Acts-Ac.2:37- 47 “Doctrine and fellowship”

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

⁴⁰ And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

⁴¹ Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

⁴² And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Those who submitted to the testimony of Simon Peter that day did according to what was revealed by word of mouth. Simon Peter in turn had received from his Master who had heard from the bosom of his Father. It is thus the eternal word of God did draw a continuous line along the dotted line, which is the will of the Father. The everlasting covenant works not by fireworks and with drumbeats but silently, as the lump of leaven overnights works through the whole batch of meal. There were three thousand souls added to the 12 disciples which was how the principle of Association worked. The Spirit mentions the number as 3×1000.

Doctrine of God became the doctrine of the Son and what was the apostle’s doctrine but their association with Jesus Christ the word become flesh? In short in receiving baptism of water and Spirit in the name of the Father, the Son and the Spirit was merely the start. Their association bound heaven and earth in their testimony. “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”(1 John 1:3) St Peter was no superior than Matthias,’and he was numbered with the eleven apostles’-1:26). For this reason St Paul would justify his ministry since he was set apart by the Holy Ghost. (‘being sent forth by the Holy Spirit’-(13:2-4)

In the face of the persecution the early church gathered together for worship in such manner they could and freely they shared their worldly substance among the faithful. St Paul in his epistle to the church at Corinth with regards to the the needs of the poor, writes, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come./ And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.” (1 Co.16:2-3). The church was concerned for the poor and for the sick, (‘and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,’-2:46) and their fellowship flowed from their heart so they did not let their outward circumstances take hold of their unity.”And all that believed were together, and had all things common;/ And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need./ And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple.”(2:44-46)

Whether the church gathered in the temple or in the open by river banks the fellowship was more vital than their outward circumstances.

“Even as many as the Lord shall call’ had faith so their communal living was for the good of all. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”(v.47). Faith in the Doctrine of Jesus Christ made their fellowship secure. St Paul would however warn, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock./ Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them./ Therefore watch, and remember.”(20:29-31).

Important point is that how fellowship is carried on is left to circumstance but doctrine is fixed and non-negotiable. St Paul in his time did not fashion his ministry for his prosperity since being found faithful was more important than his own life. What was his testimony? “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel./ Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me./ I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”(20:33-35)