42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Verses 42-43: In the early church, people devoted themselves in four aspects: teaching, having fellowship, having communion and praying—which are also things that we too should be devoted to in the present day. We need to understand the truth, to build up each other within the fellowship, to remember the salvation of our Lord on the cross, and to pray together. These would enable us to influence the people around us, and to perform many signs and wonders. In this way, we demonstrate being the light and salt in this world.
- Verses 44-45: Apart from devoting us to each other in spirit, we shall also help each other in physical need. As Paul taught in the Roman 12:13, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need”. In this verse, the people who are in need are not only lacking in money or food, but rather can be those who in trouble and pain. We should share each other’s burden and be merciful to the poor.
- Verses 46-47: When we love each other with our hearts or through kind acts, we will be like the disciples in the earlier church, living together with glad and sincere hearts. With praise and joy, the Lord will also add to our number daily those who will be saved.
submitted by Li Qiang
PRAYING IN FAITH
For Yourself
May the Lord grants me this week of deep sharing with brothers and sisters in spiritual matters. When we gather, we will care more on issues that are related to Christ and talk more on topics that can build up each other. As written in Malachi 3:16 “Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard.”
For Your Five
Pray that they will not be lacking in spirit and in need. For no fears among them, and to receive the grace of our Lord with glad and sincere hearts
For Our Church
Pray that our Lord will lead our church in teaching of the truth. That we will build each other, and be able to preach the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, and to pray together constantly. May our Lord increase the numbers daily those who will be saved.