“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
(Acts 2:42)
The early church began after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ when the Holy Spirit was given to His followers during the feast of Pentecost.
This special event, recorded in the Book of Acts, marked the beginning of the Christian community as a living body of believers who gathered to worship God, learn from the apostles, and live in harmony with one another.
The early Christians faced many difficulties, but their faith in Jesus helped them grow stronger and stay united even in the face of danger and suffering.
Their story shows how a small group of men and women spread the message of Jesus across many lands, touching countless lives through their love and their witness.
The history of the early church is both a spiritual and historical record of how faith in Jesus took root and spread from Jerusalem to many parts of the Roman world.
Growth of the Church After Pentecost
After Jesus ascended to heaven, His followers waited in Jerusalem just as He had told them to do.
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon them with power, and they began to speak in different languages, allowing people from many places to hear the message in their own tongues.
This miracle caused many to believe, and on that day alone, about three thousand people were baptized and added to the church.
They met daily in homes and in the temple, shared their possessions, and prayed together with joy and simplicity.
The number of believers continued to grow as more people saw the love and power of God at work among them.
“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47)
The Apostles and Their Work
The apostles were chosen by Jesus to teach others everything He had taught them.
They preached boldly about His life, death, and resurrection, even when they were arrested and threatened by religious leaders.
Peter and John healed a man at the temple gate, and this act of healing brought more attention to the message of Jesus.
Despite being told not to speak about Jesus again, they continued to preach because they believed they must obey God rather than men.
Their courage and commitment encouraged others to remain strong in their faith.
“We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
The First Martyrs and Persecution
As the number of Christians grew, so did opposition from those who did not accept Jesus as the Messiah.
Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, became the first person to die for his belief in Jesus when he was stoned after speaking boldly about Him.
This act of violence caused many Christians to flee from Jerusalem, but even as they scattered, they continued to speak about Jesus wherever they went.
This persecution, instead of stopping the church, helped it spread to other places like Judea and Samaria.
“They that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4)
Paul and the Mission to the Gentiles
One of the greatest changes in the early church came when Saul, a man who once persecuted Christians, had a powerful encounter with Jesus and became known as Paul.
He traveled through many cities, teaching both Jews and non-Jews about salvation through Jesus.
Paul wrote many letters to churches in different areas, encouraging them in their faith and correcting their mistakes.
His missionary journeys helped the church grow beyond the borders of Israel and into the wider Roman Empire.
“For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles.”
(Acts 13:47)
Challenges and Unity in the Early Church
As the church grew, different questions and disagreements arose among the believers.
Some thought new followers must follow Jewish customs, while others believed faith in Jesus was enough.
The leaders came together in Jerusalem to pray and discuss what should be done, and they decided not to burden the new believers with the old laws.
This meeting helped bring peace and showed the value of listening, praying, and working together in love.
The early church, though tested by trials and differences, continued to hold fast to the message of Jesus and stayed strong in unity and hope.
“It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.”
(Acts 15:28)