Reflection on Acts 2:41-42

“Those who received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship (koinonia), in the breaking of bread (Eucharist), and in prayers.” That was the fruit of the descent of the Holy Spirit and of Peter’s sermon – the Church – living fellowship – was born and started to grow. On the seventh day, Sunday, when we commemorate the Resurrection of Christ and the Descent of the Holy Spirit, we try to find time for prayer, Divine Liturgy and fellowship. Here we can receive again the apostles’ doctrine through the Word of God and also receive encouragement through the examples of saints and martyrs as well as through personal testimonies of faith.

We need to realize time and again that we live this life only once, and the purpose of life is not to eat or drink or sleep or just accumulate property or make a career. The purpose of life is to love God, to serve Him, and after death to enter into eternal glory, to be with Christ, saints and angels forever. Our life is just a test; it is a hard fight, and therefore we need the means. Here the Scripture mentions four means which the Church was built on:

1) prayer,

2) apostles’ doctrine (i.e. the Bible as understood and taught by the apostles),

3) Divine Liturgy,

4) fellowship.

The celebration of Sunday through these four means will lead to spiritual resurrection of the family and of the entire nation. This is our mission – to be witnesses of Christ, to remain faithful to Jesus. The Spirit of God will give us the strength.

Download: Reflection on Acts 2:41-42