by Beth Ehlert: The book of Acts captures the captivating story of the birth and growth of the First Century Church. There are a few times in this amazing story where Luke clearly describes the ethos of the community that was forming.
A wonderful example of this is found in Acts 2:42-47:
“42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
These few passages give us tremendous insight into the culture that had developed in the early church. During a time filled with cruelty, uncertainty, and isolation, those who were embracing Christ were finding a shared life of community. Those who turned to Christ found the hope of their salvation and a new way of living that could not be ignored by those on the outside looking in. Others wanted what these Christians had!
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Source: Captivating Culture