In Acts chapter 2, we have the record of Peter addressing the crowd of those who came from the surrounding area. People had heard that men who were Galilæans were speaking in a number of other known languages (verse 6, 8, 11). They were amazed and wondered how that was possible.
And so Peter stood up with the eleven and explained to them that this was of the Spirit. He continued to preach about Christ and ended by saying, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36)
“37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:37-42)
How wonderful that on that day three thousands souls repented, were baptized and added to the church!
We read in verse 42 these new believers “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” They were committed to
“Apostles’ doctrine.” (The Truth) They desired and followed the teachings of the apostles.
“Fellowship.” (The Tie) They wanted to be with God’s people – those who were like-minded.
“Breaking of Bread.” (The Table) This is a reference to the Lord’s Supper. The early church broke bread on the first day of the week, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread,…” (Acts 20:7) They remembered the Lord Jesus in his death in the breaking of the bread and drinking of the wine (1 Corinthians 11:24, 25).
“Prayers.” (The Throne) They came together to pray for their needs and for others, expressing dependence upon God for all things, as well as to praise and worship God.
The expression “continued steadfastly” gives the thought of them persevering and being dedicated and committed to doing those things.
We would do well to follow and continue with this pattern of the meetings of the early church as presented here in Acts.