Reading: “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:46–47

It’s always good when reading scripture to note words, phrases, or themes that appear regularly. The repetition of a certain subject is not by accident. If God speaks on an issue once, we must pay attention. But when He speaks numerous times and sometimes with the same words on a particular theme, we would be fools to ignore it.

For the third time God highlights that the early New Testament church was in one accord. That is an amazing statement given the political and social makeup of the church. There were people from different backgrounds, political persuasions, and cultures, but they are all in one accord.

From a human perspective this kind of unity would be impossible! So what was the uniting factor? It was Christ! They had a common Saviour; their hearts were knit together through Him. But we need to note also that this harmony was promoted in the absence of selfishness and pride. The saints worshipped together and looked out for each other. They fellowshipped together and they laid aside financially so that others could be helped. There was a spirit of sacrifice, humility, and selflessness.

If there are two things that threaten to destroy the witness of the church, they are selfishness and proud individualism. The Christian life is not about me. It is about Christ.