They Adhered with Strength
The Fellowship of the Earliest Church1. When the Church was new, it was a glorious sight to see. It had been birthed in power and glory, and would continue that way for some 300 years! One of the secrets of the Church's power was its fellowship. Their fellowship was based upon their oneness in Christ.
2. The Greek word for their fellowship was "koinonia." It meant "joint participation." They were joint participants in the gospel, in Christ, in the Lord's supper, in faith, in baptism, in grace, in the Holy Spirit, in love, and in power.
3. But more than that, all of these things had become the greatest reality of their lives, and the greatest joy they had ever known because of what they had seen and heard. They had seen the empty tomb. Many of them had seen Jesus after He had raised from the dead. After Jesus' ascension into heaven, they saw miracles, signs, and wonders done in His name. They knew the power and love of God for themselves. One (non Christian) historian said of them, "It was the miracle confirming the religion at every point." It was an exciting time to be a believer in the Church. Society was being transformed. The Church was alive, and well, and witnessing with power. As the apostle John later wrote,
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life - the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the father and was manifested to us - that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. I John 1:1-3
4. These first Christians had connection with God, and they knew it. They felt His very presence every time they got together, and adhered themselves with strength to this fellowship. This was not the dead works/righteousness of religion. This was relationship with God. These people knew that GOD loved them. Their fellowship was with God. The result was confident witness, powerful preaching, steadfast love for one another, spiritual worship, heartfelt praise, etc...
5. The book of Acts gives us a glimpse of that first, formative fellowship in the earliest Church, at Jerusalem.
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, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47
6. "Breaking bread from house to house" means they shared a common meal. There were about 3,000 believers by that time, so they could not all eat at the same house. No doubt there were many small groups of people gathering in homes throughout the city. The purpose of these gatherings was simply to be together and share their common experience. Families just naturally do that - and this was the family of Christ. When they got together they celebrated their joint participation in Christ. There was cause to celebrate - they had been set free.
note: Reconciliation between people who had been enemies had to be one of their new found freedoms. Old enemies had now become brothers and sisters in Christ. What amazement and joy the people must have felt - to see themselves hugging one another. Tears flowed freely as the people began to experience the reality of Jesus' forgiveness.
The meetings could last for hours. Anyone who has ever participated in any great event knows the joy of talking about it afterwards. I suppose the subject of conversation was, "What has Christ done today?" So, as they basked in the glow of Christian love, time would slip by. No one wanted to go home. They solved the problem by staying, and eating a common meal. Perhaps this was the first Christian potluck. It was called "breaking bread."