Acts 2:42-47
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Reflection
The Holy Spirit brings forth a devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, community, and prayer. Notice also the unity of mind and heart of these first believers. Though believers retained rights over their property (cf. Acts 5:4), the community generously cared for one another and “had all things in common” (2:44).
The Spirit’s ministry also grew the church: “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (v. 47). The Spirit produces not only inward spiritual growth but also expansion and numerical growth of the church (though we will see later in Acts that this growth may require difficulty, persecution, and time). Gospel-fueled, Spirit-empowered growth is a repeated theme that runs throughout the rest of Acts. We will see that “more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women” (5:14) and “the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily” (16:5; see also 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 13:49; 19:20).
1 Peter 5:1-5
5: So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Reflection
In verse 1, Peter identifies himself as a witness of Christ’s sufferings. His witness to Christ gives him credentials of authority to instruct church elders, but as a sinner himself, Peter is also a partaker in the grace of Christ just like all other church leaders (1 Pet. 5:1). Peter not only saw the sacrifice of Christ; he needs it. The gospel is for sinners like Peter and the rest of us.
After giving several instructions for church leaders (vv. 2–3), Peter reminds the elders of their reward (v. 4). The chief Shepherd will provide a crown of glory to those who serve with selfless leadership for his flock. The power to obey comes from looking back to Jesus’ sacrifice and looking forward to his return. All is taken care of. God’s grace has provided for everything we need, enabling us to live, serve, and lead with selfless confidence in him.
Psalm 51:15
15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
God grows his church as the gospel is preached by Spirit-empowered believers. Pray that this would mark your Christian community so that disciples might be made, and Jesus would be glorified.