What makes up a community? A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
What gives us a sense of community? The condition of sharing or having certain attitudes and interests in common.
Hebrews 13:16
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
In Biblical times, what distinguished the Jewish people was their desire to follow the laws of Moses. Their dedication to the laws of Moses is what set them apart from all other people.
Within the Jewish community there were other factors that distinguished them too, such as their country of origin, whether they were from the original tribe of Israel or not, which part of Israel they came from, the language they spoke, whether Greek or Hebrew, their looks, rich or poor etc. There were even religious and political factions as well, such as the Zealots, the Pharisees and the Saducees. In Modern day times, if we just look at our country alone, South Africa, we can relate in some sort, because we are such a diverse people. We have all kinds of people, from different parts of the country, 11 official languages, some of which are also linked to tribes, but even in that, we share a spirit of “Ubuntu” – a quality that includes the essential human virtues, such as compassion and humanity.
So they were a group of individuals that shared a common interest or purpose, but they also differed in some respects. Even with all these factors that made these people so distinct, there was one thing all Jews wanted – All Jews wanted a Messiah to deliver them from the harsh Roman Rule.
After Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension, many started believing in Jesus Christ and that He is the Messiah. So there was a group that believed, and those that questioned.
The Bible explains in the book of Acts chapter 2, how the believers form a community:
Acts 2: 42 – 45
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” How beautiful is that…They saw to each other’s needs, and shared what they had.
Acts 2:46 – 47 continues:
“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
Acts 4:32 – 35
“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.”
As the chapters unfold, believers are greatly persecuted, Stephen, whom the bible speaks about as being one of the 7 men chosen to serve, who had a good reputaion, and was filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom, gets stoned to death…and following this many belivers leave Jerusalem and are scattered all over in neighboring parts, there were some in Cyprus and Antioch and other parts. The disciples continued encoraging believers to continue in faith, and encouraged them all, that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord, and the bible says a great many people were added to the Lord, so the community of believers continued to grow. In Acts chapter 11, a famine hits, so there is an extreme scarcity of food, and the disciples take action:
Acts 11:29 – 30
“Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”
Galations 6:2 teaches us that we should “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
The Eyewitness Bible Series, puts it so aptly, and I quote “Paul taught that community was not just amoung the members of one church, but community is amoung churches throughout God’s kingdom. God’s commuinty is worldwide, and Christians are to take care of each other, regardless of their location.”
So like the disciples, and the early church did so well, let us be of one heart and soul, selfless, and bear one another’s burdens…and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Article written by Eulalia Vaughan