the evidence of
the fear of the Lord. Is their message pleasant to the itching ear?

And so the implication is this, the topic presented in this paper is
about the God's master plan for His church. The four major elements that
were shared are the means by which church leaders and members are to
be guided and followed. Anything to the contrary would be a
demonstration of rebellion through pride of self rather than having the
Spirit of Christ. He is the divine model of Himself and now manifesting His
church on earth for the followers of Christ Jesus to be patterned after.

Work Cited:

Bock, Darrell L. "Acts" Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007.

Bruce, F.F. Commentary on the Book of the Acts. Grand Rapids: WM. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1979.

Bruce, F.F. "The Church of Jerusalem" Christian Brethren Research Fellowship Journal 4 (April 1964): 5-14

Fitzmyer, Joseph A. The Acts of the Apostles. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc. 1998.

Johnson, Luke Timothy. The Acts of the Apostles. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1992.

Marshall, Howard I. The Book of Acts An Introduction and Commentary. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1980.

Polhill, John B. "Acts" The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992.

Strong, James. "Fellowship" "Church" The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Red-Letter Edition. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001.

Witherington III, Ben. The Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998.

ISAIAH 61 in action

Sunday, January 27, 2013

To Abide in Christ

Tuesday, January 1, 2013