This month's memory verse

John 15:5

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

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They devoted themselves to what?

Key Verse | Acts 2:42

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Acts 2:42-47

The Believers Form a Community

42All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lords Supper*), and to prayer.

43A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lords Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity*47all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Footnotes

2:42 Greek the breaking of bread; also in 2:46.
2:46 Or and sincere hearts.

Study Acts 2:42-47

As Bible detectives, let’s look closely at God’s Word so we can learn what Acts 2:42-47 is teaching us. First, ask yourself the question: Who is “they?” Look back at verse 41 for a hint. Did you figure it out? Verse 41 says many people who heard Peter’s message became believers.

A believer is someone who trusts in Jesus to forgive their sins through his life, death, and resurrection. To be a believer means that you see you are a sinner (repent) and believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, rose from the grave, and is Lord. These two things, repentance and faith, come together to make faith.

The believers spent time doing 4 things regularly:

  1. Listening to the teachings of the apostles. These teachings were the apostles re-teaching the things Jesus had taught them! They were continually learning God’s Word and wanted to know it well.
  2. Fellowship. Fellowship is more than just friendship. Fellowship is the deeper bonding that happens with people are saved in Jesus. These believers bonded and grew closer together through their love for Jesus. And not only did these believers bond over Jesus being their Lord and Savior, but they also learned from one another. Take a moment to read verses 45-46. What did the believers spend their time doing when they were together?
  3. Broke bread together. They shared meals together.
  4. Praying together. Prayer is our way of talking with God.

For Deeper Study 

Read the following verses and write down what each verse has to say about prayer.

  • 1 Peter 5:7
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
  • Philippians 4:6-7
  • Matthew 5:44
  • Colossians 4:2

Why did the apostles do these 4 things? Read Acts 2:47 again.

So that many people would be “added to their number.” They wanted to see many people come to know Jesus as their Savior. They devoted themselves to these 4 things so that other people would see them and see the Gospel in them.

Respond:

  1. How do you practice these 4 things with other believers in your life?
  2. What can you do this week to practice prayer?
  3. Who can you invite to fellowship with this week?
  4. Who in your life doesn’t know Jesus that you can invite into a fellowship time with other believers?