Acts 2:46 - Every day they continued to meet together...

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

The identity of the early Church was found both in the temple (corporate worship) and in homes (small groups). This practice helped cultivate glad and sincere hearts. It nourished the praise of God and favor with people who were not praising God - yet.

In our current age of technological advances and streamlined lifestyles glad and sincere hearts seem to be idealistic. But the Scripture shows us that as good as technology and ease are, they can't produce the satisfaction that Spirit birthed community can. Both the corporate and intimate expressions of faith are needed to bring us to spiritual health.

Today's Commentary by:
David Whitehead, Pastor, Grace NYC

Acts 2:44 - All the believers were together and had everything in common

All the believers were together and had everything in common.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

In another part of Scripture Jesus was referenced as saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive". This statement became alive in the early church. It implies that they were a community who knew each other enough to discern the true needs of people.

Charity was directly connected to community. It is easier to give to anonymous people than to take the time to get to know our neighbor. The act of giving in community requires discernment, humility, and trust in God and those involved. This is the heritage that God created for us to learn from and practice.

Today's Commentary by:
David Whitehead, Pastor, Grace NYC