THE BIRTH AND GROWTH OF THE EARLY CHURCH

(The essential elements of house church ministry)

Acts 2:22-47

Key Verse : 2:42

“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

THE GOSPEL MESSAGE : THE SEED OF THE HOUSE CHURCH (22-41)

1.      When the Holy Spirit enabled the believers to speak in other languages, note how Peter explained it to the amazed people (1-21). What were the four main highlights of Peter’s gospel message? (22-35) Why must our message include these? How did these events fulfill Scriptures? What does this tell us? (Gal 1:11-12; 2 Pe 1:21)

2.      How did his conclusion explain who Jesus is? (36; Php 2:9-11) How did Peter’s message convict them of their guilt? (36-37; Acts 20:21) What did he help them to do, what promise did he give to encourage them, and of what did he warn them? (38-40) What happened? (41) How was this possible? (Ro 1:16; Acts 1:8)

THE FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS : THE FRUIT OF THE GOSPEL MESSAGE (42-47)

3.      Read verse 42. What four things are mentioned? What does it mean that they were “devoted” to them? (6:4; 18:5) Review the apostles’ teaching and lifestyle (1:21-22, 3; Lk 24:44-49; Mt 28:19-20).

4.      What was “the fellowship”? (1 Jn 1:3,7, Jn 13:34-35; 1Co 13:4-7) What was the meaning of “the breaking of bread”? (Acts 20:7; Lk 22:19-20; 1Co 11:26-30) That they were devoted to prayer (1:14; Mt 18:19-20) In light of verse 42, what are the essential elements for a healthy house church? How did God support their fellowship? (43)

5.      How was the love of Christ practiced among them? (44-45; 1 Jn 3:17-18) How could they be so mindful and generous? What characterized their meetings? (46-47) Why is it important to eat together with glad and sincere hearts? What influence did their fellowship have? (47b)

* How can you apply the teachings of this passage in your personal life and ministry, as well as to your view of God’s work as a whole?