Devoted to Fellowship
OPENING THOUGHT
“Fellowship” is translated from a word that can mean “partnership,” “sharing,” and “communion.” It has to do with people who gather to enjoy one another’s company.
THE READING (Acts 2:42-47)
After 3,000 souls were added to the Lord’s body in Jerusalem on Pentecost and the church was established, the first Christians spent a lot of time together. Our reading gives a glimpse into what life was like for them in those days.
EXPLORE
Discuss these questions to get a better understanding of the text.
Compare this reading with Acts 4:32-35. How did the early Christians in Jerusalem view their possessions?
Poverty rates were high in Jerusalem at that time. How did they eliminate need in the church?
How often did the early Christians get together?
What did they do when they were together?
What emotions resulted from the fellowship they enjoyed?
APPLY
Discuss these questions to envision what it would be like to practically live out this passage.
Does this example demand that we live together in communes and toss out the concept of private property? Did all the churches in the apostolic age live like this? How do you think we are to follow this example in 21st century America?
What do you think of when you hear the word “fellowship”? Many people think of a casserole! How can we restore the important meaning of this word?
Fellowship in the Bible often takes place around food. Why is this?
Withdrawal of fellowship was a powerful disciplinary tool in the early church (Matt. 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 5:11; 2 Thes. 3:14). Does this work well today? Explain your answer.
Hospitality is quickly becoming a forgotten art, yet the Bible frequently commands it (Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet. 4:9; 1 Tim. 3:2). How can we make hospitality a priority in our busy lives?
Name some examples of the kinds of people we should fellowship and those who especially need our hospitality.
