Acts 2:42
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Dwell:
The word “devoted” comes from the Greek word proskarteréō (pros-kar-ter-eh'-o). It speaks of someone who is earnest about something, perseveres, attends with care to all activities, and continually gives of themselves.
What are the things the early believers devoted themselves to?
Teaching (Preaching)
Fellowship (Bible Studies/Gathering)
Breaking bread together (Sharing a Meal/The Lord’s supper)
Prayer (Prayer with others)
These verses are both descriptive and prescriptive —that is, they describe the situation and also leave us with patterns we are meant to follow.
What would our lives look like if we were devoted to sound Biblical teaching, read and studied our Bibles independently, lived in Biblical community with fellow believers with whom we regularly broke bread, and prayed fervently as a result of a vibrant personal relationship with Christ?
Thought:
When the early believers converted to Christ, it never occurred to them to fit Him into the margins of their busy lives. They redefined themselves around a new, immovable center. He was not an optional weekend activity, along with the kids’ soccer practices. They put Him and His church and His cause first in their hearts, first in their schedules, first in their budgets, first in their reputations, first in their very lives. They devoted themselves [Ac. 2:42]. [This was] unmistakable evidence that the Holy Spirit was being poured out. - Ray Ortlund
Prayer:
Lord, I desire to be a faithful member of my local church. Thank you that we have access to sound Biblical teaching and preaching. Thank you for Biblical community and brothers/sisters in Christ that will always point me to the Gospel. Lord, let us be men and women that pray fervently and that continues to orient our whole lives around You.
In Christ, Amen.