Today’s Bible study lesson comes from Acts 2:42-47. Here, we witness the incredible happenings at Pentecost. That day about 3,000 people decided to follow Jesus! Very exciting, right?
But, while all these people engulfed their new faith, they remained “infants” in their understanding of it. In other words, they just took their first steps. The new converts had a lot to learn. And we do too!
As we read this passage together, let’s keep that in mind. Pentecost is not just about the numbers; it’s about growth. So, let’s learn how these new believers connected with one another. And, how it affected their journey.
3,000 Believers at Pentecost: Navigating the Next Steps in Faith
Accepting Jesus as Savior is only the first step in becoming a Christian. Since we are not all-knowing, we need to study and learn more about what it means to be a Christian.
The same was true on the day of Pentecost.
Now that the Christian church is formed, the new fellowship of believers begin to meet in small groups in each others’ homes.
The precedence started here in Acts is still practiced in churches today. Fortunately, these meetings still work today to develop involvement of the worshipers.
You guessed it; These meetings are now called Sunday school!
Beyond the Day of Pentecost – Fellowship of Small Groups & Sunday School
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.
And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. – Acts 2:42-47 NASB
The 3,000 Believers at Pentecost
Remember, at Pentecost there were about 3,000 people who accepted Christ as Savior.
This is the dream of every pastor to preach a sermon where a large number of people come to the alter, wouldn’t you think?
The question is; what happens now?
Small Groups – Sunday School?
When Jesus walked the earth, He gave his message to large crowds (remember the feeding of 5,000?). But, He also led a small group called disciples.
Yes, I know this is common knowledge. But, the point I’d like to make is that, although the crowds heard the sermons, it was in these small, intimate groups where the disciples heard more and came to a greater understanding of who Jesus was.
These small groups meeting in houses basically became the first Sunday school.
This was a place where the new believers could eat and fellowship with each other – while learning more about Christ.
Like Infants after Pentecost
When we first come to be Christians we’re like infants. We know that something has happened but this doesn’t give us complete understanding.
In 1 Corinthians 3:1-2, Paul said…
“And I, brothers and sisters, could not speak to you as spiritual people, but only as fleshly, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to consume it. But even now you are not yet able,”
It takes time to learn about the Bible (we’ll never understand it all) and, this is accomplished best in a small group situation such as Sunday school.
Truthfully, the small group setting helps us to learn more about God — and each other.
The close contact keeps the group informed of individual needs of every person so that help is there when needed – something not as easy to maintain in a large church situation.
So, Peter and the disciples had the right idea when they divided the church into smaller, more manageable groups.
The system they started still lives in the modern church through Sunday school. And, it plays an important part in establishing meaningful relationships with other church members.
I met my best friend (and a Christian mentor) through Sunday school. So, I am convinced of its importance.
About Mentors
Sunday school puts mature Christians in place who become mentors for the people who are new to the faith.
Without a doubt, attending church is important because we hear the message of God each week. But, it’s just as important to join a small group where friendships develop.
In Sunday school, we can become a student of some, and a mentor to others who are just beginning in their journey with Christ.
And, each role is a blessing.
So, please consider joining a Sunday school class if you are not yet a member.
Let’s help make more disciples of Christ — Maybe even more than the 3,000 on the Day of Pentecost!
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read this.
Resources:
Video by Rei Ven