The Apostolic Church in Jerusalem
Acts traces the praying apostolic community through Pentecost, common worship, diaconal service, persecution, mission, and the Council of Jerusalem.
Why it matters
Jerusalem provides the canonical starting point for apostolic preaching, baptism, the breaking of bread, ministry, and communal discernment.
Scripture
- Acts 1:12-14 — The apostles, women, Mary, and the brothers of Jesus gather in prayer.
- Acts 2:1-47 — Pentecost, Peter's sermon, baptism, apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.
- Acts 6:1-7 — Seven men are appointed for ministry amid the community's growth.
- Acts 8:1-4 — Persecution scatters believers who carry the word beyond Jerusalem.
- Acts 15:1-29 — Apostles and elders discern the Gentile question in council.
Primary sources
Acts reports:
Acts summarizes the Jerusalem community as devoted to apostolic teaching and communal life, immediately adding breaking bread and prayers.
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.
Passage context and translation
Acts summarizes the Jerusalem community after the Pentecost proclamation with four linked practices: apostolic teaching, communal life, breaking bread, and prayers.
After the excerpt
Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.