A typical early church gathering

Have you ever wondered what it must have been like to attend an ordinary gathering of the early church? I think about such things and I find myself longing for time travel, just so I could experience Christianity as described in the Book of Acts. Although I seriously doubt anyone will ever make such a mind-blowing breakthrough, God has given us the amazing faculty of imagination that can make use of descriptive narratives, such as the Gospels and the Book of Acts. Want to go with me on a quick journey?

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Imagine the early church, meeting in the home of Priscilla & Aquila. Christians begin gathering together and it's not just for an hour or two. One family traveled by foot from a neighboring village; and since it was a four-hour journey, they had arrived about sundown the previous day, just in time for the evening meal and some encouraging fellowship before being shown to an upstairs guest room. At daybreak, they joined their hosts in preparing for the arrival of the others, which always centered around a large meal.

During the meal Aquila guides the conversation to something he remembered from the Apostle Paul's last visit. A few others recalled that event with clarity and contributed their impressions of the occasion. And a young man in his twenties—a newcomer to the group—asked Aquila, "What is an apostle?"

After awhile people transition into more localized conversations with those seated close at hand; that is, until a brother begins to share how God has been dealing with him regarding his need to be more trusting of Father’s providential care, rather than worrying about the future. At first, only a few people heard his transparent confession, but as often happens the entire group became tuned into his lone voice and they listened lovingly and compassionately, remembering their own struggles in the past.

Unexpectedly a young woman begins weeping. It turns out that the unscripted confession about trust touches her deeply and it opens up an amazing time of sharing God’s grace and comforting this new believer in the Lord. She felt like an absolute failure. Surely God was disappointed, perhaps even angry with her lack of faith, and her brutal introspection had crippled her joy in Christ.

 While she continues to sob, one voice rings out with a spontaneous prayer,

Father, your grace is so amazing! Your Spirit knows exactly where we hurt and I thank you for preparing our sister for this time of resting in the knowledge of Your love for her. And thank you for our brother's willingness to share his struggles in learning how to trust You. It's such an encouragement to all of us, knowing that no matter how we feel or what we've done, Your love never leaves us or forsakes us!

Another voice picks up from there and a virtual flood of praises and prayers rise from that little group of believers, some expressed in song and others quoting familiar passages from the psalms and the prophets. Over the hours spent together, everyone felt such an amazing oneness of heart and mind, and they really seemed disappointed when one of the brothers pointed out that the sun was quickly fading over the horizon. There was just enough time to get home before dark; and even then, they would need lamps to get the children tucked into bed.

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I believe the early church witnessed the mysterious work of the Holy Spirit in their midst every time they met using ordinary people and their spiritual journeys to minister one to another; and they would depart more encouraged than ever to be salt and light in their community. This early model would be simple enough for anyone to follow, reproducible when the groups outgrew their small homes, and functionally resilient regardless of the culture in which it took root.