CRS Keypoints: Fellowship in the Early Church; In the early days of the Church, a strong sense of fellowship and community was deeply ingrained within the hearts of believers. Communal living played a significant role in shaping their shared faith, fostering unity, and facilitating the growth of the Early Church.
This class note is for people sitting for the following examinations: JAMB, WAEC, NECO, GCE, IJMB
In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind communal living in the Early Church, identify the challenges that emerged within this practice, and examine how communal living contributed to the remarkable expansion and vitality of the early Christian community.
CRS Keypoints: Fellowship in the Early Church
I. Reasons for Communal Living in the Early Church:
Communal living held profound meaning and purpose in the Early Church for several reasons. Firstly, the believers recognized that they were part of a new covenant community in Christ. They embraced a shared identity as children of God and sought to live out their faith in a tangible way. Communal living allowed them to express their unity, love, and devotion to God and to one another.
Secondly, the early Christians understood the significance of caring for one another’s practical needs. They recognized that their possessions and resources were not merely for personal gain but were to be used for the well-being of the community. Communal living provided a platform for selflessness, generosity, and mutual support, allowing them to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ who emphasized love, compassion, and sharing.
II. Problems of Communal Living and Their Solutions:
While communal living held great benefits, challenges and problems arose within the early Christian community. Acts 5:1-11 recounts the incident involving Ananias and Sapphira, who dishonestly withheld a portion of their possessions while pretending to give it all. Their deceit brought to light the potential for hypocrisy and selfishness within the communal setting.
In Acts 6:1-6, a dispute arose regarding the equitable distribution of resources among the Hellenistic and Hebrew widows. This highlighted the potential for favoritism and neglect within the community, as different groups felt their needs were not adequately addressed.
To address these problems, the Early Church employed effective solutions guided by the Holy Spirit. The severe consequences faced by Ananias and Sapphira served as a powerful lesson against dishonesty and self-centeredness, emphasizing the importance of integrity and transparency within the community.
In response to the dispute over resource distribution, the apostles appointed a group of individuals known as deacons to oversee the fair allocation of resources and ensure that no one was overlooked. This proactive measure ensured that the needs of all members were met and that fairness and equity prevailed within the community.
CRS Keypoints: Fellowship in the Early Church
III. How Communal Living Helped the Growth of the Early Church:
Communal living played a vital role in the remarkable growth of the Early Church. Firstly, it created an environment of genuine fellowship and deepened connections among believers. Through their shared lives, they experienced mutual support, encouragement, and accountability, fostering a strong sense of unity and brotherhood. This close-knit community attracted others to the faith, as they witnessed the love and care the believers demonstrated toward one another.
Secondly, communal living allowed the early Christians to devote themselves more fully to the study of Scripture, prayer, and the spreading of the Gospel. By sharing resources and responsibilities, they were freed from excessive worldly concerns, enabling them to focus on their spiritual growth and mission.
Lastly, communal living served as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Christ’s love. The selflessness, generosity, and sacrificial living displayed by the early believers challenged societal norms and drew the attention of those outside the community. This witness prompted curiosity and opened doors for conversations about faith, leading to the expansion of the Early Church.
Conclusion:
Communal living played a central role in the Early Church, driven by a desire for unity, shared identity, and mutual care. It enabled the believers to embody the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing love, selflessness, and generosity. Though challenges arose, the Early Church tackled them through wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, ensuring fairness, integrity, and accountability.
Communal living fostered fellowship, deepened relationships, and attracted others to the faith through its powerful witness. By removing distractions and allowing for wholehearted devotion, communal living played a pivotal role in the spiritual growth and remarkable expansion of the Early Church.
As modern believers, may we reflect upon the Early Church’s example and seek to embody the principles of unity, generosity, and mutual support within our own communities. In doing so, we continue the legacy of vibrant and impactful Christian living, spreading the love of Christ to a world in need.
