Lecture Notes: The Community of Believers (Theme 2B)

Overview

• Study of early Christian community as described in the Acts of the Apostles.
• Acts was likely written by Luke, companion of Paul, between 70 to 90 CE (35-55 years post-Jesus).
• Key question: How does the early Christian community compare to today's church? Should the contemporary church emulate it?

Early Christian Community

• Nature of Worship: Initially, no set days for worship; Jewish Christians observed the Sabbath.
• Formation: Not a single-day service but a movement involving spiritual, social, political, and financial dimensions.
• Terminology: The term "church" derives from the Greek "ecclesia," initially meaning a political assembly.
• Identity: Early Christians still identified with Jewish customs; mixed with Jews but faced rejection of claims about Jesus.
• Baptism: Entry into Christianity; symbolized new life and cleansing from sin.

Key Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

• Core Activities: Apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer.
• Community Life: Shared possessions, met in temple courts, broke bread at home.
• Growth: The Lord added to their numbers daily.

Religious Practices

• Scriptures: Used Old Testament, supplemented by apostles' teachings (kerygma).
• Kerygma: Core gospel message encompassing prophecies fulfilled, Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension; call for repentance and baptism.

Fellowship (Koinonia)

• Meaning: Communion, participation, and relationship with God and each other.
• Communal Living: Shared possessions out of love and selflessness; not early communism but voluntary sharing.

Breaking of Bread

• Interpretation: Could mean Eucharist or simply sharing meals; context-dependent.

Prayer

• Practices: Temple prayers thrice daily; private home prayers.
• Types: Jewish prayers, prayers taught by Jesus, new Christian hymns and psalms.

Evaluation of Early Church Model

• Strengths: United, guided by spirit, strong leadership, mission-oriented.
• Weaknesses: Disobedience, favoritism, leadership inconsistency, limited to converting Jews.
• Contemporary Relevance: Debate whether modern churches should emulate or learn selectively from the early model.

Contemporary Church Comparison

• Similarities: Emphasize apostles' teaching, prayer, fellowship, mission.
• Differences: Varied worship styles, sacramental practices, approaches to mission and outreach.
• Denominational Issues: Diverse interpretation of sacraments and mission; some follow traditional or contemporary worship methods.

Conclusion

• Three perspectives: Early model as ideal, flawed, or selectively good for contemporary emulation.
• Personal stance recommended: Balance and embrace good points while acknowledging flaws.