Daily devotion – the early Church
Act 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
This verse gives us one of the four basic activities in the early Church – the teaching of the Apostles doctrine is the first.
Many people when they think or talk about the early Church, often seem to believe that all the Church did was gather and eat together. When in fact, the Bible tells us that the early Church placed a high priority on the study and teaching of the Word of God.
Later in Acts, pressure was put on the Apostles to oversee the distribution of the Church’s welfare program.
The Apostles were firm on abstaining from this request and not taking over this administrative role.
Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” – Acts 6:2-4
This priority on the teaching of God’s Word is sadly lacking today. In many Churches, you learn more about social issues than about the Old Testament. You might hear a verse or two, or a passing reference to Jesus, because those things are expected in Church, and every Church wants to give the appearance of being biblical.
But a deep emphasis on doctrine? A consistent study of God’s Word?
Unfortunately, it’s not a priority in many Churches today.
This week let us be people of the ‘book’, the Bible, God’s inspired Word. Let us continue to grow in our knowledge of the Almighty God that is declared in its pages. Let us always place the appropriate emphasis on the study and teaching of God’s Word and never stray from its guidance and wisdom.
In this way we can emulate best the early Church!