Journal Entry 1-26-11: Snapshot of the First Church

Reading: Exodus 14-16, Acts 2

Scripture
And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. —Acts 2:42

Observations
devoted—zealous or ardent in attachment. loyalty, or affection (dictionary.com)

What were they devoted to?

• Apostles' teaching. For us this would be the Bible.
• Fellowship = spending time together AND sharing material possessions. The word "hospitality" also comes to mind.
• Breaking of bread = Eating meals together. May also include the Lord's Supper.
• Prayers.

Application
This appears quite different from the church today. We are not devoted to the Word and to prayer. We isolate ourselves rather than spending time together, and when we are together we tend to discuss the trivial and the mundane. We accumulate possessions for ourselves rather than helping those in need. John Piper says it is because we do not fear God as the saints in this passage did.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, revive your church to fear You and transform us that we may live as did the early church—devoted to the apostles teaching, fellowship, hospitality, and prayer.