NEW TESTAMENT ASSEMBLY LIFE
By Kent Secor
INTRODUCTION
I wrote this originally as a series of posts, in a Christian forum discussion in response to a direct question to me as to what I thought meetings should be like. As I considered the question and studied out the New Testament (NT) to answer it, I found what I now present in this little booklet.
My life in Christ has always been a radical, iconoclastic one. When some one said that something was true, I wanted proof. Early on I was taught that the scriptures are the basis for our knowledge of faith and life in Christ, so I would compare what I read and was taught to the scriptures to prove or disprove a doctrine or practice.
The answers I got to some of my questions, even though they were supported by scripture quotes, didn't always seem right to me. Some teachers encouraged me to dig deeper into the scriptures and study what other scholars and teachers said. For 25 years I practiced my faith within the confines of the institutional Churches. I knew no other way to be the Body of Christ. I believed what I had been taught, that the modern Church fulfilled the NT teaching for the Body of Christ. Yet, some things didn't set right with me, some questions about modern church practices continued to persist over the years as I continued to grow in the grace of Christ.
My seeking of the Lord for answers led me to go back, back to the Book, and the writings of the early church. I wanted to try to gain the ideas that the first and second generations of believers lived with. I wanted to learn what they did in their day because of their faith in Jesus the Christ.
What I discovered was that the NT assemblies lived by simple truth, and had a simple lifestyle of faith and love. They were a community of believers who lived out their love for God by simply and practically loving one another. They sought to serve one another out of a pure heart. They sought to meet each others needs in real practical ways, giving food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, clothes to the naked and shelter to the homeless.
They saw themselves as a living sacrifice, a new priesthood in Christ, a temple made by God's hands for Him to dwell in, a people of God. Two peoples, Jew and Gentile, joined into one people in Christ, making the New Covenant Kingdom.
They met in each others' homes or the home of a wealthy believer who could accommodate all. They met to eat a meal, a celebration feast unto the Lord Jesus who had redeemed them and placed them in the body of believers. They functioned in an open meeting format, with each one bringing to the meeting what the Lord in His grace had given them to share. Elders, who in their maturity knew the Lord and His voice, provided oversight as the Body functioned as a whole under the headship of Jesus and unto the praise of His glory. They came together to encourage each other in their walk in Christ.
I present this study as a compilation of my studies. I do not mean this to be a comprehensive teaching. I do not believe that someone’s systematic theology can answer all questions for all people in all times. By offering this teaching I am not trying to tell you or anyone what to do. But rather I am attempting to answer the question of what the first generation of believers did do as a community of followers of Jesus Christ. My thinking is that in knowing and understanding what the NT assemblies did, we can better judge our own practices.
I see teaching as a means to encourage others in the Way of Christ, like a road map shows the way to travel from one land to another. The map is not the journey, knowing the map is not the journey, the map just shows the way to make a journey. The map only has worth if you leave your door and take the journey yourself. I offer this work as such a map, it is the way I have trod to arrive at the place in the road I now stand and travel on from. It is the discovery of freedom in Christ, the way the early believers lived, the way, I believe that we are called to live this new life in Christ Jesus.
DEFINITIONS
In communicating ideas I have found it important to give some basic definitions of words and terms I use. The modern church is made up of many different doctrinal and theological traditions, and we all do not use words and terms the same way. In this study I am trying to stick with just what the Bible states, but even here one verse of scripture can have many differing interpretations depending on a person’s tradition.
There is a glossary of words, terms and ideas in the back of the book for all of you nuts and bolts kind of people, you know who you are. At this start I’d like to address briefly just a couple of words.
I use the English word assembly when referring to the community of believers in Christ Jesus. In most English translations the word church is used to translate the Greek word ekklesia. Down through time the usage of the English word, church has taken on way more meaning than the Greek word ekklesia means. Ekklesia is always an assembly of people, so I chose to use the English word assembly. I give a longer discussion of this in the glossary.
Where I do use the word church, I mean the modern institution of Christian religion.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF NT ASSEMBLY PRACTICE?
I see in all of the Bible revelation that the right character of the believer is the goal that God is after. Any practices were for the purpose of shaping the believer's character. Consider the sin offering of an animal for a substitution of yourself under the Law. You laid your hands upon it, gave it over to the priest for sacrifice, to make atonement for your sins.
What happened in this giving over of a harmless lamb, ox, cow, dove... for slaughter for your sins? It made the very real point that death is the requirement for your sins; it built a gentler attitude towards others, as the believer regarded his own sinful state before a Holy God. There is a purpose to the believer's religion (I define religion as those things you do because of your faith in God. There is true religion, of works based on faith and there is false religion, trying to win God's favor with works.)
What is the goal of NT Assembly Practice? If we know why we meet and the goal of our meetings, it is easier to judge whether the form we use is right or not. It does matter what form we use, as form determines function. Within the NT teaching I see that the function is to build each other up in Christ, unto the Head, as Paul says, and that their form of assembly was for that purpose. This building up was done by encouraging one another, to see the character of Christ in each individual and in the life of the assembly.
NEW TESTAMENT ASSEMBLY LIFE
Chapter 1
FOUNDATIONS TO ASSEMBLY PRACTICES:
JESUS THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE
[Image of one square stone set on the ground]
Christ and Christ alone is the first foundation of our faith; He alone is the cornerstone by which all the other foundation blocks are laid by. His teaching is the basis for all the rest of the NT teaching and forms the basis for every churches doctrines.
For those who don't know basic stone masonry, the cornerstone is the first block laid. Special care is taken to make it square and straight, perfect in every way. It is laid in perfect alignment according to the building plans upon the building site. All the other foundation stones are laid off of this cornerstone. A poorly laid cornerstone will cause the foundation to be skewed and the foundation can then produce a weak, faulty and possible dangerous building.
So too in the Christian assembly, if the cornerstone is wrong, all the rest will be off of plan. Without Christ and His loving redemptive work for us as the only cornerstone, our assembly lives will be faulty and possibly dangerous.
There are a few foundation blocks in the teaching of NT assembly practice and life. I will not suppose to know them all, or know them all well enough to teach them. But a few of them do come to mind and seem germane to this discussion. I am referring to foundational ideas relating to the community of the redeemed in Christ. I pre-suppose the laying of the foundational ideas and realities of a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus and the work of the cross in one's life. These are prerequisites for life in the community of believers. The NT church was a community of believers; the idea of it being an evangelistic outreach meeting is a modern development, from the Revivalist movement of the 17th and 18th centuries.
So come with me as I share some of the foundation blocks of NT assembly practice.
FIRST AND SECOND FOUNDATION STONES:
LOVE GOD AND YOUR NEIGHBOR
[image of two stones laid off of the square corner stone]
Jesus' teaching lays the foundation for all of the practices of the NT assembly. Jesus’ teaching about the greatest commandment is the central teaching of the whole Bible. As such it is the first foundation stone in the building of the NT assembly. This commandment is made up of two directly connected parts and so makes up both the first and second foundation stones of our building.
In Matthew 22:34-39 (NIV) (parallel passage; Mark 12:28-31), we read:
"Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?"
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commands."
(Cross references: Deuteronomy: 6:4,5; Leviticus: 19:18)
These two commands are the foundation of all believers' lives in Christ. It is the central message of scripture, how we were made to live from the moment of the creation of our father Adam. All the Law and Prophets, all of God's revealed will for Israel and for the Body of Christ are based on these two commands.
All the practices of the New Testament assembly are based on these commands. The 'one another' statements of NT teaching are built on the 'love one another' command, as we shall see.
Jesus’ greatest commandment teaching forms the first standard of NT assembly life:
1. It focuses first on God and directs us to love Him.
2. It spur on to good works of love for one another and for our neighbors as our self.
To Love God with all of our being, and love one another/neighbor as ourselves, is the supreme foundational teaching.
Following the building analogy, our first foundation stone of a NT assembly is to love God with our whole being. The second stone is to love everyone else as we love ourselves.
THE SECOND FOUNDATION STONE:
JESUS TEACHES FURTHER ON LOVING ONE'S NEIGHBOR
Jesus goes on to further elaborate what God means by loving your neighbor, by addressing who ones neighbor is. Luke records another discussion Jesus had with a scribe and gives us the story that we call that of the Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25-37) After telling this story Jesus asks the scribe who was the victum’s neighbor. This scribe answers that the one who helped the man. Jesus said this was correct, and go and do the same thing.
By this Jesus identified a neighbor as anyone who helps anyone in need. By this definition all men are our neighbors, and therefor all should be loved.
We find in the records of the Roman government, a letter sent to Rome by one of the local governors, a description of how the local Christians not only took care of their own who had need, but that the governor had no reason to spend any monies to help the other needy in the Christians’ area, as they also helped them.
The early believers took Jesus at his word and did what he taught. This was common in all NT assemblies.
LOVE ONE ANOTHER
Jesus applies his teaching on the greatest commandments to his students (disciples), who will then teach it to the rest of the followers of Jesus, after Pentecost.
John in his gospel account gives us these teachings from Jesus:
John 13:34-35 (NIV)“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this will all men know that you are my disciples (students or followers), if you love one another.”
And again in John 15:1-17 (NIV) (I won't quote the whole passage here, just the relevant parts, please read it though to see the context.)
“I am the true vine...Remain in me, and I will remain in you.....
...Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
....My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.......
...This is my command: Love each other.”
Jesus' command in these two passages expresses his teaching of the two greatest commandments: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.
Let me point out that this is a community command. It is not an individual command, you can not “love one another” all alone. It takes a group of people, more than one, to love one another. This takes a community of believers, whereas you can 'love God’ to some extent alone. Yet, even to love God involves a community expression, as we shall see later in John's letter.
The NT letters are principally addressed to communities of believers, and deals with corporate life more so than the individual’s life.
The letters were written for the church at large; most of them were addressed to certain assemblies, but with the understanding that they would be copied and shared with all the assemblies in a given area, as was the custom in that day.
One of the keys to proper interpretation, in how to apply the NT teachings today, is the understanding that when the address “you” is used, it is a plural you, addressing the whole assembly, a ya' all, (if you will allow my southern vernacular). Unless the context is clearly addressing an individual, like in some of the closing statements, we need to read the teachings in the plural you.
So the commandment of Jesus is to "Love one another". I can not identify another clear commandment Jesus made. Yes, there are some practices enjoined, such as "Breaking bread", but so is foot washing from the same last supper event, (And how many do that so called "ordinance"?); and water baptism, these are the only two that come to mind. Yet these were not commandments. Jesus never said they were. The only thing Jesus is recorded to have said as his commandment is to "Love one another as I have loved you."
Jesus said to love each other as I have loved you. In this He uses himself as our example of loving each other. Now remember when he gave this commandment. It was before his sacrifice on the cross. Either he was referring to his life with the disciples for the last three years, or was giving them another statement that would be clear to them later, after the resurrection and pouring out of the Holy Spirit.
Either way Jesus is the example of how to "love one another".
THE THIRD FOUNDATION STONE OF NT ASSEMBLY LIFE:
JESUS' TEACHING ON SERVANT HOOD
[picture of foundation three stones standing off of the corner stone]
First let's look at Matthew 20:20-28 (NIV)
"Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
"What is it you want?" he asked.
She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."
"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?"
"We can," they answered.
Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."
When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.
Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many."
Jesus in this passage gives a clear instruction that the order of things in the Body is one of service, even slavery to each other. He uses himself as an example of servant hood, and this was before his death, though he did allude to it.
In the next passage he repeats this teaching. Servant hood is so foundational to the practice of the Body that Matthew chooses to state this teaching twice.
Now let’s look at Matthew 23:8 - 12 (NIV)
“But you are not to be called 'Rabbi' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father', for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher', for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Jesus shared this some time after the discussion about the greatest commandments. Servant hood naturally builds upon those commands. We shall see more on this in the NT letters.
Now let's look at John 13:14, 15
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set the example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Is Jesus giving us some new 'ordinance' here? Some think so and practice 'foot washing' along with their observance of the 'Lord's Supper'. Yet no where is this practice discussed in any NT letter. So I don't see that the early church teachers taught this an 'ordinance' at all, or that the early assemblies practiced this.
So what was the point? Jesus demonstrated, one area of loving one another, serving one another in a real, practical way. It was the custom of that day that a servant of the house would wash a guest's feet when they entered the house. At least a bowl of water and towel would be provided for the guest, by the host.
There were no house servants there that night, to do this service to the group, so Jesus used this opportunity to teach real service. Service, like love, must be sincere in deeds and not in words alone. This is greatly expounded on in the letters.
We can clearly see that servant hood is central to Jesus’ teaching. Remember those he taught were his hand picked future teachers in the body of believers. He taught them to serve one another.
This is one solid rock foundation block for assembly practice.
The foundations of the NT assembly I've laid here are:
1) Love God with your all (We love Him, because He first loved us) means believers only, make up an assembly.
2) Love one another.
3) Service to one another is primary and to be practical, not just in word.
Chapter 2
JOHN'S TEACHING BUILDING ON THE
FOUNDATIONS OF JESUS
[picture of a layer of stones on initial foundation stones]
The next step in trying to understand the teaching of the practice of the NT assembly is to go to the teaching of the first teachers, those who were Jesus' students (followers, disciples). John, known as the beloved disciple, wrote many letters to the assemblies through his life. In the NT we have the gospel, three letters and the Revelation penned by John.
Let’s look at John’s first letter to see what he taught about assembly life. Historically it is thought 1 John was written late, about 80-90 AD, it reflects accurately the teaching of Jesus and how the early disciples understood it.
Off topic reflections
To properly understand scripture you must strive to understand it in its entire context, within the context of the writing it is in, the context of the historical period in which it was written, and the cultural context; there is also the context of the language in which it was written. Translators have the task of translating the original thoughts into words and terms that their intended readers can understand.
One of the dangers of taking verses out of context is they can seem to have a meaning that is different than the author intended them to have. Many today have built doctrines based on out-of-context verses strung together; the Jehovah's Witnesses are great at this ploy of false teaching, and I find too many teachers through out the Church do this, to the detriment of the truth. Keeping the verse in context, the way the text was written, and reading it in context is how you will find the true meaning of any given verse.
Back to the topic at hand
I will not quote all the whole passages I'm referencing, just the highlights; please read the passages in the whole to see the whole context and that I am not changing the meaning by taking them out of context.
1 John 1:5-7 (NIV)
"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
John wrote this letter in response to Gnostic teaching that was being formed in the assemblies. That is why some of the language he uses is so symbolic, that was the way the Gnostic teachers taught, with symbols that their initiates understood.
What does it mean to “walk in darkness” or “walk in the light“? John tells us,”...if we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.” so inversely to walk in the light means to speak the truth and live by the truth. When we live by the truth, we have fellowship with one another.
The point here is that our fellowship together is based on the truth.
Now let's look at 1 John 2:3-11 (NIV),(highlights only)
"We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.....if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
...Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light..."
Here John tells us that one who is living in the truth, the truth about and from Jesus, loves his brother, or loves one another. This is how Jesus walked (lived) among us; it was what John experienced when he lived with Jesus for those years. So out of his own experience he calls his readers to imitate Jesus, by loving your brothers.
Remember to be in the light means to know, speak and live by the truth. The truth as Jesus taught it, and lived it.
Next let's look at 1 John 3:10-23 (NIV), (highlights only)
"This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God: nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. .....We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
...if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God ....And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them...."
Here John tells us plainly how to know if someone is in Christ, or as we say today, is saved. By whether they love the brethren or not. He doesn't give a standard of right doctrine; the standard he does gives is one of love for the brethren. Even John's test for whether one has true doctrine (being in the light), is whether they love their brothers.
John reminds us that this is the same message we had from the beginning; the foundational teaching was laid by Jesus, as we have seen. And again the proof of whether one is saved, “passed from death to life” is whether one loves his brothers.
Love for the brethren comes out of the life we now have, it is a fruit of that life, as we shall see in Paul's writings to the Galatians.
John also reminds us of Jesus' example, how out of his love for man, he gave his life for us. We ought to live as he did, we too should “lay down our lives for our brothers”. Then he makes sure we understand this is not just something we say to each other, but is a real and practical thing.
I see implied in this passage a couple of things; for one they needed to be in intimate contact with each other. How else could they know when each other was in real need? And this was not just a weekly greeting at meeting kind of life they had, it was a close relationship. How else could they know one another's need of material things?
John calls to mind the passage he wrote in his telling of the Good News, in chapter 15, where Jesus tells how to remain in him, the vine, by obedience to his commands, and what is that command: Love one another.
One more passage from John's letter: 1 John 4:7-21 (NIV)
"....let us love one another...This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear children, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another...
We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen can not love God, whom he has not seen. Whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Again John brings it home, one who loves God does love his brothers, the two greatest commands are tied up together, and one proceeds from the other. Love God with your all (personal, individual), causes you to love your brother (corporate).
We love God and one another, because He first loved us and died for us.
This is a true building on the foundations laid by Christ's teaching, and proper building for practice in the assembly. It is founded on a real and practical love for each other. We shall see that the other NT teachers saw this as foundational to our lives together.
Chapter 3
PAUL'S TEACHING ON THE FOUNDATION OF JESUS
Paul is the main teacher whose writings we have in the NT. He had a lot to say about what the believer was to be like and how they were to function in the local assembly.
I'd like to start by looking at what Paul communicated in the letter to the Romans. Remember Paul had not yet been to Rome at the writing of this letter, which most probably was written in AD 57. Paul sent this letter to Rome to prepare them for his intended visit; he was on his way to Jerusalem with the collections for the needs of the saints in Jerusalem. As he was not personally acquainted with any problems in Rome, he gives a basic theological treatises as introduction to his teaching and soon (hoped for) visit.
Paul very well lays out the nature of our relationship in Christ, and the themes of salvation by faith in Christ alone. He lays out how in Christ, both peoples, those in Israel and those out side of Israel are joined into one, new people. He shows that salvation in Christ is not for Israel alone, but is for all men and women everywhere, Jew, Greek, master, slave, men and women. All are included in the offer, of “whosoever will come...”
Let us look at the change in Paul's discussion, in chapter 12. Paul changes subjects, building on the teaching he just shared, which is one's salvation relationship with Christ (individual and corporate), he now moves to the subject of how one's life is changed. Now that you are saved, how then should you live?
Let's read the opening statement of Romans 12. (NIV)
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship."
We see here the transition from the subject of “God's mercy” in salvation in Christ; to a how now should we live, in “offering your bodies as living sacrifices”.
[sidebar topic]
Many today have a lot to say about “worship”; many have an agenda of selling their tapes and books to teach us how to have a proper worship service/meeting. We have “worship” leaders in most churches today, who lead the singing and praise times. We do all kinds of religious activities (remember I define religion as the works you do because of your faith in Christ), that we call “worship”. We offer the sacrifices of praise, and think that God inhabits the praises of his people. We offer up words and declarations. We attend meetings where the “worship leaders” sing repetitious phrases over and over, seeking to lead people into an “attitude of worship.“[end sidebar]
The idea that Paul here applies to the term “worship is that our lives are to be our worship. We live as sacrifices to God, holy and pleasing. As Paul says elsewhere, “Whatever you do, do as unto the Lord.” In Paul's teaching I do not see a difference drawn between the “sacred and secular”, another popular idea today. We are in Christ 24/7, therefore we live as a living sacrifice 24/7, and therefore we are in worship 24/7. All we do, all we are is living as a sacrifice. We can not do otherwise, except to live a carnal life, one devoid of the works of Christ in it, and is such a one really saved???
Now Paul finishes his letter discussing this new theme, offering your bodies as living sacrifices.
Remember this is a corporate thing, a 'you all’; it is in the plural; he was addressing the whole church in Rome to discuss their lives together as a community. This is not a “me and Jesus“ discussion, but an ”us and Jesus“ discussion.
Remember the two greatest commandments: Love the Lord your God with all....and Love your neighbor as yourself. Then Jesus' commandment: Love one another. Upon these Paul builds.
Romans 12:1, 2 (NIV)
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Paul in this transition to the new subject of life in Christ calls the Romans to make a complete change in their thinking; “do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This change is brought about by changing the standards you use, the patterns of thought and action. Paul in this passage teachs a different standard than the one they knew previously when they were in the world and not in Christ.
The term “world” does not mean the physical earth, or the people upon it. Paul uses this term to talk about the world's system and way of thinking. To just think about the temporary things of this life in comparison to thinking about things the way God reveals to us. The world's way is to live just for today, satisfying the desires for this life, food, clothes, things, and others, just for you. It is a selfish way, with little thought for others. It is the way of the sinner, living by the dictates of his own mind and ignoring the God who created Him, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools...”
Here also is a key, a very vital key to understanding scriptures. This being “transformed by the renewing of your mind,” gives one an ability to know what God's will is. See what Paul says here; “Then ...” this is a connection to the preceding phrase. First you conform yourself to the way of God, then you understand his will.
Obedience precedes understanding.
To understand the will of God, obey what you clearly understand of his word. Look again, do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, (system of doing things, i.e. love your self), but conform yourself to the Lord's way (live in obedience to his commands, especially to love one another), then you will understand, “be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Paul now expands his discussion to show how this works in real life. Romans 1-11 is the foundational theological treatises for Romans 12-15, which is about Assembly life in Christ.
I will not quote the whole passage; please do read it to see the whole context. I will look at passages that in particular apply to how we are to relate to one another. Paul here does deal with how we as a community relate to those outside the body of believers. I will not address those topics in this discussion. But to say that it is important, because as Jesus said, “...all the world will know you are my disciples by your love for one another.”
Paul starts by using an illustration of a human body for the assembly.
Romans 12:3-8 (NIV)
"For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
Paul here lays the foundation for the rest of the discussion to follow. What are the main points in this passage? Some think that each one of us are a different assigned part of the Body and correspond to some determined part; eye, mouth, arm, hand, leg, foot, etc.... but Paul does not make such an emphasis here.
The emphasis is that we are all part of one body; we all are necessary members of the body and we each have different functions. Let me list it this way:
1) We function in the body according to the measure of Faith God has given us. Therefor there is no room for pride, it is the gift of God that allows us to function in the Body.
2) We do not all have the same function. Therefor all have a function and all are necessary in their functioning.
3) We all belong to each other, as the members of our own body all belong to the whole. This means he is talking to the community of believers and not individuals. The importance here is the whole community, not one's individual function.
4) We each have different gifts according to the grace given to us. Grace here means talents, or positions, like ability to teach, time available to serve others, or monies to give to those in need (you must have something to give away to give to the needs of others, this is grace from the Lord, an abundance to give out of). Grace is receiving something you do not deserve. So it is something the Lord gave us, graced us with, for the good of the whole body.
Following this introductory passage Paul gives a lot of guiding principles and statements to show the practical nature of the community's life together. These are what I refer to as the “one another” statements of NT teaching. I will just quote the applicable verses.
Romans 12:9 "Love must be sincere."
Romans 12:10 "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."
Romans 12:13 "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Romans 12:16 "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."
Romans 12:17, 18 "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
Romans 13:8-10 "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.....are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
Romans 14:1 "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters."
Romans 14:13 "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way."
Romans 14:15 "...you are no longer acting in love. Do not let your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died."
Romans 14:19 "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
Romans 15:1-3 "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Even as Christ did not please himself..."
Romans 15:5, 6 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 15:7 "Accept one another, then just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
Romans 15:14 "I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another."
(This word instruct here is the Greek word; mutheto, which means to 'put in mind’; KJV uses admonish. This does not mean to teach, as we think of teaching!)
This is a long list of practices, all based on the commandment of Jesus to “love one another”. There are many more “one another” statements which I will reference next.
Why do I see these as foundational to the actual NT Assembly life and practice? These give us no idea of meeting times or formats. No idea if music is allowed or instruments.
Yes, but it shows us what the priorities of our communities really are, according to Paul. These ideas, guiding principles, and relationship practices are the foundation to NT Assembly gatherings. To find the correct form, you must know how it is to function.
Let me sum up what I've said here in this chapter:
1) We are a community, likened to the body; each has a function and is necessary to the whole community.
2) We each need to function.
3) The “one another’s” of NT scripture are the foundational ideas for Assembly practice.
Chapter 4
ONE ANOTHER STATEMENT’S IN THE NT TEACHING.
As I stated in the previous chapters, the “one another” statements, based on Jesus' teaching to love God, one another, and serve one another, are the foundational principles for NT Assembly practice. We've looked at Paul's discussion of the “saved” life, and seen the emphasis is on our lives together, or community. Now let's look at the “one another” statements throughout the NT.
Galatians 5:13, 14 (NIV)
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”"
Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)
"As a prisoner of the Lord, then I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Ephesians 4:25- 5:2 (NIV)
"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor for we are all members of one body......
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen....Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 5:17-21 (NIV)
"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Philippians 2:2-5 (NIV)
"...being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus..."
Colossians 3:11-17 (NIV)
"...but Christ is all, and is in all.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach (Greek word here is; didasko, means to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them) and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
1 Thessalonians 5:10, 11, 14, 15 (NIV)
"He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing....And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else."
Hebrews 3:12-14 (NIV)
"See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first."
(Here the writer is calling the believers to continue and not turn back, he has been using the example of Israel in the desert to warn them to continue “firmly till the end”. For Israel the end was to enter the promised land of Canaan, for us it is Christ and His kingdom, which is now in our hearts, but will yet be upon the earth, after His return.
Notice that the teaching is to “daily” “encourage one another” with the goal that “none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turn away from the living God.)
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
(Here we are taught the reasons to meet, spurring “one another on toward love and good deeds “and “encouraging one another.“)
1 Peter 1:22
"Now that you have purified your selves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart."
(Again obeying the commands or in this case the truth is equated with loving one another.)
1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble."
1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV)
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
(Peter here almost quotes Paul exactly, about using the gifts we have received by serving one another.)
1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)
"...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another..."
And we have already looked at John's letters.
These quotes build upon the foundational teaching, the foundation stones laid by Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels. Love one another, serve one another.
These are the foundational ideas of the NT Assembly life and practice. They form the foundation for the character and actions of the NT Assembly.
NEW TESTAMENT ASSEMBLY LIFE
CHAPTER 5
PETER ON THE NATURE OF THE ASSEMBLIES
Much has been said since the start of the Reformation regarding the priesthood of all believers; little seems to have affected church practice. Let's look at where this idea comes from and what else Peter had to say about us, the assembly of Christ?.
First let’s look at who Peter addressed this letter to:
“To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit , for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood:”
This was addressed to a large area of assemblies, keep this in mind, it is addressed to communities so the 'you' used in this letter is a plural you.
Let's look at a couple of descriptions Peter gives us of the assemblies.
1 Peter 2:4, 5 (NIV)
"As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Peter says we are
1) living stones,
2) are being built into a spiritual house,
3) are...to be a holy priesthood
4) offer spiritual sacrifices
Remember, this is referring to all believers; no where in the text does the subject change from the original addressees, Peter is still referring to the communities of believers in their entirety.
We are living stones; being built into a house......this refers to the fact that it takes us all together to make this building. We all of us must be functioning together.
The term “a spiritual house” gives us two pictures, one is a building, the Temple in Jerusalem, where the priests performed the sacrifices for the other people. The other is a family, like the house of Aaron who were selected to be priests from out of the tribe of Levi.
Spiritual sacrifices are our lives lived in obedience to Christ's commands (Love one another, the foundational command). Paul built this idea in Romans 12-15. Jesus is used as an example of being a sacrifice.
So I see it like this: We are living stones, we are the temple, we are the priesthood, offering up ourselves as living sacrifices by loving one another, which is acceptable to God in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 2:9, 10 (NIV)
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
We are:
1) a chosen people,
2) a royal priesthood,
3) a holy nation,4) a people belonging to God
Again the subject here is the whole community of believers, not some special clerical class. In Peter’s letter there are not priests who are separate from all believers.
According to Peter we are a living house for, us, the priesthood to offer up, us, the living sacrifices. We are a special chosen people; we are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.
This means all believers, whether Jew or Gentile, whether slave or free, whether man or woman. The offer held out to Israel at the Mount, (Exodus 19:6 “...'you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.'”) to be a holy nation of priests, that they rejected, (Exodus 20:8 “the people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.”) is made real in the assemblies of Jesus. (See Exodus 20:18, 19).
My point here is that we now, all believers, those who are in Christ, we are his holy nation of royal priests.
CHAPTER 6
THE ETERNAL PURPOSES OF GOD
Let us now look at Ephesians. This letter was written with an overview of God's purposes in the earth. There doesn't seem to be any gross errors that Paul was dealing with in this letter. Remember Paul was able to stay for 3 years with the Ephesians’ assembly before the idol makers had him run out of town. So he was able to lay the foundations of Christ very well with them. Here he is writing to strengthen the foundation of Christ. This letter contains Paul's discussion regarding the eternal purposes of God.
Let's look at Paul's opening statement, Ephesians 1:3-10 (NIV) emphasis mine;
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace the he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment - to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ."
One of the important messages in this letter from Paul is that our life is Christ centered. Too much of the teaching in the churches today, in my opinion, is man centered. It's too much about how we get saved, and even the heart of this discussion is man centered, how we are to meet.
The most important thing in our lives in Christ is Christ.
Look at the main subject in Paul's statement:
"...in Christ....he chose ....in him...in his sight...he predestined.....his sons.......his pleasure and will...praise of his glorious grace....he has freely given.....In him,.....his blood.....grace he lavished ......he made known.....his will.....his good pleasure....he purposed in Christ....."
Paul is clearly talking about a Christ/God centered topic here. And that brings me to my main topic here, let me state it this way; It's all about Him, it's not about us, we just get to enjoy His work in the earth. Do you get that? Our salvation is not about us, it's about God using us to display his grace to the universe, it's for “the praise of his glorious grace“, we get to enjoy the results of his salvation work. But we are really the work that shows his grace. The man centered teaching of easy believism, (come to Jesus, he will give you love, peace, and joy) makes it seem that God is doing all this for our benefit alone, this produces converts who continue to seek God for what He will give to them, continued love, peace and joy.
The truth is we are saved for a demonstration of His grace and we continue to show His grace as we grow in grace, as it says “we grow from grace to grace.”
This life in Christ is all about “His good pleasure”, as it says, “He is at work in us both to will and do His good pleasure.”
Another point here, which is an expression of the eternal purposes of God;
“And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment - to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.”
Do you see here what the purpose of God is? The mystery that the prophets of old only saw in part and didn't understand, because it was to be fulfilled in Jesus long after their time on earth was over. A mystery that was only revealed after the Holy Spirit was poured out upon all flesh and the NT prophets were given the full revelation of Christ to come. Jesus and the future kingdom, when all the kingdoms, that of Heaven and those of earth will be brought under the one head, the one King, Jesus the Anointed One.
Again, I repeat, this whole life, the whole of creation is about God, and Jesus. Jesus is the Rightful Ruler of all of creation.
So within assembly life, while we are loving one another, and working our salvation out with fear and trembling, we need to keep always in mind, Jesus, is our Lord and King, He is our Head.
I will not quote the whole of the letter to the Ephesians, let me just give you the points relevant to this discussion, ones which I hope will bring this letter into better focus for us.
(Side Note:The NT letters were not written with chapters and verses, these are very modern additions. When studying them we need to keep them in context, to take sentences/ verses out of context can easily change the apparent meaning of them. These letters were written to be read as a whole. Please read the whole of Ephesians to see the context of the verses I will quote.)
Eph 1:11, 12 (NIV)
"In him, we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory."
Do you see here, it is all according to His plan for the praise of His glory?
Eph 1:22, 23 (NIV)
"And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church (assembly, Greek: ecclesia), which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."
Christ is over all, all things are placed under his feet, He is the head of all things for us his assembly, His body. He fills everything. The emphasis here is Jesus, not the assemblies.Him, not us.
Eph2:4-7 (NIV)
"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you were saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."
Again the subject here is God, “his great love....who is rich in mercy....God raised....seated us...he might show...in Christ Jesus”
We are the recipients of this work, “His great love for us....God...made us alive with Christ....God raised us up with Christ.....He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”
Did you get that? We are HIS workmanship, as Paul says in a following verse.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Do you see what Paul is saying here, it's not about us; we are the workmanship that God is using to display the riches of His grace and love. In the words of the Prophet Isaiah, “we are the clay, you are the potter.” Is 64:8
Another thing I'd like to point out here, in the teaching of the easy believism, this verse is often not given with the preceding ones, we hear Eph. 2:8,9 quoted all the time, I'm sure you can quote them verbatim. But when you read it in context you see that salvation by grace through faith in Christ is not the end in itself but rather just the start, we are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works” these good works are what God had purposed for us to do from the foundation of the world. We are born again, saved to the praise of God's grace, we live, “do good works” for the same reason, to be to the praise of God's glorious grace. Brethren, if you do good works for some heavenly reward, you are not yet in a mature view of things. Remember, even the crowns we are given, as rewards, we will cast down at our Lord's feet, to the praise of His glorious grace.
Ephesians 2:15, 16 (NIV)
"...His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of two, thus making peace, and in this new body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility."
Here is a view of God's workmanship in us; he took of two peoples, two men, Jew and Gentile, circumcised and uncircumcised, and made one man, the Body of Christ, one people, one group of believers, in Christ Jesus.
We are part of God's eternal purposes.
Ephesians 3:10, 11 (NIV)
"His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God's eternal purposes are accomplished in Jesus, his work on the cross, his death and resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father; His headship over the assembly, his body.
On this foundation of the accomplished work of Christ, the bringing peace to the peoples of the earth by bringing together two men into one, the body of Christ, all for His glory alone, for His eternal purposes, Paul now shares important ideas regarding assembly life.
Ephesians 4:1-16 (NIV)
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.....But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.....
...It was he who gave some to be apostles (emissaries), some to be prophets (spokesmen of God's word), some to be evangelists (proclaimers of the Good News), some to be pastors (overseers) and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
First let me point out the emphasis I see here. Paul is discussing how the body grows and functions, and the goal of the body is to “grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”
There is no other goal in the assembly then to grow up into Christ and demonstrate his life in our communities, our assemblies. Every other work of our assemblies comes from this.
Second, the so-called five fold ministry, the elder's functions in the assembly are not an end to themselves, they are merely servants, their purpose is “to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”, they are not “THE MINISTERS” as is often the case in modern Christianity, no, the whole of the assembly, every person are ministers.
One illustration I use to describe this idea is a King's house. Within the King's large house (Imagine the Queen of England's Castle, Buckingham Palace, in London), there are many areas of concern, the kitchens, the bedrooms and chambers, the main hall, the outer walls and guards needed. Each area has it's steward over it, he manages the affairs of the servants in that given area, over the whole household is the chief steward, Yet the stewards are still servants of the Queen (King), their charge is to make sure the other servants in their oversight have what they need to perform their duties. This includes training in how to fulfill their duties as well as the supplies to do them.
I see these five areas of functioning elders in the body of Christ in this way, they are mature believers, trained, tried, and trusted servants who function as emissaries, prophets, proclaimers of the Good News, overseers, and teachers. They do these functions and disciple others in doing them. Their charge is to “prepare God's people for works of service.”
See also how the body is built up, by doing the works of service. The body is not built up by teaching only, but by being instructed and then doing the works of service. Too many today think that our charge is to teach only, but there is so much empty teaching. Teaching about the minutia of doctrine and little real teaching about how to live practical Godly lives in Christ Jesus.
It is vitally important that our teaching has the goal of preparing God's people to do the works of service. It must be practical, how to live stuff, how to love, how to serve.
It is the whole body functioning doing “works of service” that produces the “unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” It is not by teaching alone, education is part of the process, but it is as the body applies the teaching, practices the teaching that the maturing process happens.
If we teach only we will have fellowships of infant believers, it takes doing to really learn.
For example, in taking an automobile driving course, was it enough to just read a book or hear a lecture about how to drive? Or did the real education come by sitting behind the wheel of a car with another mature driver beside you to instruct you in the real world, on the road, how to drive?
In my trade, as an electrician, part of my duties is to train new people in the trade. Part of this is the National Electric Code, which governs and details the practices of our trade, telling us what to do to prevent fires and injury to people. But if all I did was lecture my young apprentice in the Code, he would never really become an electrician. An electrician does know the NEC, but he also knows how to install electrical components to make lights come on and motors work. The goal is not to know the NEC, but to understand the NEC so as to do better, safer electrical work.
So, I model the proper way to do the work, make sure my young charge has the correct tools and knows how to use them. I show him how to do a part of the work, and then let him do it. I come back and check it out and correct him as needed, as he learns one part I give him more to do. While teaching him how to do the work, I discuss the why of what we are doing. How electricity works, why the NEC states we should do it one way and not another. I share stories of what happens when someone does not follow proper and safe procedures.
In short I disciple him in the trade. This to me is what the Body of Christ has been called to do and why I see just having lectures (sermons) as being weak and faulty. Only as my fellow electrician can “do” his work is my company (body) made stronger. If my apprentice does not do his work, no matter how much I teach him, would I be wise to keep him in my employ? Will the Lord be wise to keep in His household those servants who refuse to do their work, even though well taught? And if the problem is that the elders are not properly discipling (training) them, who do you think the King will hold responsible?
Back to Ephesians...
The main emphasis I see here, after the whole of the body being built up into the Head, Jesus, is that the body grows by functioning:
“...to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”
“...speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
“As each part does its work,“ as each one of us does our work, whatever that is according to the grace of God given to us, as each one of us functions we build ourselves up in love.
It's not a matter of having proper doctrines; the proper teaching prepares the body to function, to do good works, to serve one another, to love one another. In this way the whole local community of believers (I am speaking here of the fellowship you belong to, not some universal body of believers, but the ones you see all the time and can actually, and practically love in real works), is built up in “unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Maturity comes by the whole body functioning, not teaching only.
What does this have to do with our meetings? The goal of our corporate life is to build one another up in Christ. The whole of creation is about Jesus. In determining what the NT Assembly practice was we first must realize that they met to encourage one another and build one another up in Christ, to trust him more, to love one another in real acts of service to one another.
NEW TESTAMENT ASSEMBLY LIFE
Chapter 7
PAUL'S TRADITION OF ASSEMBLY MEETINGS
1 Corinthians 11-14
In this passage we see Paul dealing with the tradition that he taught the new assemblies.
In many towns and cities he was only there for a short time period, in others he was able to stay for a longer time period. It all depended on the attitudes of the local population.
Paul had founded the assembly in Corinth. During his absence and further travels and work, some in the Corinthian assembly turned from the ways he had taught and started doing some things wrong. Let me quote the note in my study Bible regarding the situation in Corinth.
"Paul received information from several sources concerning the conditions existing in the church at Corinth. Some members of the household of Chloe had informed him of the factions that had developed in the church (1:11). There were three individuals - Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus - who had come to Paul in Ephesus to make some contribution to his ministry (16:17), but whether these were the ones from Chloe's household we do not know.
Some of those who had come had brought disturbing information concerning moral irregularities in the church (chs.5-6). Immorality had plagued the Corinthian assembly almost from the beginning. From 5:9-10 it is apparent that Paul had written previously concerning moral laxness. He had urged believers “not to associate with sexually immoral people” (5:9). Because of misunderstanding he now finds it necessary to clarify his instructions (5:10-11) and to urge immediate and drastic action (5:3-5, 13).
Other Corinthian visitors had brought a letter from the church that requested counsel on several subjects (see 7:1; cf. 8:1; 12:1; 16:1).
It is clear that, although the church was gifted (see 1:4-7), it was immature and unspiritual (3:1-4). Paul's purposes for writing were: (1) to instruct and restore the church in its areas of weakness, correcting erroneous practices such as divisions (1:10-4:21), immorality (5; 6:12-20), litigation in pagan courts (6:1-8) and abuse of the Lord's supper (11:17-34); (2) to correct false teaching concerning the resurrection (15); and (3) to give instruction concerning the offering for poverty stricken believers in Jerusalem (16:1-4)." (NIV Study Bible, Zondervan)
Some questions arise as to the reason for this letter. Why did the assembly of Corinth write Paul to address these issues? Was not Jerusalem, where the twelve were, the center of the church? Wouldn't Peter or the elder James, be better ones to write to with these questions? Why Paul?
This assembly in Corinth had been founded by Paul; it was under his ministry, as an emissary, that they came to know Christ. He had laid the foundation of Christ, taught them about Him and led them to having a relationship with Him. Within his work of emissary, whose work is to “lay the foundation which is Christ”, he is now called upon to shore up the foundations of this assembly.
Paul had the relationship with them; he was to most of them a spiritual father in the faith, as he had led them to saving faith in Christ. It only makes sense that they would turn to the one who they respected as their father in the faith for these questions. They didn't know Peter, James, John or the others. Some of these other emissaries may have traveled through Corinth, yet they turn to Paul, their spiritual father in the faith.
We must keep in mind that this is a corrective letter. Paul does not lay out all the traditions he had taught them, those foundational teachings were already taught them, in person. Here we see Paul correcting the practice out of the traditions he taught them previously. They knew what to do, how to act, how to meet. They were just doing some things wrong and needed correction.
After dealing with other issues, in Chapter 11, Paul turns to the traditions he taught them.
1 Corinthians 11:2 (NIV)
"I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you."
This word in the NIV here; teachings; in the Greek is, paradosis, (Strong's number 3862).
Thayer tells us it means; "a giving over, giving up
1. the act of giving up, the surrender: of cities
2. a giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing, i.e. tradition by instruction, narrative, precept, etc.....objectively, what is delivered, the substance of the teaching: so Paul's teaching....particular injunctions of Paul's instruction,..."
We see here that this teaching established a tradition, which Paul says they were keeping, and keeping well. There was no need here at this time to teach them the traditions all over again. They only needed some points corrected in their practice of them. It is important as we look at this passage that we keep this in mind.
The elements (if you will) of this tradition of meeting is hidden in the corrective wording of this passage. Let us look at the elements of this tradition in outline.
1. Men and Women in the Meeting
2. The Lord's Supper: Agape feast
3. Spiritual Gifts
4. Body Life
5. Love Above All
6. Edify the Body
7. Instruct and Encourage
These are the main subjects of this letter and main elements of the tradition Paul taught them, by looking at these passages we can see what the NT Assembly Practice in meeting was.
1. Men and Women in the Meeting:
1 Corinthian 11:3-16
"Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head - it is just as though her head were shaved....."
Now I don't want to turn this into men vs. women issue, as I don't see that in the context at all. What is being presented here is that there is a special relationship between a husband and wife. When I studied this passage out I didn't come away with the idea that all women in an assembly meeting must wear some kind of head covering, instead I saw that the wife represents the union with her husband and there is a certain propriety involved while in a group. As I have never been married I don't suppose to have any great insight to this union, of the two becoming one, within the marriage union of husband and wife.
What elements of the assembly meeting are mentioned here? They are prayer and prophesying.
I think this term; prophesying needs some defining. The Greek is propheetuo (Strong's number, 4395). KJV translates as, prophesied; or (shall or did) prophesy; (that) prophesieth.
Thayers tells us it means:
"...to prophesy, i.e. to be a prophet, speak forth by divine inspiration; to predict...
b....with the idea of foretelling future events pertaining to esp. to the kingdom of God...
c. to utter forth, declare, a thing which can only be known by divine revelation...
d. to break forth under sudden impulse in lofty discourse or in praise of the divine counsels...
...or under the like prompting, to teach, refute, reprove, admonish, comfort others
e. to act as a prophet, discharge the prophetic office..."
This would be distinguished from just being a teacher, and is not like our modern idea of a preacher. As we see in Thayer's definition of the Greek word, it always involves divine inspiration. So it is not just a matter of teaching or preaching the word of God, it involves more than just the intellect. There is an element of revelation in it.
In the meeting of the assembly we see here two of the things they did together, prayer and prophesying. And both men and women prayed and prophesied. The issue here deals with husband and wife and the wife showing proper honor to her husband.
Some today think that this is teaching that all women must wear a head covering while in a meeting. If a woman does not wear a head covering she is thought to not be in proper submission to the men in the group. Also in these churches they believe that all women are to remain silent in meeting, an idea I will deal with presently as it falls in context. In this context we see women praying and prophesying along with men in the same meetings.
As to this idea of head coverings, I've studied out what this head covering was to the Corinthian culture and the cultures of the NT times in general, what I found was, it was a veil that was worn over the head and fell to the hem of the woman's skirt, much like some Muslim women must wear today in Muslim countries. It was never a little doily worn on the head, or a bonnet like the Amish or Mennonite married women wear, nor any kind of hat. Yet this is what the “head covering” churches practice.
I'd like to address another important idea in forming teachings. It is not a good idea to form a hard fast teaching with only one scripture passage to back it up. This is one of those one passage doctrines that have become a point of schism in the Body of Christ. The Brethren (who practice this women's head covering doctrine), call it a point of distinction. I see it as a sin against Christ, as Paul refers to the schisms in Corinth at the beginning of this letter.
It takes the context of the whole revelation of God to form a proper teaching. And at times the historical and cultural context is necessary to understand the context of the written records we have of God's revelation. This is just such a case.
The head covering in societies that practice it means to show the submission of the woman to a man, the father or husband. The point in Muslim society is to protect the beauty of the woman for their husband, although they also teach that woman is a sinful, dirty sex, able to entice a righteous man from the path of Islam (Righteousness). Therefor the woman must be veiled to keep her sinful beauty and enticements from the gaze of men.
Seems to me if the Muslim men were so righteous they could look on a beautiful woman and see the beauty the Creator made in them and glorify Him who made them so beautiful. To be so easily tempted by simple beauty shows the wickedness and unregenerate nature of their hearts.
This practice is a very cultural one; I do not see where in our society that a woman wearing a hat means she is in submission to her husband. We in this society do wear wedding rings to show we are in a committed marriage relationship, other cultures do not, and in fact this custom is based on pagan practices. We could make it a matter of doctrine that every wife must have a wedding ring on to show she is showing due honor to her husband. In some countries the bride wears a nose ring, some wear a dowry head piece or necklace made of gold coins, these all denote a married woman in other cultures.
In the culture of the NT it was the wearing of the veil in public, which included the meetings of the assemblies.
Again the elements of the NT Assembly meeting here is prayer and prophesying by the men and the women.
THE LORD'S SUPPER
2. The Lord's Supper: an Agape Feast.
1 Corinthians 11:17-34; (the Lord's Table: 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1)
Two passages here deal with the practice of keeping the Lord's Supper or the Lord's Table or Agape Feast, as the NT and early Assemblies termed it.
This is all based on the last supper our Lord ate with his students on the night he was betrayed.
This last supper was a Passover supper, the normal yearly remembrance feast that all Israel celebrated, in which the sacrificed lamb was eaten in remembrance of the Lord's salvation of the first born of Israel from the last plague on Egypt and their deliverance from Egypt.
During this ritualized meal, the Lord departed from the normal liturgy, during the cup of redemption, he referred to it as, “my blood of the covenant, shed for you” and the last unleavened bread eaten in the meal, the Afrikomen, the desert, he said, “...this is my body broken for you”. Of this meal, this cup, this bread, he said two things, that as often as they ate these they were to eat it, they were to do so in remembrance of Him, and He would not eat this again until He ate it with them in His kingdom.
Matthew 26: 26-30 (NIV)
...“Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is the blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom.”
When they had sung a hymn, they departed out to the Mount of Olives.
Luke 22: 14:-22 (NIV)
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. ...”
These passages form the basis for the tradition of the Lord's Supper that Paul taught as well as the other emissaries, Peter, John, James, Barnabas, Timothy, Titus, Silas, and the others. It was not a Passover remembrance ritual meal. It was based on it, but the celebration, the remembrance, was of the sacrifice of Christ, the deliverance from the slave bonds of sin, the defeating of the great enemies, Satan, sin and death, by Christ Jesus. Also it was a looking forward to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb yet to come at the establishing of His Kingdom reign upon the earth.
Let's look now at the passages under consideration. The Corinthian letter is the only one to deal directly with this topic in such detail. Paul does not give the whole tradition again, just gives correction in how they were keeping it.
1 Corinthians 10:14 - 11:1 (NIV)
"Therefore, my dear friends flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the body of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.
Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? Do I mean then that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's Table and the table of demons. Are we trying to arouse the Lord's jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
“Everything is permissible“- but not everything is beneficial. ”Everything is permissible“- but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it.”....
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jew, Greeks or the church of God - even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ. "
The elements of the Lord's Supper Paul mentioned here are:
1) Cup of Thanksgiving.
2) Breaking of the One Loaf or Breaking Bread.
These are major elements in the Passover (Seder) observance, used to illustrate the grace God showed Israel in their deliverance. In the Lord's Supper, it illustrates, “a participation in the blood of Christ“and”a participation in the body of Christ“.
Paul says the fact that they used one loaf signified that they all belonged to one body. It showed their unity in Christ.
Paul compares the Lord's Table to the table of demons. Corinth was a major center of commerce. It was at the cross roads of shipping, at the bottom of the peninsula of Greece. Lots of merchandise was off loaded on the west coast and transported by mule trains and carts across the land to be loaded again in ships at the docks of Corinth. This made Corinth a very cosmopolitan city, with temples to all the major gods.
Part of all pagan worship was the sacrificing of animals for sin offerings and fellowship offerings to please and appease the gods, and to beseech them for their favors. Drink offerings of wine, offerings of oil, flour and grains were also given, much as we see in the offerings proscribed for Israel. These provided for the care and up keep of the priests of the temples, and part of the offerings were eaten in feast unto the god, the idol. This too we see in the sacrificial offerings of Israel. They ate in honor of the Lord Yahweh, God.
Paul is addressing the habit of some in Corinth, who though they were saved and in the assembly of Christ, still were going to the temples of the idols to offer sacrifices there and eat a feast to the idols. There were also major feast days when certain gods were honored by the whole town, or at least large segments of them.
Paul is teaching that you can not honor demons and Christ. If you are trusting in Christ for your salvation, why are you going to the demons, or idols? What could be your reason? Are you seeking to hedge your bet? Just make sure? Give the idol a little offering and maybe the seas will be more favorable? Perhaps they were concerned with being cut off from their families and community, a very real concern, as to much of Roman society the Christians were atheists and treasons.
Today we do not have idols we make sacrifices to, at least not so much in America or Europe. But there are some who still do such things. Santeria is a big animist religion from the Caribbean islands, that some in America practice. And around the world there are those who do such things.
Back to the discussion at hand. The tradition Paul gave them included keeping the Lord's Supper or Lord's Table. It involved a meal, with the “cup of thanksgiving” and “breaking of bread”. These represented their participation in the Body of Christ, their unity in Christ alone.
Another basis of this feast was the covenant meal of “blood covenant” which was practiced throughout the region in their day. I will address this later in another article.
The Lord's Supper, Part 2
1Corinthians 11:17-34 (NIV)
"In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval.
When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!"
Let me break in here and make a couple of comments.
First, Paul here is discussing a normal meeting “...for your meetings.....when you come together as a church....When you come together ...”
What they did when they met was to eat a dinner, “When you come together....Lord's Supper you eat.” We know it was a full meal because of the descriptions Paul uses of “One remains hungry, another gets drunk.” You do not go hungry from a ritual meal of a piece of bread (or small soup cracker). Nor do you get drunk from a sip of wine (or shot glass of grape juice). This had to be a full meal. We see in the descriptions of the early Church Fathers, that this was always a full meal, with enough for the poor among them to take some home. This was a part of the welfare system. We see this in the ministrations towards the widows of the first assembly in Jerusalem, where table servants (translation of the Greek word deaconi) would distribute the widows’ portions to them.
Second was the emphasis of the correction here. Paul is chiding them for “despising the church of God, and humiliating those who have nothing...” Is this the unity of the one loaf and one cup Paul just discussed?
Let's continue with the passage:
1Corinthians 11:23-26
"For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
In a concise way Paul gives the tradition that he learned from Jesus himself. This is the basic idea of the believer's celebration meal, Jesus' sacrifice for the sins of all men.
Let's continue;
1Corinthians 11:27-34
"Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we are to judges ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.
When I come I will give further directions."
Paul says “therefore” referring to the preceding idea of the bread and cup being a remembrance of the Lord's death. “...in an unworthy manner...” and “...sinning against the body and blood of the Lord,” are ideas that are bandied about much, and given numerous interpretations.
In context it is referring to the body of Christ, the fellowship of believers gathered for the shared meal. “...do you despise the church of God, and humiliate those who have nothing?...when you gather to eat, wait for each other....” Some in Corinth were eating before all could eat and drinking to drunkenness before all could share in the wine.
I've read how many in the Gentile assemblies were slaves and so could not leave their master's house until given leave to. Many would be living on meager portions and would look forward to a share in the Agape Feast; in fact they would need their share to survive the coming week. Those who were freemen could arrive early and probably provided most of the food and wine. Some of them would be eating as soon as they arrived, while the poor slaves arrived late, with little left for them to eat. This in context is what Paul was discussing to correct.
In this passage we see again that they met to eat, the central part of their meetings was the feast, the Lord's Supper as Paul called it.
Spiritual Gifts and love
1Corinthians 12:1-14:40
Paul continues his discussion of the Corinthians' meeting with further correction of their errors. Again I point out that this is corrective and we can see the tradition of what Paul taught them to practice by seeing the elements he was discussing. I'm not going to deal with the gifts themselves here as that is meat for another discussion.
What I see here is that the Holy Spirit operated gifts through the members of the assembly when they were gathered.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given, for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of the one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."
What I see here is that “each one” had a manifestation of the Spirit, as Paul said in verses 4 and 5, there are different kinds of gifts and service but all by the same Spirit and Lord.
Paul next in dealing further with the idea of the gifts being given for the “common good“ builds up the comparison of the assembly of believers to a physical body.
1Corinthians 12:12-31
"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were given the one Spirit to drink.
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say.........As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
.....there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; of one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.......eagerly desire the greater gifts."
I only quoted the parts I wish to address here in trying to see the basic practice of a NT assembly meeting. This I see as Paul's main emphasis here, that the assembly takes the same care for each other as your bodies' parts care for the others. If you hit your thumb with a hammer, does only your thumb hurt? Does the rest of your body just stand there and do nothing? I know mine jumps and hollers with the thumbs pain, and I might utter a word or two that I have to apologize for saying and repent of.
The assembly was to see each one as being important, each one's gift was needed by the whole, and each one was to function in the meeting.
As to gifts that operated in the NT assembly meetings, Paul lists these;
"...message of wisdom....message of knowledge...faith...gifts of healing....miraculous powers...prophecy....distinguishing of spirits...speaking in different kinds of tongues...interpretation of tongues..."
Paul lists different parts of the assembly as;
"...apostles...prophets...teachers...workers of miracles...gifts of healing...those able to helper others....gifts of administration...those speaking different kinds of tongues."
Paul now gives the guiding principle above all the others; the highest element in an assembly meeting is loving one another, which again is a statement of the command of Jesus.
This was to be the character of their assembly meetings, dealing with one another in love, expressing love towards one another. Being ...patient...kind...not envying...not boasting....not proud...not rude...not self-seeking...not easily angered...keeping no record of wrongs...not delighting in evil...rejoicing with the truth...protecting...trusting...hoping...preserving...towards each one. (Reference from 1 Corinthians 13)
In Chapter 14 Paul continues his discussion to “eagerly desire the greater gifts”, by comparing tongues with prophecy. His stated goal here was that things be done “...so that the church may be edified.” There for he says to “...eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.” Again the goal is to build each other up in love.
Paul gives us a very clear picture of what a NT assembly meeting was like in a short passage;
1Corinthians 14:26
"What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church."
The tradition Paul taught the assemblies to hold to in their gatherings, in their meetings was an open participatory sharing. Everyone came to share something. It was open with little to no format; none is mentioned in the whole of the NT. We can not assume by the silence of any mention of a liturgy that they held to none, many of the early believers were Jewish and familiar with synagogue practice which enjoined a liturgy, so some assemblies may have followed some liturgy. Paul never mentions one, in any of his letters. Because of this I assume that this was left up to the individual assemblies to practice according to their culture, and not of serious consideration.
Conclusion
In conclusion what I see of NT Assembly practice involved a daily, loving of one another in real acts of service, supplying the needs of each other, in fulfillment of the commandment of Christ, to love one another.
They met to share a meal, in which the leftovers where taken home by all who had needs. They had open participatory sharing times in which the Holy Spirit would operate among them with gifts. They all came to share something, a song, a revelation, a teaching, whatever. And they came to build each other up by encouraging each other in the Lord.
In outline I would present it this way;
NT Assembly Practice
1. Assembly made up of believers in Christ only.
2. Loving one another is the main goal and character.
3. Functioned as an extended family.
4. Met weekly to share a common meal, Lord's Supper, (Agape Feast).
5. Had open, participatory times of sharing at their, Lord's Supper/Agape Feasts.
