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Articles
Right Attitudes in the Early Church
Let's study of some of the wonderful attitudes that were manifested in the early church, as we look in the book of Acts.
We read about the fear, reverence, respect, awe of the early Christians. "And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles." Ac.2:43. In Acts 5:5&11, "And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fearcame on all them that heard these things . . . And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things." One more text, "Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied." Acts 9:31. Thus we should be impressed with the fact that the early church had great respect and reverence for the Almighty. The wise man said, in Prov.1:7, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." What we see in the early church is an attitude that I hope we would seek to mimic today among the people of God. There are so many in our society that has no respect for God, and things sacred. We see folks despising the wisdom of God on every hand. But wise men still seek Jesus and the eternal riches of the gospel!
I am impressed with the spirit of sacrifice on the part of the early saints, which is an out growth of their brotherly love. "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." Acts 2:44-45. A little later on we read, "Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet." Acts 4:34-37. This is the only workable form of communism, a voluntary type, for this was done out of love. Acts 5 points out that such actions were not required or forced, "Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?" vs.4. May we be encouraged by the example of these folks, "and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35.
Another outstanding quality that was manifested, was that they had a joyful, upbeat attitude. "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, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Act.2:46-47. These folks had much to be joyful about. They had found salvation, and all it’s attendant blessings, both the now and the blessings that shall be. It is the blessings that Acts 3:19 speaks about, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" There is something very appealing about positive, joyful attitudes. Even in the midst of persecutions, "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name." Acts 5:41. Even in the death of the saints, our sorrow is not like others who have no hope, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope." I Thess.4:13.
In Acts 2:42 we read, "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Notice that they were steadfast in the apostles’ doctrine. This word steadfast is defined as: to be earnest towards, to persevere, be constantly diligent, or to attend assiduously all the exercises, or to adhere closely. These folks desired and were committed to sound doctrine. This is how brethren can dwell together in unity, "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." Ac.2:46. As Amos said long ago, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" ch. 3:3. Yes these believers were in unity, for they all had the mind set to follow sound doctrine. But in time, not all would be satisfied with the truth. In Acts 15 some were teaching erroneous things, but Paul and Barnabas stood up to this error with "no small dissension and disputation with them." After the looking at what the Lord had already revealed, the truth prevailed with most the brethren, "Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church," vs.22. All problems work out when folks love the truth!
