The
Early Church Scripture Reading: Acts 4:23-32.
Memory Verse: "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).
Introduction: In examining the early Church, we see a perfect
model for the Church of the 20th century and beyond. It is this first century
"seed" which laid the foundation for the last 2,000 years of Christian
history. But the model defined in the New Testament, especially as seen
in Acts, is quite different than what is seen today. Some denominations
and congregations exist diametrically opposed to one another and the Word
of God. From the evidence, it would appear there are multiple "bodies of
Christ."
But, the seed which began with Christ and the Apostles should
never have split as it has. The New Testament Church evidenced the reality
of Ephesians 4:5: ". . . one Lord, one faith, one baptism." It did
have its problems but scriptural unity was achieved. In fact, unity was
so prevalent among the first century Church, the decision of the Apostles
became final, at least in the minds and hearts of most Christians.
Today, unity is promoted by many. Said Archbishop Lakovos of
the Greek Orthodox Church, "Those who oppose Christian unity must ask themselves
frankly whether they are Christians." Yet this conclusion all but defies
the teachings of the Apostles. Unity was not only emphasized in spirit,
as Archbishop Lakovos suggests, but also of purpose, doctrine, character,
and ministry. How can one group support the efforts of another if they
do not believe in the virgin birth of Christ? or the atonement on the cross?
or obedience to the law of God?
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Christian Church has
spread from the faith of twelve to 120 to the world. Christ's tiny seed
planted at His ascension has grown into a tremendous tree covering the
entire earth. Among every denomination and body, believers exist which
are purifying themselves by the Spirit, searching for the truth from God's
Word, and ministering life as Christ intended. Therefore, it should be
our desire to be unified with God first and then with the Body of Christ.
For in unity with God, the Body finds unity within itself.
Lesson Questions:
1. How many bodies of believers does Jesus have? Ephesians 4:4-6; Romans 12:4,5; 1 Corinthians 10:16,17; 12:12-14.
2. How important is the unity of the body to Jesus? John 17:20-25; Matthew 16:18; Mark 9:38-40; Philippians 2:1-4.
3. Examine the unity of the early Church. Acts 2:41-47; 1:13,14; 2:1; 4:24,31-37; 5:12-14.
4. How many Churches were there to be in each city? Acts 8:1; 11:22; 13:1a; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1.
5. Notice that when Christ's body is spoken of by geographic region, the word "Church" is pluralized to further denote the distinction between local "Churches." Acts 9:31; 15:14; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Galatians 1:2,21,22; 2 Corinthians 8:1.
6. How is the whole Church to participate in ministry? Ephesians 4:14-16; 4:31,32; Romans 12:3-8; Hebrews 10:23,24.
7. Do we develop and maintain unity in the Church by doctrine, by organization, by a centrally governing board of leaders, or by the Spirit of God? Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 1:27; 1 Peter 3:8,9.
