ACTS 2:42-47

Teaching Notes

In Acts 2, we’re given a glimpse into the kind of community God births when people encounter Jesus. It’s not complicated. It’s not flashy. It’s a Spirit-filled, grace-filled, Christ-centered church—marked by a deep devotion that still shapes God’s people today.

The early church didn’t drift aimlessly. They weren’t half-in. They were devoted—steadfast, committed, loyal—to the things that truly matter. Their devotion wasn’t casual; it was intentional. It wasn’t rooted in comfort or routine, but in the transforming grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

They devoted themselves to:

The Word of God

They submitted their lives under the authority of Scripture—anchored in the teaching of the apostles, who had walked with Jesus and been filled with His Spirit. The Word was their foundation. It shaped their beliefs, corrected their course, matured their hearts, and fueled their mission.

We're not going to grow to maturity if we have a loose association with the Word of God.

God’s Word still has power. It is flawless, trustworthy, and alive—breaking up hard hearts, convicting, comforting, and building lives on solid rock.

Fellowship

They didn’t try to follow Jesus in isolation. God’s design has always been for His people to live in close, intentional community. Real fellowship (koinonia) is more than surface-level friendships—it’s sharing life. It’s walking through mountaintops and valleys together, noticing when someone has pulled away, and stepping in with encouragement and prayer.

We were not created to do life alone. Isolation leads to discouragement. But in the body of Christ, we carry one another’s burdens.

Genuine fellowship reflects the heart of Jesus, who walked closely with people and cared deeply for them.

Breaking Bread

They shared meals and celebrated communion, not out of obligation, but out of love. In that culture, eating together was intimate—unhurried, relational, and rich with meaning. Jesus was known for eating with people. It wasn’t about food—it was about people. When we eat together, we open our lives. We listen, share, and grow in love.

Prayer

The early church knew they were in over their heads—and that’s exactly where God meets His people. Prayer was their lifeline. It revealed their dependence, aligned them with God's will, and gave them power for the mission. Prayer wasn’t just an activity—it was the atmosphere.

Spiritual work can’t be accomplished in the flesh—it happens when we’re on our knees, crying out to God.

A praying church is a powerful church. God still invites His people to come to Him in everything, with open hands and expectant hearts.

This picture in Acts 2 is more than a historical moment—it’s a model for the Church today. A people shaped by grace, grounded in truth, united in purpose, generous in spirit, and filled with joy and awe. It’s a community where worship is real, where needs are seen and met, and where the mission is clear: to make Jesus known.

This is what the Church can be.
This is what the Church is meant to be.
A people who are devoted—together.