CHARACTERISTIC OF THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, in fellowship with one another, in the
the breaking of bread and in prayers. And fear came upon every person; and many
Wonders and signs were performed by the apostles. All those who had believed were
together, and they had everything in common; and they sold their properties and their goods, and it
they distributed to everyone according to each one's need. And they persevered together every day in the
temple, and breaking bread in homes, they ate together with joy and sincerity of heart,
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily
those who were to be saved. (2:42-47)

Introduction

The book of Acts written by the same author of the Gospel of Luke could be said to be
a continuation of this gospel, the author begins this book as if picking up the last part in
the one that stayed in the gospel.
Most theologians claim that the title of this book may not be the most appropriate.
for it. Rather, they argue that this book should be called The Facts of the Spirit
Holy is he who guides and strengthens the followers of Christ in all the work that
they carried out.
Since the Holy Spirit made His formal entry at the feast of Pentecost, they began to
supernatural events happening in the town.
Most of us remember some interesting fact that we love about this Book.
example:

The First sermons of the apostle Peter and the number of people who converted.
The miraculous way in which Peter was freed from prison by the Lord so that he could continue.
preaching
The way God took Philip out of a revival in Samaria to bring him to preach to
Ethiopian.
The first Martyr of the church Stephen, as the Bible says (full of the Holy Spirit, placed the
eyes in the sky, saw the glory of God)
But something else we can learn here, in this book, is that no one can stop progress.
of the gospel, which although it involves us, depends on the wonderful power of God.
And despite the persecution and death threats that there were, the followers of Christ remained steadfast in
the proclamation of the gospel of Christ.

But this morning I want to focus on a specific aspect. And it is on the emerging church of the book.
from the facts, that's why we are going to preach on the subject.

Characteristic of the Primitive Church

IT WAS A BIBLICAL CHURCH
in the doctrine of the apostles (2:42b)

God designed it to be a place where His Word is proclaimed and explained. In a true
In the church of Christ, the Word of God will always occupy a prominent place.

A commitment to studying the word of God is essential for growth and health.
spiritual of the whole church.

Peter wrote: "Desire, like newborn babies, the pure spiritual milk, so that
that you may grow up into salvation through her” (1 Peter 2:2).
Pablo wrote to him, "In the meantime, focus on reading, exhortation, and
the teaching" (1 Tim. 4:13)

A believer should consider a day wasted if they do not learn something new,
or in which one cannot become deeply enriched by the truth of the Word of God

The Bible is food for the growth and potential of the believer, and there is no other. The church
today pays no heed to the exposition and application of the Scriptures at his own risk, as
suggests the warning of Hosea for Israel: "My people were destroyed for lack of
knowledge" (Hosea 4:6).

Anecdote of the couple that is moving.

As Augusto Nicodemus would say. (If you want a true Liberation worship, go to a
Bible study worship

IT WAS A COMMUNION CHURCH

in the communion (2:42c)

The basic meaning of koinōnía (fellowship) is 'camaraderie' or 'having in common.'

For a Christian, the fact of not participating in the life of a local church is inexcusable. It is
Moreover, those who choose to separate are disobedient to the direct command of the Bible. Hebrews
10:24-25 entrusts the believers: "Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and to
the good works; not neglecting to meet together, as some have it
habit, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day approaching.” The Bible does not
contemplate the Christian life as something that is carried apart from other believers. All the
members of the universal Church, the body of Christ, must participate actively and intimately in
local assemblies.

IT WAS A PRAYER CHURCH

in the sentences (2:42e)

The first brotherhood participated with enthusiasm and persistence in the critical duty of the
prayer, which is the fine nerve that moves the muscles of omnipotence. Understanding the
feeling of loss that his disciples were experiencing as they anticipated his departure, the
Lord Jesus Christ had promised in John 14:13-14: "Whatever you ask of the Father in
my name, I will do it, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.” The early church took that promise as the
source of divine provision for all his needs and, incessantly, sought the help of the
Sir. The prayers seen here are not only from individual believers, but from the whole church.
(cf. 1:14, 24;
4:24-31)

Unfortunately, prayer is very neglected in the modern church. Programs, concerts,

Entertainment, or the testimonies of the rich and famous attract huge crowds. The
prayer meetings, on the other hand, attract only a few faithful. That, without a doubt, is the reason.
of the great part of the weakness in the contemporary Church.

Unlike the early church, we have forgotten the commandments of the Bible to pray in all things.
time (Luke 18:1; Eph. 6:11), and being dedicated to prayer (Rom. 12:12; Col. 4:2).
The first brotherhood recognized the critical importance of fulfilling spiritual duties. They
Did you know that the Church must be made up of saved individuals, dedicated to studying the Word,
to have communion, to break bread, and to pray. These elements are unique expressions of life
the Church. They are means of grace through which the Church becomes what God
she wants her to be.

IT WAS A CHURCH WITH POWER

And many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. (2:43b)

there were many wonders and signs performed by the

apostles (He. 2:4). Some of those miracles are described in the following chapters (cp.
3:1-10; 5:12, 15-16; 9:32-35, 40-42.

The wonders and signs were designed to attract attention and indicate spiritual truth.
For example:

The response to the healing that Peter did to the

paralytic in Lydda (Acts 9:32-34) The people of that region, after witnessing the healing,
they turned to the Lord” (v. 35). The resurrection of Dorcas by Peter caused the
same reaction in
Jope (Acts 9:42).

The power of God was manifested like never before. Unfortunately, there are those who claim that
These wonders only occurred in that time, and today there is no need for miracles.

We respect this stance of some people, but we believe that the power of God has no limit.
And if he did it at that time, he can keep doing it. And I know many brothers here have
I have been a living testimony of miracles worked by God in their lives.

IT WAS A UNITED OR PARTICIPATIVE CHURCH

All who had believed were together and had everything in common; and they sold their
properties and their goods, and they distributed them to everyone according to each one's need. And
persevering unanimously every day in the temple, and breaking bread in the houses, they ate together
(2:44-46a)

All unanimous together, the original word WHAT that means 'to agree', 'to
mutual consent," "maintain the unity of the group," "they are all of one mind" and
share a purpose.

The disciples had intellectual unity, emotional harmony, and a single will in the church.
recently founded.
They possessed not only a spiritual unity but also a practical identity.
according to the need of each one.
This was a sign of immense generosity, as people not only gave their money or their
current goods, but also future ones in acts of sacrificial love towards those in
necessity.
And it is clear from Peter's words to Ananias in Acts 5:4 that this sale was purely
voluntary. Ananias and Sapphira sinned not by refusing to participate with their possessions, but by
to lie to the Holy Spirit.

Collaboration was not limited to material things but also included spiritual benefits.
and of the ministry. Every day they devoted themselves unanimously to meeting in the temple.
However, the moments of brotherhood were not limited to the temple. They also broke bread in
the houses, and they ate together with joy and simplicity of heart. Breaking bread refers to the worship of
communion, and eating together at the feast of love that accompanied the Lord's Supper.

IT WAS A JOYFUL CHURCH

with joy and simplicity of heart, praising God

It is not strange that a united, miraculous, and collaborative church was also a church
One of the key reasons for that joy was the simplicity of heart that they
they were manifesting.

There were no seeds of selfishness in their hearts.

Praising God also produces joy. It means referring to His wonderful attributes and works. The
the objective of the first brotherhood was to exalt the Lord and that produced true happiness.
Those who glorify themselves and seek preeminence will never know lasting joy. Joy comes
to whom they give glory to God.

SPIRITUAL INFLUENCE
And having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were to be saved.
to be saved. (2:47b)

The dynamic collective life and the spiritual character of the church had a great influence. Two
Characteristics of this influence appear in this verse.

IT WAS A GROWING CHURCH

And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (2:47c)

Effective evangelization was the definitive effect of spiritual duties and character.
first brotherhood. That the Lord added to the church daily those who were to be saved.
remember that God is sovereign regarding salvation (cp. 5:14). The imperfect tense of
the translated verb added, along with the phrase every day, indicates that people continuously
they were saved by observing the daily behavior of the believers.

They were so united, joyful, and filled with the Spirit that their very existence was a testimony.
powerful of the truth of the gospel. True evangelization flows from the life of a church.
you.

This brief glimpse of the first brotherhood provides a valuable perspective on what
forms a healthy and growing church worthy of the name. The proper devotion to the duties of
Spirit produces the appropriate character, which in turn, generates a powerful and saving effect.
in sinners.

Conclusion.
Let us strive to be that kind of church, that is a refuge for the soul for the
thirsty and downcast, due to sin, seeking to heal their sickness from
sin and that they may find prosperity in this place.

Let's strive to be that kind of church, that becomes a point of

reference, for the things that God carries out through his members.

That we may be known for these very qualities. That we have just
develop

A biblical church, with a strong and constant communion in prayer.

A Church that preaches through unity and that despite the
Adversities always keep one cheerful. But above all, a church.
Growing.