Acts 2:46,47 – Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
These verses give us a small glimpse into the daily life of the early church. Apparently the believers would gather regularly at the temple court and have services conducted by the apostles. They also gathered in private homes all throughout Jerusalem for prayer, reflection on what the Lord was doing in their midst, and the breaking of bread. They were living this new life in public, the life of Christ was on full display in Jerusalem as they gathered together in their homes. This display of authentic spiritual life had a huge impact on the community. Many people were turning their lives over to the Lord on a daily basis. That’s exactly what people in our communities are looking for, the real life of Christ on display in their community. Here is how the ESV Expository Commentary describes these verses.
“It is telling that twice Luke mentions sharing among the early believers in places at which he summarizes dramatic additions to the community (Acts 2:42–47; 4:32–37). Such generosity is one of the clear manifestations of the work of the Spirit in the lives of believers, as they begin to live for the sake of others and not only for themselves. This other-centeredness is a fundamental tenet of the faith, as it manifests obedience to the great commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself”. Taken together with fellowship around the apostles’ teaching, common meals, and prayer, the practice of free sharing is evidence of salvation through the power of the Spirit. Believers are not only brought to agree with teaching about Jesus; they are fundamentally changed in the way in which they live, demonstrated in extraordinary generosity and concern for the well-being of others.”
When church moves into the home a new dynamic sets in. Remember, these believers were not out on their own, they were under the ministry of the apostles of Jesus. The life of Christ was now moving in right where people live, in the homes of people they knew very well. The result was certain, many people were being drawn to the Lord. This authentic Christianity has a major effect on the world, maybe its time for you to open your home and invite unsaved family and friends over to check out God’s word, something special would surely happen.