“So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.“
Acts 6:7
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NOVEMBER 1, 2024
What a heyday for the early church in Jerusalem! They were growing by leaps and bounds. Even a large number of priests came to faith in Jesus as Messiah!
How was this exponential expansion of the church possible in the face of hostile religious leadership in Jerusalem and the presence of an oppressive foreign occupation that taxed relentlessly and exercised political dominance brutally? The truth is, genuine Christianity thrives in the face of opposition and challenging circumstances.
The faith of the early believers in Christ was contagious because they loved others unconditionally. The Spirit was manifested among them in the way they served one another without regard for social position or economic status. Cultural constraints were set aside as they broke bread in joyful fellowship and prayed together. People lived in community and shared resources for the benefit of everyone in the church. Who would not be attracted to such a community?
The Jerusalem church was transparent about the source of its joy and powerful life change. The early Christians relinquished their lives to Jesus, who had flipped the values of the world upside down. They treated everyone with dignity because they knew Jesus loved all people enough to die for them. They forgave others with a readiness that came from a deep appreciation of their own forgiveness. They loved their enemies and returned good for evil—even in life-threatening situations. They demonstrated radical generosity so that no one was in need. The apostles were empowered to perform signs and wonders.
How could any of this be real? Their witness was clear: it was all attributed to the resurrected Jesus.
The Jerusalem church was not perfect. Yet the believers had something that attracted people into its fellowship. There was a unity of the Spirit which valued everyone as significant in the sight of God. Early Christians demonstrated a freedom that came from obedience to Jesus, and belief in His resurrection. Joy was expressed in worship and the teaching of the apostles was eagerly received.
The gospel is manifesting many of these same characteristics among us today—and the Spirit is ready and waiting to fill us so that we may live out the gospel in these ways. May we allow the word of God to spread into our lives and transform our thinking and our actions.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- What characteristics of the early church encourage you in your role as part of a local body of believers?
- How can we stand apart from worldly values without rejecting (and while actively serving) people who are shaped by them?
- How can living in a day of opposition to the gospel be an opportunity to reveal its truth?
Church Reading Plan:
- Today, November 1: Hosea 7; Psalm 120-122
- Saturday, November 2: Hosea 8; Psalm 123-125
- Sunday, November 3: Hosea 9; Psalm 126-128