Acts 2:42 – Community Looks Like This

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42)

I love this picture of a community. When believers gather, it is special. Our weekly church meetings are nice, but this memory verse for our quiver of truth suggests believers should enjoy so much more. When is the last time you shared a meal with another believer, besides your own family?

Context (Acts 2:42-47): The young church is growing, and here we learn about how the new believers start forming clusters to gather. The church was born so that believers could meet, support, and love each other. Seeing the early church in action can be enlightening for us today.

The apostles had Jesus’ teachings firsthand; can you imagine that? We have access to the teachings contained in the Bible, and there are plenty of good lessons there for our reflection. The idea was that paying attention to the Bible was not merely a suggestion. The verse says they were “devoted.” How devoted are you to reading your Bible? (If you’re looking for a great series to walk through the Bible one book at a time, visit “Devotions on the Go!)

Those people closest to the time when Jesus lived knew community was important to keep the faith alive. We can ignite and reignite each other. That’s why my heart breaks when people think they don’t need to go to church. A church can be a great faith community. When we spend time with other believers, not only is our faith allowed to grow but we find ways to use our gifts to further God’s kingdom. We are also surrounded by people who support us and believe the same as we do. That’s a priceless benefit and what we know as fellowship.

“Sharing in meals” is one of those intimate things you do with other people. Even if you sit in silence, you are across the table from someone who shares your faith. When conversations do occur, consider them divine appointments. Fellow believers often share their lives, including their ups and downs, questions about faith, prayer requests, struggles, and praise reports, too. It’s always a delight to see how God is working in the lives of other believers. I just love a good testimony!

Take note we’re also told not to forget the “Lord’s Supper.” Jesus didn’t want us to forget, that was part of his dialogue with his disciples the last time they broke bread together. Here, we’re reminded again and given a great suggestion. Faith communities are the perfect place to share communion. Take a moment to just imagine how those first believers handled the bread and wine as Jesus’ body and blood.

Lastly, we’re told as believers to pray. This call to spend time with God isn’t meant to be occasional. Just like reading the Bible, we’re to be devoted to prayer. What does this tell us? God wants to hear from us. We don’t have to be surrounded by other believers to be devoted to prayer. How is your prayer life? Are you happy with the time you spend with God? Is God happy, too?

This memory verse informs and also convicts us. We can’t help but yearn for a community of other believers to support us and grow with us. How can you be a blessing to your faith community today?

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for the communities of believers I have been a part of over the years. Continue to bless each one with unity of spirit and joy overflowing. Help me grow in my faith as I regularly spend time in your word and in prayer. Reveal the truth to me as you see it. Fill me anew with your grace and mercy. May everything I say and do be honoring to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.