The Early Church Has Important Lessons for the Modern Church
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During His three years on Earth, Jesus taught His disciples about God’s character, Kingdom, and commands. And He invited those followers to form the Church as a way to continue what He started. It was to be a place to mature in their faith, and to minister to each other in love.
After His death on the cross, Jesus gave His Apostles what is known as the Great Commission.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Jesus had a plan to use His church as a part of this mission:
- Believers reaching out into the world beyond the congregation
- Believers sharing the Good News of Jesus with others
- Believers teaching and discipling those who accept Christ
- Believers learning from and leaning on God for anointing, strength and power
God’s vision for the church, both then and today, is so much richer than a to-do list, though. The practices of early church leaders and congregations give us a glimpse of the power that walking in faith together can have on individuals and communities.
Formation of the Early Church
God has always called His people to have fellowship together. Old Testament passages describe believers sharing worship, lifting each other in prayer, and learning more about Him. David wrote this about his experience in the Temple:
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem. That is where the tribes go up — the tribes of the Lord — to praise the name of the Lord according to the statute given to Israel” (Psalm 122:1-2, 4).
Later, Gospel accounts show that Jesus intended to form His church. The Apostles were appointed the first leaders, and their faith was an important foundation for the movement.
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18).
The next years were filled with high ideals and big challenges. Disagreements about Jesus, as well as opposing viewpoints about His teachings, caused some division. Different groups based on specific Apostles or other teachers arose.
But the common thread of faith in the Lord and desire to show the world His love remained. The book of Acts and the letters of Paul show the journey of Christ’s church from its humble beginnings to amazing growth across the region.
5 Qualities of the Early Church That We Can Learn From
Acts 2 is a resource for us about the hearts and minds of early church members. Verses 42 through 47 paint a wonderful picture of the Followers of the Way displaying Christlike qualities in their interactions.
Devotion to the Lord’s teachings
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).
Passion for what God was doing among them
“Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles” (Acts 2:43).
Unity with each other
“All the believers were together and had everything in common” (Acts 2:44).
Generosity to share what they had
“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need” (Acts 2:45).
Boldness to stand apart
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts” (Acts 2:46).
When a church today is aligned with God’s purpose and vision like the early church was, these qualities will naturally shine through.
4 Practices of the Early Church That We Can Learn From
1. Welcoming in All Sorts of People
“Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all” (Colossians 3:11).
The Apostle Paul’s message to the Gentiles - that God’s promises could also be theirs if they had faith in His Son - began opening up the church to people from different backgrounds, areas and customs. This made the church more dynamic.
Today’s church should still be a colorful tapestry that reflects diversity. Believers can share God’s longing to bring everyone into His family, celebrating the bond of love that holds the church together.
2. Committing to Helping Each Other Grow
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:14-15).
The early church leaders, concerned for their flocks’ spiritual health, often referred back to Jesus’ lessons and instructions. Members of the local churches were trained to keep their focus on God’s truths rather than their own opinions, which can change or even go astray.
Churches today need to protect the hearts and minds of those who attend. Christians who handle God’s Word correctly and faithfully will lead others to wisdom and will strengthen the whole community of faith.
3. Having Smaller House Meetings in Addition to Church Services
“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah” (Acts 5:42).
According to Scripture, many of the first gatherings of the followers of Christ were in private homes. These smaller kinds of groups fostered intimate, personal connections and a deeper level of trust between people as they learned more about God.
Today, churches need home groups for the same reasons. Those who host and attend share Bible studies, and more of daily life, together. And that contributes to the health of the whole church.
4. Doing Good Works in the Community
“...in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
The New Testament shows many examples of how the members of the church of Christ built up the villages, towns and cities they lived in. They helped to feed the poor, comforted the sick, and ministered to those who needed help.
The church today must intentionally plan how to go out and impact their neighborhoods and cities - offering love and support in the name of Jesus. Along with practical service, Christians have the ability to bring a touch of God’s grace to the hearts of others.
Going back to basics in any aspect of our faith life renews our spirits. Looking at the passion and purpose of the early church can inspire whole congregations to renew their commitment to worship Jesus and follow His ways well.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” (Hebrews 10:23-25).
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