Tuesday, April 21, 2026
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
Every time I read this description of the early church, I sigh. It doesn’t sound very much like a modern congregation, does it? I mean, in some ways it does, maybe. We still share with the needy, we worship together, and we praise God and share our faith. But it’s not to the same extent we see in this chapter. I confess that I’m more likely to think about last week’s argument in the voters’ assembly, or about the fact that two of our families aren’t talking to one another right now.
I suppose it’s natural. I mean, in those earliest days after Jesus’ death and resurrection, when the Holy Spirit had just come upon believers, it’s no wonder they were acting so much like Jesus! It’s kind of like new love, when you feel like you want to do anything you can for the one you love—and it seems easy. How can you not love the One who suffered, died, and rose to save you? But as the months and years go by, the newness wears off, and the temptations and troubles of this world start to reappear in our lives.
I guess we can take this passage two ways. We can look at it and lament how far we’ve fallen as a church—and if that leads us to repentance, that’s a good thing.
But the other way we can use it is to keep it as a goal to shoot for—because here we see very clearly just what the Holy Spirit can do with the hearts of people who are willing to trust in Jesus and let God work through them. As long as we remember it’s God’s work and not our own, we can ask Him to work His will through us as well—even two thousand years later. Because the same God who raised Jesus our Savior from the dead can also work through us, even us—to do the things that show His love to the world.
WE PRAY: Dear Father, let Your Holy Spirit work in me and through me to bring glory to You. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions: