Acts 2:41-44
“[41] 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.”
They GLADLY received his word and followed Jesus’ example of baptism. That in itself is a challenge. To joyfully, expediently, and readily accept salvation is not always the way in which we come into favor with God. The immediacy with which they responded to the teachings the disciples delivered should be a challenge to all of us. Spiritual lethargy today is something that is a danger for all Christians, especially in this age. So many distractions await, tantalizing our fingertips and seeking our attention and devotion. It takes dedication to keep our lives centered in Christ and our mind free of worldly distractions that rob us of the blessings of obedience to Christ’s dealings. I believe we can look to the example of this crowd to whom Peter preached the gospel; we ought to gladly receive God’s word, not only in salvation, but in the things he desires to teach us in our daily walk.
But, receiving the word was not where it stopped, and that’s the great encouragement to me. The crowd of new converts continued STEADFASTLY in the doctrine which was taught and in fellowship with each other. It’s important to be steadfast. That means unwavering, continual, and fervent. Clearly, they believed the doctrine and retained and acted upon its principles. Our duty as Christians is to learn, retain, and adhere to the doctrine we find in the Bible as well as things God personally convicts. It’s not simply the teaching that we’re responsible for, but the action we take based on that knowledge. This is something I have struggled with. I learn and better understand the Bible along the way, but I have admittedly struggled with making the things I’ve learned a reality in my life. Acting on what we have learned is part of being a steadfast Christian. It means not giving up when we’re down in the pits. It’s not always easy being a follower of Jesus, but the suffering produces holy fruit. I’m encouraged by this example we have of the crowd here that willingly submitted to God and continued steadfastly. I pray I do the same.
I’d also like to mention a few things about the fellowship it mentions here. It is derived from the Greek word “koinonia” which refers to community, meaning association for religious and spiritual purposes. Fellowship is vitally important to the believer. It’s taught in the scripture and practiced by these new converts here as well. Being connected with other believers is such a blessing and help. Sharing our struggles and victories is helpful, at least to me. I really appreciate hearing testimonies from others of what God has been teaching them or doing in their life.
It says that fear came upon every soul. We should all have a proper fear of God, and willingness to obey his commandments. Proverbs 9:10 says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” It was Godly obedience when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his own son. These people had a similar fear of God following their conversion. We ought to as well. Their faithfulness and steadfastness is an example to us.
I love how the last verse says all that believed were together and had all things common. It’s such an encouragement to know that we aren’t alone. Our battles, our struggles, our fears — they’re the same things other Christians face. You’re not alone. That’s why I feel such a burden to share with others the things that I’m dealing with and how God is helping me. I know I’m not the only one with questions about my future. I’m not alone in trying to get the victory in certain areas of my life. I’m not alone in my desire to serve God in whatever way he would be pleased, but not always understanding what that looks like. Any struggle, temptation, or weight we have is not uncommon to fellow young people or Christians. We are in this battle against Satan together — we’re the Church of God, and Christ is counting on us to stay faithful, stick together, and be steadfast in the midst of a wicked world.
I hope this is as much of an encouragement to all of you as it was to me. It’s not easy to be steadfast, and I know I have room to grow in that. Consistency hasn’t been easy, and I won’t declare perfection. But, I know God loves me and is willing to help me, be with me, and work with me as I strive to live for him daily. These verses were an encouragement for me to stay steadfast, value fellowship, fear God, and recognize that we aren’t alone. I’m praying for all of you, and please pray for me that I would live in obedience to Jesus. :)
Keep encouraged!
Thumbs up! :)
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