They Continued Steadfastly pt. 1

The day of Pentecost in Acts 2 marked a powerful beginning as the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, preached the risen Christ to a crowd in Jerusalem. When the people heard Peter’s message, they were cut to the heart and asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Act. 2:37). Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). The power of the preaching was such that on that day, that about 3,000 souls responded in obedience (Acts 2:41).

But the story did not end there. What happened next is a lesson in determination, perseverance, and above all, obedience. Act. 2:42 tells us, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” To grasp the full extent of Paul’s words, let’s dissect the verse and see what he meant. The word “devoted” means they continued steadfastly. They didn’t just have a one-time religious experience—they began a completely new way of life centered on Jesus, guided by the apostles’ doctrine.

Next, he speaks of the “apostles’ teaching.” They submitted themselves to the Word of God, which was revealed through the apostles: Joh. 16:13, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” Their teaching wasn’t optional—it was foundational. It shaped their beliefs, their practices, and their unity (1Co. 1:10, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”).

The next point Paul makes pertains to the “fellowship” of believers. It was not merely a social gathering, but also a shared participation in the life of Christ. They supported each other, served one another, and sacrificed for one another (Act. 4:32–35). Christian fellowship was an active, ongoing commitment to one another. Next, we address the “breaking of bread.” This likely refers to both shared meals and the Lord’s Supper. In Acts 20:7, we learn that the disciples gathered on the first day of the week “to break bread,” highlighting the significance of weekly communion in remembering Christ’s death.

The breaking of prayers is followed by “prayers.” They were a people who prayed frequently. They did so both alone and together, but always with a purpose. Prayer was never an afterthought or something they performed haphazardly. It was central to their spiritual lives and their connection with God. Act. 2:43 continues, ' And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.” These miracles confirmed the message being preached (Mar. 16:20; Heb. 2:3–4), but notice where the focus remains: on their unity, generosity, and worship.

Verses 44–45 describe a spirit of sacrificial giving: “All who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” Their love was not just spoken—it was demonstrated. They weren’t forced to give, but they gave willingly out of love (2Co. 9:7, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”).

Verse 46 states, “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.” Their faith influenced every part of their lives—worship, meals, conversations, and attitudes. They lived out their devotion daily, not just on the Sabbath or during special occasions. There were no “special days” designated for praise and worship, fellowship, or evangelism – their faith was evident to everyone, every day.

Finally, Act. 2:47 sums it up: “Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” The growth of the church came from God, not from man-made strategies. As people observed a living, loving, and obedient community of believers, the Lord continued to bring souls into His body. This simple pattern—faithful teaching, meaningful fellowship, heartfelt worship, and genuine care—still serves as our example today. We don’t need to reinvent the church; we need to return to the devotion of those first disciples. Do we continue steadfastly? TBC