The Spectacular Aftermath of Pentecost
Sermon #6 in Acts series
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Acts 2:41-47 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
I. The Swelling in Size (vs 41)
The “First Baptist Church of Jerusalem” would grow from the 120 souls that met in the upper room and were in one accord in prayer and supplications waiting for the promise as they were commanded in Acts 2:1 are now 3,120 after an addition of 3,000!
II. The Steadfastness (vs. 42)
These all Continued Steadfastly…
In Doctrine
Way of Life Encyclopedia
DOCTRINE
Doctrine simply means teaching, but the biblical usage refers to sound teaching based on the Word of God. The two Greek words translated “doctrine”, didaskalia and didache, are also translated “teacheth” (Ro 12:7) and “learning” (Ro 15:4). These words are used more than 140 times in the N.T., which shows how important doctrine is before God. Other terms which refer to doctrine are “truth” (1Ti 2:4), “the faith” (1Ti 3:9; 2Ti 3:8; Tit 1:13), “wholesome words” (1Ti 6:3), and “sound words” (2Ti 1:13). Doctrine (and its companion terms) is referred to 59 times in the Pastoral Epistles alone. “The truth” is referred to 10 times in 2 and 3 John alone.
OTHER TERMS WHICH REFER TO DOCTRINE. “Truth” (1Ti 2:4), “the faith” (1Ti 3:9; 2Ti 3:8; Tit 1:13), “wholesome words” (1Ti 6:3), and “sound words” (2Ti 1:13).
In Fellowship
In Breaking of Bread * Lord’s table, many believe this to be the Lord’s Table being *
In Prayer
III. The Signs and Wonders (vs. 43)
Mark 16:15-18 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Hebrews 2:3-4 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
IV. The Selling out and Selling all! (vs. 44-45)
Notice a few observations:
The church had just literally exploded in size. (120 + 3000 = 3120)
Many of the additions were not from the area (see vs.5)
There is no indication that anything prompted this action other than Spirit leading and personal choice!
Acts 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
V. The Spectacle (vs. 46-47)
*Contrast what we are seeing here to what the average religious Jew experienced in that day. Judaism was dominated by sects of religious leaders and their arguments…
Their meetings: Daily in the temple and house to house…
Their unity: One Accord, Singleness of heart
Their Memorial: “Breaking of Bread” *Many believe this was the observance of the Lord’s Supper. Note it is distinguished her by “eating their meat…
Their Eating: The simplicity of the thing, they were expressing gladness and singleness of heart, as they live their newly found Christian lives together.
Their Influence: “..having favor with all the people…”
Their Expansion: The Lord added daily to the church such as should be saved.
