In the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers

2024-10-28

What did the early church do? Of the very first church ever, we read, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Teaching, community, eating together (including the Lord’s Supper), and prayers. These were unified around the four activities.

What is the “apostles’ doctrine”? It is whatever the apostles taught or wrote about. And they taught and wrote about what they received from the Lord. We have the New Testament; this is the apostles’ doctrine. We are blessed to have copies of the Bible everywhere in these times. Read it and embrace it always.

How about “fellowship”? Elsewhere translated “contribution” and “communion,” it is participation with one another, and it is offering oneself to others in friendship. The church is a bringing of the people together to love each other and serve one another.

The “breaking of bread”? The Lord’s Supper is implied, but not necessarily what it is in entirety. Acts 27:35 is a place in Scripture where bread was broken, and it did not mean the Lord’s Supper. This is an extension of fellowship. They spent time together regularly. The Lord’s Supper, however, also was done regularly, and it is held in high regard.

And “prayers”? What better way to rely on the Lord to tell Him that you need Him? We ask, we confess, we praise, we take time to tell Him everything from the heart. It helps us get closer to Him, and He sees us reaching out to Him in faith.