Baptism and

Are you growing in your faith, is the Church growing? After Peter’s Holy Spirit empowered sermon, 3000 people were baptised and became part of the Church, the Scripture that follows this mass baptism includes the word “and” 17 times. They were baptised and, and, and… It’s a key word which shows the consistent devotion, commitment and growth of those who truly believe and are empowered by the Holy Spirit. If the Church is to grow it must follow their example of devotion, then Jesus Christ will add to her.

Scripture

Acts 2:41-47 ESV  So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.  [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 favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Bible Study Questions

Received the Word

Those who received the Word, that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, were baptised. When we receive the Word of the Gospel we are born again and we start to live a new life for Jesus Christ in the power of His Holy Spirit. The Word “and” now follows 17 times from this statement, what does that tell you about the way we should live after receiving the Word and being baptised?

Acts 2:41 ESV  So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.  

Acts 10:44 ESV  While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word… [47]  “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Devoted themselves

What are you devoted to? Are you devoted to Jesus and to being the Church, in the context of this verse and those that follow, that means being constantly diligent in Bible study, Worship, Prayer, meeting together and serving each other.

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

Hebrews 10:25 ESV  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Joshua 1:8 ESV  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Romans 12:12 ESV  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Awe on every soul

Awe and fear are very similar, especially in the context of this verse. Awe differs from fear in that it contains a fascination and adoration of the object of fear, in this case God. How do we cultivate a fear or awe of God?

Acts 2:43 ESV And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.  

Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV  Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,  [29]  for our God is a consuming fire.

Had all things in common

Something happens to a community that believe the Gospel together. They are unified in they way that they care and provide for each other. As Christians, why do we work? Is it so that we can have something to share with those in need?

Acts 2:44-45 ESV 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.

Ephesians 4:28 ESV  Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Day by day

Day by day is a key phrase in this verse because it reminds us that we are to be consistent and we are to persevere. We can not be a Church once a week or once every couple of weeks. We need to be the Church every day. Breaking bread is an act of obedience, service and above all worship. Are we worshipping every day? How many opportunities are there every day to praise God and His goodness to people who we meet?

Acts 2:46 ESV And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes,

Hebrews 13:15 ESV  Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

Receiving with Glad and generous hearts

There are two seemingly opposite elements to verse 46 and 47. The words “receive” and “generous”. One is associated with giving, the other receiving. What does it mean to receive with a generous heart, and how are the two linked?

Acts 2:46b-47 ESV  they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people.

2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

The Lord Added

The phrase day by day occurs again and connect two key points, what the people did and what Jesus did. The Church grows when the Church is devoted to being the Church, not when it advertises or goes on campaigns to try and recruit members. The Church grows when Jesus Christ adds to it those who are being saved, and He does so when those in the Church are devoted to Him day by day in Bible Study, Prayer, Worship and serving.

Acts 2:47b ESV And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Matthew 16:18 ESV  And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.