It is positioned at the moment of creation of the church as we know it today and represents the bridge between the Old and New Testaments. For that reason, we must approach it with a unique mindset but take the central messages to heart.
Keep reading for an exploration of the central lessons found within the church in Acts 2. Churches can use this chapter as a tool to remain grounded and healthy, keeping the church establishment as God intended.
Acts 2 Summary
This chapter is the second part of Luke’s gospel and joins the teachings and actions of Jesus. It follows the apostles’ preachings as they were filled with the Holy Ghost on the day of the Pentecost. After receiving the gift of tongues as they preached the gospel, God's influence went further than ever before.
Three thousand souls were converted that day after hearing the apostles preach. They were baptized and welcomed to repent, receive the Holy Ghost, and be welcomed by God. This moment heavily influenced the establishment of the church and marks the beginning of the Christian church’s world mission.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
Acts 2:41 (NIV)
Spread the Word of Jesus
The Pentecost enabled the apostles to communicate with all the people of Jerusalem fluently and concisely. It became clear to all the disciples that their mission from God was to share the word of Jesus far and wide. This was one of the most important missions for the early church.
Spreading Jesus’s love remains a key mission in the church today, as missionary work knows no limit and stops at no border. Although this quote is from Acts 1, it holds significance for the entirety of the Acts of the Apostles chapter and influences Acts 2 greatly.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Reaching the Jewish People
Another significant element of Acts 2 that we can take guidance from today is how the apostles insisted on meeting in the temple courts. Although they had other places to meet, they knew that they would encounter many Jewish people here who had not yet learned of Jesus.
Stepping outside of the church confines is necessary to spread His word far and wide. We must hold that lesson close to our hearts as leaders of churches in the 21st century, as it becomes easy to stay within our Christian communities. Had the apostles done that, few would have been converted.
“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.”
– Acts 2:46 (NIV)
Address Objections with Kindness
It is interesting to note the calmness held by Peter when he spoke to the crowd at the Pentecost. There were mixed reactions to the apostles speaking in tongues, with some claiming they must be drunk and scoffing at the idea of a miracle. This is something faced by many church members who reach out to the community.
Instead of responding with anger or demanding the people have faith, Peter explained to them with care what they needed to know. Similarly, he did not back down from the responsibility of explaining. He proceeded with care and caution, but he proceeded nonetheless.
“Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!”
Acts 2:14-15 (NIV)
What Makes a Church Healthy?
Many aspects make up a healthy church. From the way it is run to how it interacts with outsiders, having a balanced establishment will typically breed an emotionally healthy church. Acts 2 gives us an insight into what having a healthy church means today if we appreciate that the apostles still had a lot to learn.
In order to speak with authority, we must let the voice of God flow through us as we navigate ministry. The authentication of God through miracles meant the proclamation of the gospel by the apostles was seen as authoritative. While we don’t always have miracles by our side, we must teach in the knowledge that He is with us and lead with strength.
"Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”
Acts 2:43 (NIV)
Healthy churches come in all shapes and sizes. If we follow the church in Acts 2, the main message we can take away is to welcome all and strive to meet them where they are. The Acts 2 church was one of the earliest, so there was still much to learn. By taking these central messages as lessons, we can transform how we lead our churches every single day.