D. Scott Meadows

An Exposition of Acts 2.42

We began considering the subject of the model church from Acts 2.42 which reads,

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

From this verse, we saw that,

The model church continues steadfastly in a fourfold ministry of the apostles’ doctrine, the fellowship, the ordinances, and the prayers.

Today, I am drawing out three points for our consideration. We see in this model church 1) its fourfold ministry, 2) its steadfast continuance, and 3) its implications for us. We covered the first point this morning. This afternoon we proceed to the second, its steadfast continuance.

Its Steadfast Continuance

These four things were constant, not sporadic, with those early churches. Luke 2.42 says, “And they continued stedfastly in” them. Were these days in the Jerusalem church exciting days? Yes they were. Was the future hectic and unpredictable? It was. Were they seeing thousands of people converted, baptized, and added to the church membership? Yes. Were they being persecuted for their new faith in Jesus? Indeed. The dynamic ministry of this church was owned by God as a great ministry, and it was not easy to keep together as a church and maintain consistency in much of anything. But certain things were essential, and they stuck to those, through thick and thin, in joy and in sorrow, during both peaceful and turbulent times. The essentials were the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, the Lord’s Supper and the prayers!

Luke wrote the book of Acts and the language he uses here is quite emphatic. He does not merely say that they continued in these things, but they continued steadfastly. The Greek phrase could be translated “they were devoting themselves to,” “they spent their time in,” “they gave themselves to,” “they were eager for,” or, “they were very desirous of” (UBS Handbook). Their whole lives were centered around their church and doing these four things when they came together as a congregation. Whatever else they might have done in their private lives or as a church, it was never allowed to encroach upon these spiritual priorities.

I for one am so thankful that Scripture tells us they “continued stedfastly” in these things, because it is a warning to us that these things will not last long without a strong commitment to them and a steely determination to persist in them. Each and every one of us who are members of Calvary Baptist Church is being called to resolve, with all sincerity and dependence on the grace of God, to persevere with one another in these four biblical church functions. Say to yourself, “I will continue stedfastly in the church’s teaching ministry,” as a learner for sure, and if you are gifted and appointed, as a teacher. Say, “I will continue steadfastly in the fellowship, making myself vulnerable to my brethren for the sake of doing them the most good and receiving the benefit of their ministry to me. I will continue steadfastly in the Lord’s Supper, being present when it is observed and partaking faithfully of the bread and the cup. I will continue steadfastly in the prayers with my church whenever it meets for prayer, and at the very least, join silently with those leading in heartfelt prayers to God.” My beloved, the steadfast continuance of the whole church absolutely depends on the steadfast continuance of the individuals who compose the church! I know there are times when you are providentiallyhindered from attending, or from paying the closest attention during a sermon, for example. But whatever the reasons may be, when you as an individual begin to fall back from diligent and principled continuance upon these crucial functions of the church, to that degree, the whole church suffers.

When one member after another decreases their faithfulness to attendance at meetings and heartfelt participation and cooperation in the biblical things the church is supposed to be doing, the very existence of that church is threatened. A church can suffer death by a thousand cuts and finally come to the place where it is no longer viable. Then the few remaining members must seek other churches to join, and that particular church is no more. Sadly, this is what it always comes to eventually. Where is the church at Jerusalem, or the churches at Galatia, Ephesus, and Thessalonica, or even the churches at Wittenberg and Geneva? Most American churches in existence today are probably less than 100 years old.

Brethren, now is the time for us to step up our zeal and commitment to the very church where we are members!

Its Implications for Us

Please give me your closest attention as I conclude and apply what we have seen in our Bibles. Just three points and we’re done. Acts 2:42 suggests a clear directive, a faithful reproof, and a powerful encouragement.

First, the clear directive is that we must continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer. It is no exaggeration to say that the forces of hell are arrayed against us in these things. We must persist in God’s revealed will for the church while the devil’s siren song in our ears allures us in other directions. Instead of looking around for direction as a church, let us look up to the Head of the church, our Lord Jesus Christ. Don’t pay attention to what other churches are doing and compare our church to them. In a verse too little known, the apostle Paul wrote, “We dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Cor 10.12). Let God’s Holy Word be the lamp for our feet, and the light to our path (Psa 119.105).

Second, the faithful reproof may or may not apply to anyone here, but I offer it at least as a preventative. One temptation many church members face is to look to other churches, or to their own thoughts and ideas about what churches ought to be doing, and then, to find fault with a faithful church for not doing whatever it is they have come to expect without scriptural justification. There are many good things a church might be allowed to do within biblical parameters, but if those things are not commanded in Scripture, a church is not to be faulted for the lack of them. If pressed, these fastidious critics would often have to admit that their church is committed to the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, to the Lord’s Supper and prayer, but that is not enough for them. What pleases God is not pleasing to them! One of the crimes of certain apostate Jews long ago was to discourage the righteous who were doing God’s will. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God complained, “With lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad” (Ezek 13.22). With all the love God has given me for you as your pastor, I tenderly caution you against falling into this sin. And sin is what it is!

Third, the powerful encouragement I offer to you is this. I know that our little church is by some too little esteemed. It is a very American trait to think that bigger is better and humongous is great. Applied to churches, the conclusion is that a little church like ours is most likely some kind of weird cult. Cults come in all sizes, my friends. The size of a church is no test whatsoever of whether God loves and commends them. The real test is fidelity to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And one very important measure of that fidelity is our continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer. Beloved, we are committed to these things, aren’t we? We have been persisting in them for over 50 years now. By the grace of God, then, we are also a model church, one that is doing what all churches are supposed to be doing! By faith, rejoice in this, dear friends! The only approval we must ultimately seek is Christ’s. As we attend to His will in Scripture, we know we have His favor and will hear His commendation on the Last Day.

I don’t know about you, but I need that encouragement today. I must let the din of unfounded criticism wax weaker and weaker in my ears, and anticipate the voice of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself finally saying, with great love for me, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.” With all my heart, I urge you to take comfort in this hope with me. Amen.

All Rights Reserved