COMMUNAL LIVING IN THE EARLY CHURCH

CONTENT

1. Election of the Successor to Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-26)
2. Characteristics of the Early Christian Community (Acts 2:41-47; 4:32-37)
3. The Problems of the Early Christian Community (Acts 5:1-11; 6:1)
4. Solutions to the Problems of the Early Christian Community (Acts 6:2-6)
5. Some Social Problems Facing the the Church Today

Election of the Successor to Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-26)

In obedience to the Jesus’ injunction to his disciples to stay together in Jerusalem, they all returned to Jerusalem where they went into a house, staying together as a community. One of their earliest actions was the replacement of Judas Iscariot, who had long committed suicide following his betrayal of Jesus. To this end, Barnabas and Matthias were selected, but after several rounds of prayer, they cast lots and finally, Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot.

Characteristics of the Early Christian Community (Acts 2:41-47; 4:32-37)

At the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, the number of the disciples including women was about one hundred and twenty (120). After Peter’s speech on the day of Pentecost about three thousand souls were baptized and added to the Church.