Overview:
Christians have always wondered about the best way to “do” church. It seems like everything is debated—from preaching styles to music genres, from governance structures to outreach models. If only we could go back in time to see how the apostles ran the original church . . .
Well, in fact, we catch a glimpse of the earliest church in Acts 2:41–47.
Take a look at this beautiful snapshot of Christian community with Pastor Chuck Swindoll. While this passage may not settle all our debates, it will certainly help us see the essential features that characterized the first church—and should also characterize our churches today.
Message Summary:
In this message centering on Acts 2:41–47, Chuck Swindoll examines the very first church in history, describing the passage as an “original snapshot” taken by the historian “Dr. Luke.” Swindoll begins by acknowledging the difficult but necessary journey many believers take when leaving a “family church” or a liberal congregation to find a place that truly teaches the Bible. He argues that while traditions and familiar faces are comforting, spiritual growth requires a church grounded in the exposition of Truth [5–8].
Swindoll focuses on the four foundational priorities to which the early believers “devoted” themselves: the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. He defines “devotion” not as a casual interest, but as a steadfast, single-minded commitment, likening it to a professional athlete practicing free throws thousands of times to ensure success [11–13]. Swindoll emphasizes that a Spirit-filled church is fundamentally a studying church, where the Word of God is presented, repeated, and applied [14–15].
The message also challenges the grim, joyless stereotype often associated with religion. Swindoll insists that the early church was filled with “gladness and sincerity of heart,” arguing that enthusiasm is a vital engine for success and that Jesus Himself was not a “statue” devoid of laughter. He concludes by noting that when a church operates with this blend of deep instruction, sacrificial fellowship, and genuine joy, it gains the “goodwill of the people,” making the gospel message magnetic to the outside world [19–21].
Message Key Facts:
- The First Snapshot: Swindoll identifies Acts 2:41–47 as a “passage of primary reference.” Before this moment, there were gatherings and synagogues, but this is the first record of the Ecclesia—the gathered church.
- Church Size: Swindoll points out that the first church was a “mega church” by modern standards, starting with about 3,120 people (3,000 added to the original 120). He notes this is roughly the capacity of his own sanctuary, debunking the idea that large churches are inherently unbiblical.
- The Four Priorities:
- Instruction: The church was a “school in Jerusalem” (quoting John Stott) where believers submitted to apostolic authority. Swindoll warns listeners to avoid churches where the Bible is not the primary text being explained [11, 14–15].
- Fellowship (Koinonia): Swindoll clarifies that biblical fellowship is not just “punch and cookies.” Quoting Kent Hughes, he explains it involves sacrificial giving and sharing of resources to meet needs [16–17].
- Worship: This includes the “breaking of bread” (The Lord’s Supper) and maintaining a sense of awe and stillness before God.
- Prayer: Swindoll calls prayer “the steel in the concrete” of the church’s foundation. Quoting missionary Jim Elliot, he notes, “The saint who advances on his knees never retreats”.
- The Danger of the “Hot House”: Swindoll cites a letter by theologian B.B. Warfield to seminary students, warning them that studying the Bible academically without pausing to worship can turn the heart cold. One must study on their knees.
- The Necessity of Enthusiasm: Swindoll shares his experience of bringing laughter and “fun” back to a somber seminary environment. He quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson, who stated, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm,” to argue that a church should be an exciting, energetic place [19–20].
- Magnetic Evangelism: Quoting his mentor Ray Stedman, Swindoll suggests that if the church truly functioned as intended, the world would be “so curious they couldn’t stay away.” The early church enjoyed the “goodwill of the people” because their community was genuine and life-changing.
Message References:
- Acts 2:41–47: The primary text recording the formation, priorities, and lifestyle of the first church.
- Acts 2:42: “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals… and to prayer”.
- Romans 8:38–39: “For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love…” (Referenced in the prayer/song preceding the sermon).
- Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has made all things beautiful in his time” (Referenced in the opening song lyrics).
