Acts 2:42 “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Peter had recently delivered that most powerful and moving Sermon (on the day of Pentecost) declaring “that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36); that is, Jesus is the promised Messiah. At that time the Christian Church began to function as we should know and recognize it today. The Church was prospering, and the Lord was adding “to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47); that is, “saved” to the blessings and joy of the Church. A key feature of this Church was that these faithful believers “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”! To be steadfast in “the apostles’ … fellowship” is to be lovingly unified and together as Brethren and Sisters in the House of God. The implication is that they met together often to speak to one another of the teachings (“doctrine”) of Jesus Christ, to pray together, to encourage one another, to help one another, and to express their love for one another in both words and deeds. They were truly Brothers and Sisters, unified by the Spirit of God. In our day, we should put more emphasis on this simple and sincere “fellowship”, the Lord prospers the Church when we do.