Exploring the Book of Acts: Missional CommunitySample

The New Community

The pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost created an opportunity for Peter to boldly proclaim Jesus’ death and resurrection. Horrified to realise that they had executed the Messiah, 3,000 members of the crowd repented and publicly declared their allegiance to the Lord Jesus through baptism. Day by day, the young church gathered in the temple to learn from the apostles and to pray while the apostles performed signs and wonders. Day by day, they gathered in homes to eat together, enjoy fellowship, and meet one another’s practical needs. The work of the Spirit was evident in every aspect as a truly missional community was born.

Read Acts 2:36-47 and then consider:

1. What does the crowd's response to Peter’s preaching reveal about the work of the Holy Spirit? Why is it significant that they were promised the gift of the Holy Spirit if they would respond to God’s calling?
2. Community life with other believers is an integral part of the basic Christian life. In your own words, describe the activities and characteristics of the early Christian community.
3. What was attractive about this group of believers? How did their life together impact their mission?
4. Notice the missional progression in this passage: clear preaching about Jesus’ identity, which led to conviction, repentance, baptism, receiving forgiveness and the Holy Spirit; deep commitment to community life, which in turn led to more who believed and joined the community. In your church context, are there gaps in this progression? If so, how can those gaps be addressed?