The Jerusalem Church

THE JERUSALEM CHURCH Acts 2 to 8

J. W. McGarvey, respected scholar of the church of Christ, believed the Jerusalem Church to be our model, since the Apostles themselves were the teachers and leaders. Jews from all over the world (2M) had come to Jerusalem for Passover and Pentecost. They had left homes and jobs behind and could devote their entire time to worship and study. With 3000 baptisms that first day (Pentecost) and many baptisms taking place every day, the Jerusalem Church probably grew to at least 100,000 members, before persecution scattered them. Somewhat like a "School of Preaching," both men and women were being prepared to go to all the world with the Gospel - Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, Crucified, Risen, Coming Again!

1. Who were these people?

Those in Jerusalem that Pentecost Sunday were committed people, men and women, believers in Jehovah. They had come to Jerusalem to worship God in the Passover and Pentecost. They knew the Bible - the Prophets, the Psalms, and the Law of Moses. They were expecting the Lord to do great things, but could not know what God would do.

a) Jesus had promised God would act.

"And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Acts 1:4-5

b) Joel’s prophecy. Acts 2:16-21. "But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel . And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My [Holy] Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and daughters shall prophesy... And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

c) Sins forgiven and life bestowed.

Hebrews 8:7-13. "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."

Romans 4:6-8. "Just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works."

Romans 8:1-4. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the [Holy] Spirit."

2. From Pentecost to persecution.

"And that day about 3000 souls [people] were added to them." Acts 2:41.

"The number of men grew to about 5000." Acts 4:4.

"And the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7.

Perhaps to at least 100,000 members before persecution struck. "Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word." Acts 8:4

a) They all met together as a united group.

"So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:46-47

They met in rented facilities: The Jewish Temple. [Church-buildings did not begin until the 3rd century.]

They met every day. Great excitement, holy joy, praise and glory! Acts 2:46.

They ate the Lord’s Supper. From house to house. Acts 2:46.

They prayed and sang the Psalms. Acts 2:42.

They were personally united to Jesus Christ.

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Col 1:27

b) In matters of faith and practice, they learned and obeyed the word of God as the Holy Spirit spoke through the Apostles. "And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all." Acts 4:33