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Author: Ron Graham

Book of Acts

Acts 2:37-47
—Verse by verse

This page is a verse by verse study of Acts 2:37-47. These verses describe the establishment of the very first church of Christ. This happened in Jerusalem on the Pentecost following our Lord’s ascension.

Beginning of the church of Christ

Acts 2:37-47

¶“37Now when they heard Peter’s words, they were cut to the heart, and asked Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' 38Peter answered them, 'Repent and be immersed every one of you. Do this in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39This promise is made to you, to your children, and to all who are far away; yes, as many as the Lord our God will call.' ” (Acts 2:37-39).

¶“40With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, to tell them, 'Save yourselves from this twisted generation!' 41Then those who were pleased to welcome Peter’s message were immersed. There were added that day about three thousand souls. 42They made a strong continuing commitment to the apostles’ teaching; and to fellowship; and to the breaking of bread; and to prayer. 43And on every soul there came fear; and through the apostles many wonders and signs occurred.” (Acts 2:40-43).

¶“44All who believed kept company in all-inclusive fellowship. 45They sold things that they owned, and shared the proceeds out to everyone who was needy. 46Day by day they continued to be strongly united. They worshiped in the temple. In their homes they enjoyed breaking bread, sharing their meals with happy and simple hearts. 47They were praising God, and had approval in their whole community. Every day, the Lord kept adding to the number of his called out people —those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:44-47).

Seven attributes of the first church

1 Conviction

Verse 37

¶ "Now when they heard Peter’s words, they were cut to the heart, and asked Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' " (Acts 2:37).

2 Promises

Verses 38-40

¶ "Peter answered them, 'Repent and be immersed every one of you. Do this in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is made to you, to your children, and to all who are far away; yes, as many as the Lord our God will call.' With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, to tell them, 'Save yourselves from this twisted generation!' " (Acts 2:38-40).

3 Obedience

Verse 41

¶ "Then those who were pleased to welcome Peter’s message were immersed. There were added that day about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:41).

4 Devotion

Verse 42

¶ "They made a strong continuing commitment to the apostles’ teaching; and to fellowship; and to the breaking of bread; and to prayer." (Acts 2:42).

5 Godfearing

Verse 43

¶ "And on every soul there came fear; and through the apostles many wonders and signs occurred." (Acts 2:43).

6 Fellowship

Verses 44-46

¶ "All who believed kept company in all-inclusive fellowship. They sold things that they owned, and shared the proceeds out to everyone who was needy. Day by day they continued to be strongly united. They worshiped in the temple. In their homes they enjoyed breaking bread, sharing their meals with happy and simple hearts" (Acts 2:44-46).

7 Growth

Verse 47

¶ "They were praising God, and had approval in their whole community. The Lord kept adding to the church every day those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47).

Note:— This does not mean we cannot know who is saved and therefore rightfully a church member. All who believe and follow "the apostles’ teaching" are such (Acts 2:42). Nor should we think that the church is an invisible body. The church was visible in Jerusalem. When other churches were established, it was to those visible churches to which God added the saved, just as in Jerusalem.



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