Timothy Nathanael, a doulos of Christ and the Brother behind the wall: to the Saints in God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the promised Holy Spirit; grace, peace and mercy be upon you.
When I started this study in Acts so many months ago, there were a couple of verses that I really wanted to teach on. Now if I was a topical teacher, I could spend months just teaching my pet peeves and driving home the points of Christianity upon which I want to focus. 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us we need to be “Rightly dividing the word of Truth”. We can do this by studying the complete word of God, both the old and the new Testaments and as my spiritual Father does and my forefathers did, I prefer to teach the Word of God chapter by chapter and line by line. In this way, I get out of the way of God and He teaches His message and I don’t try to teach my agenda, allowing the Holy Spirit to be Himself in each of your lives. In teaching this way, there are times when I will come across things which “I” just don’t want to teach on; such as I Corinthians 7 “Principles of Marriage”. Being an adulterer, I have to teach from the perspective of my sin and not from the victory over the flesh. The natural man tells me, “Oh, Tim, there is so much in the Bible to teach…leave this to someone else.” The spirit man will tell you that after teaching about marriage and my fall from grace, that not I, but the Spirit through me was able to touch brothers and sisters in a way that someone who had not gotten trapped by pornography and sexual sin could not do. The only way to be a full Christian is to know His complete word, not just our doctrine or denomination, but His Word. In doing this, we will come across a chapter or verse that challenges our thinking of the walk and will mold us into the image of Christ.
This month is not one of those hard, get out of the way teachings; it has been called the blueprint of the New Testament church and when you read books, sometimes it will be referred as the “Acts Two Church”. It is one of the cornerstones of Calvary Chapel Distinctives as well as a big part of the Phish Bowl message. Now, the good news! I’m not going to teach as big of a chunk of Acts as I did last month. We are going to touch on Acts 2:40-47. Yes, this is not a misprint. Only 7 verses! I do have a strong opinion on this and the 2011 church getting so far away from Acts 2:42.
Acts 2:40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Saints, I so love these verses and until you get to worship in a prison church, you don’t know what you’re missing. I could try to write about the fellowship in the prison church family and how deep it is, but to tell you the truth, you will never get it unless you come and experience it in prison. Just ask a prison missionary or a prison chaplain who volunteers his time day after day and week after week.
The response to Peter’s sermon that we covered last month was tremendous and it created needs and responsibilities. The Apostles had the duty of training these new believers and bringing them into fellowship as one. This was a four step process which I have a hard time finding in the church outside the wall today. I see crazy pastors teaching on their personal soap box week after week which causes division. Churches that will not fellowship with the church across the street, the family of believers that only get together on Sunday morning for an hour, and when the pastor announces a “prayer meeting”, only 2 or 3 show up. This couldn’t be farther from the Acts Two blue print.
So, let’s start by looking at each one of these four steps. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine”. Paul gives us some insights to his teaching in Acts 20:20... “I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And in the letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 9:16 “For if I preach the gospel (good news), I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” Now I know a couple of you are going to tell me “I walk as Jesus did, not Paul.” OK. Let’s go to Luke 24:13-27: Luke 24:13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 17 And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?" 18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?" 19 And He said to them, "What things?" So they said to Him, "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 "and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 "But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 "Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 "When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 "And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see." 25 Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 "Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. (NKJV).
Let’s read that again beginning at “Moses and the prophets, he expounded (taught) to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself”. Jesus decided how and what to teach and that was Him. Now it does not say for a fact, but I can imagine Him going through all of the feast days and showing how they pointed right to Him, the Prophet wrote about this or that…it was Him. He was speaking of Himself.
What we are being taught here in Acts 2:42 is that the remaining eleven apostles with the 120 disciples (from Acts 1:15), began to teach these new believers. They passed onto the Jewish believers a full account of Jesus’ life and His teaching. This would have included much of what is recorded in the four gospels. In addition to this, they would have helped provide a new perspective on the Old Testament, explaining how Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecies. As we go through the Bible from the old to the new, we can see how important it was for these new believers and churches to be taught the different subjects and at times their insight on upcoming issues in the church. This is why the Bible has the writings of Paul, Peter, John, James, Jude and the writer of Hebrews, to guide us, “the Apostles teach”. Side note: I am a full gospel teacher, teaching from both the Old and the New Testaments. We don’t want to throw away the Old Testament; we need it all to be completely formed into the image of Christ.
Acts 2:42: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship…” The Greek word translated “fellowship” means sharing in the lives of other believers. As we continue on in Acts, this training will include issues about coming together as one—the Jewish believer and the Greek believer. These hours would have most likely been spent discussing what was being taught to them by the apostles, encouraging and challenging each other and enjoying one another in the family bond that the Spirit was creating among the new church. As we further study God’s Word, we will see that “fellowship” manifested itself as love; love for one another, love for their neighbors and in sharing with the poorer brothers and sisters of this new community.
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread…”
(Breaking of bread is daily and not just on Sunday morning.) I went to church this morning and grabbed every commentary off of the shelf and read about “breaking of bread”. I found this: Lord’s Supper, love feast, banquet of the many and on and on. So, I went to prayer and meditation. Here is what I can share with you. This expression refers to both the sharing of ordinary meals together, furthering their fellowship, and to remembering the significance of the death of the Messiah, by celebrating what came to be known as the “Lord’s Supper”. It is not one or the other; it is both at the same time. If you don’t agree, ask yourself this question: Acts 6:2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables (italics mine). We will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word… So, if it is not both, why did they need to get Stephen with the other six to handle this business so they could spend their time teaching? I will add this not to avoid giving everyone a voice… Some very old men of great teaching do like to pound home that this did not indorse “Communal living”. I can also see these same wonderful men calling for the closing of the houses in California that are a part of our Calvary Chapel history. I have a different opinion that is colored by the family of believers here in prison and our daily walk.
Acts 2:42: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” God tells us “if my people will seek my face…” Is the church today afraid of prayer or have we just lost faith in it? I’m just asking the question because most of the time, all I hear is prayers to get me out of this, I need this, fix all the things that I have messed up. Why don’t we seek His face and His will for our lives instead of using prayer time to tell God how we think our life should be, or using it as a good excuse to gossip, wrapped in a prayer request, of course.
It seems like the first Christians spent much time before the Lord in prayer. They prayed privately and also prayed together as a group. Some commentaries pointed out that some maintained the Jewish pattern of setting aside three times a day for focusing on prayer. If we close our eyes, we can see the new church praising God as well as asking Him for guidance and for boldness in proclaiming the gospel.
As for verses 43-47, I was going to expound on this, but my heart tells me that if you don’t understand these verses just by reading them, then I need to pray for you. All I have to do is to listen to all of the reasons which people give for not giving as we live in big houses, drive fancy cars and eat out 5 times a week, as our pastor tries to keep the door open, so it’s clear…I’m not asking for anything. Some wonderful saints supply what you are unable to and God has always made sure that Phish Bowl Coffee House has what it needs. But, have you asked the pastor of your church, “Are we meeting the bills, or is there a family in our church that could use some help”? No…we are more like Daffy Duck with the Giant Pearl: “It’s mine…mine…mine.”
Apostles Doctrine: 2Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Fellowship: Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Breaking of Bread: Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Prayer: 2 Chronicles 7:14 "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Did I not tell you in the beginning that I have some hard held beliefs when it comes to this verse by verse way of studying? We here in prison study the word daily, hold each other accountable, break bread daily, pray many times throughout the day, and go to the yard and laugh and cry with each other. I have been blessed to have had this training. Oh, without the chains, I wish you too could experience how deep the fellowship really can be when the world is not the point. And when knowing Christ is all...a doulos.
When I started this study in Acts so many months ago, there were a couple of verses that I really wanted to teach on. Now if I was a topical teacher, I could spend months just teaching my pet peeves and driving home the points of Christianity upon which I want to focus. 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us we need to be “Rightly dividing the word of Truth”. We can do this by studying the complete word of God, both the old and the new Testaments and as my spiritual Father does and my forefathers did, I prefer to teach the Word of God chapter by chapter and line by line. In this way, I get out of the way of God and He teaches His message and I don’t try to teach my agenda, allowing the Holy Spirit to be Himself in each of your lives. In teaching this way, there are times when I will come across things which “I” just don’t want to teach on; such as I Corinthians 7 “Principles of Marriage”. Being an adulterer, I have to teach from the perspective of my sin and not from the victory over the flesh. The natural man tells me, “Oh, Tim, there is so much in the Bible to teach…leave this to someone else.” The spirit man will tell you that after teaching about marriage and my fall from grace, that not I, but the Spirit through me was able to touch brothers and sisters in a way that someone who had not gotten trapped by pornography and sexual sin could not do. The only way to be a full Christian is to know His complete word, not just our doctrine or denomination, but His Word. In doing this, we will come across a chapter or verse that challenges our thinking of the walk and will mold us into the image of Christ.
This month is not one of those hard, get out of the way teachings; it has been called the blueprint of the New Testament church and when you read books, sometimes it will be referred as the “Acts Two Church”. It is one of the cornerstones of Calvary Chapel Distinctives as well as a big part of the Phish Bowl message. Now, the good news! I’m not going to teach as big of a chunk of Acts as I did last month. We are going to touch on Acts 2:40-47. Yes, this is not a misprint. Only 7 verses! I do have a strong opinion on this and the 2011 church getting so far away from Acts 2:42.
Acts 2:40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Saints, I so love these verses and until you get to worship in a prison church, you don’t know what you’re missing. I could try to write about the fellowship in the prison church family and how deep it is, but to tell you the truth, you will never get it unless you come and experience it in prison. Just ask a prison missionary or a prison chaplain who volunteers his time day after day and week after week.
The response to Peter’s sermon that we covered last month was tremendous and it created needs and responsibilities. The Apostles had the duty of training these new believers and bringing them into fellowship as one. This was a four step process which I have a hard time finding in the church outside the wall today. I see crazy pastors teaching on their personal soap box week after week which causes division. Churches that will not fellowship with the church across the street, the family of believers that only get together on Sunday morning for an hour, and when the pastor announces a “prayer meeting”, only 2 or 3 show up. This couldn’t be farther from the Acts Two blue print.
So, let’s start by looking at each one of these four steps. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine”. Paul gives us some insights to his teaching in Acts 20:20... “I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And in the letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 9:16 “For if I preach the gospel (good news), I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” Now I know a couple of you are going to tell me “I walk as Jesus did, not Paul.” OK. Let’s go to Luke 24:13-27: Luke 24:13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 17 And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?" 18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?" 19 And He said to them, "What things?" So they said to Him, "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 "and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 "But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 "Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 "When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 "And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see." 25 Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 "Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. (NKJV).
Let’s read that again beginning at “Moses and the prophets, he expounded (taught) to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself”. Jesus decided how and what to teach and that was Him. Now it does not say for a fact, but I can imagine Him going through all of the feast days and showing how they pointed right to Him, the Prophet wrote about this or that…it was Him. He was speaking of Himself.
What we are being taught here in Acts 2:42 is that the remaining eleven apostles with the 120 disciples (from Acts 1:15), began to teach these new believers. They passed onto the Jewish believers a full account of Jesus’ life and His teaching. This would have included much of what is recorded in the four gospels. In addition to this, they would have helped provide a new perspective on the Old Testament, explaining how Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecies. As we go through the Bible from the old to the new, we can see how important it was for these new believers and churches to be taught the different subjects and at times their insight on upcoming issues in the church. This is why the Bible has the writings of Paul, Peter, John, James, Jude and the writer of Hebrews, to guide us, “the Apostles teach”. Side note: I am a full gospel teacher, teaching from both the Old and the New Testaments. We don’t want to throw away the Old Testament; we need it all to be completely formed into the image of Christ.
Acts 2:42: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship…” The Greek word translated “fellowship” means sharing in the lives of other believers. As we continue on in Acts, this training will include issues about coming together as one—the Jewish believer and the Greek believer. These hours would have most likely been spent discussing what was being taught to them by the apostles, encouraging and challenging each other and enjoying one another in the family bond that the Spirit was creating among the new church. As we further study God’s Word, we will see that “fellowship” manifested itself as love; love for one another, love for their neighbors and in sharing with the poorer brothers and sisters of this new community.
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread…”
(Breaking of bread is daily and not just on Sunday morning.) I went to church this morning and grabbed every commentary off of the shelf and read about “breaking of bread”. I found this: Lord’s Supper, love feast, banquet of the many and on and on. So, I went to prayer and meditation. Here is what I can share with you. This expression refers to both the sharing of ordinary meals together, furthering their fellowship, and to remembering the significance of the death of the Messiah, by celebrating what came to be known as the “Lord’s Supper”. It is not one or the other; it is both at the same time. If you don’t agree, ask yourself this question: Acts 6:2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables (italics mine). We will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word… So, if it is not both, why did they need to get Stephen with the other six to handle this business so they could spend their time teaching? I will add this not to avoid giving everyone a voice… Some very old men of great teaching do like to pound home that this did not indorse “Communal living”. I can also see these same wonderful men calling for the closing of the houses in California that are a part of our Calvary Chapel history. I have a different opinion that is colored by the family of believers here in prison and our daily walk.
Acts 2:42: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” God tells us “if my people will seek my face…” Is the church today afraid of prayer or have we just lost faith in it? I’m just asking the question because most of the time, all I hear is prayers to get me out of this, I need this, fix all the things that I have messed up. Why don’t we seek His face and His will for our lives instead of using prayer time to tell God how we think our life should be, or using it as a good excuse to gossip, wrapped in a prayer request, of course.
It seems like the first Christians spent much time before the Lord in prayer. They prayed privately and also prayed together as a group. Some commentaries pointed out that some maintained the Jewish pattern of setting aside three times a day for focusing on prayer. If we close our eyes, we can see the new church praising God as well as asking Him for guidance and for boldness in proclaiming the gospel.
As for verses 43-47, I was going to expound on this, but my heart tells me that if you don’t understand these verses just by reading them, then I need to pray for you. All I have to do is to listen to all of the reasons which people give for not giving as we live in big houses, drive fancy cars and eat out 5 times a week, as our pastor tries to keep the door open, so it’s clear…I’m not asking for anything. Some wonderful saints supply what you are unable to and God has always made sure that Phish Bowl Coffee House has what it needs. But, have you asked the pastor of your church, “Are we meeting the bills, or is there a family in our church that could use some help”? No…we are more like Daffy Duck with the Giant Pearl: “It’s mine…mine…mine.”
Apostles Doctrine: 2Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Fellowship: Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Breaking of Bread: Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Prayer: 2 Chronicles 7:14 "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Did I not tell you in the beginning that I have some hard held beliefs when it comes to this verse by verse way of studying? We here in prison study the word daily, hold each other accountable, break bread daily, pray many times throughout the day, and go to the yard and laugh and cry with each other. I have been blessed to have had this training. Oh, without the chains, I wish you too could experience how deep the fellowship really can be when the world is not the point. And when knowing Christ is all...a doulos.
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