Together!

Today, I started reading the Book of Acts in my Bible reading plan. The first three chapters are packed full of amazing content. At the end of chapter two, verses 42-47 stood out to me. They describe an amazing fellowship of believers. In the NLT, “share” is used four times, and “together” is used twice in these verses.

These believers are mentioned as sharing meals, their money, and everything they had. They are also mentioned as being together outside of their worship at the Temple and together in worship at the Temple. They were generous and joyful! All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, … to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper) … all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had … and shared the money with those in need … worshiped together at the Temple each day … and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people … (Acts 2:42–47, NLT)

Believers are not meant to live in isolation, separated from each other. The more the New Testament believers came together and shared everything, the more they grew as a fellowship, the greater their praise to God, and the deeper their goodwill ran. What a reminder in a shallow live-streaming, social digital age, where everyone stays apart, separated by their screens, thinking somehow they have come together while sharing nothing. I am reminded of a verse in Hebrews, And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24–25, ESV) As believers, together in Christ, there is joy, love, and the good works of sharing!

Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Acts 1-3.