Why did the first Christians want to meet for prayer?
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts. 2.42).
I suggest there is a progression from the teaching (or doctrine) to fellowship, then breaking of bread and finally prayer. If a church is weak at one point, the succeeding points will be weak or missing.
Doctrine
The word translated as 'teaching' in the NIV can also be translated as 'doctrine'. Christian doctrine is a body of principles or a system of belief about God and man. It is revealed by God and is not a matter of human invention. It is biblical - nothing more, nothing less. The purpose of doctrine is to present God and man truthfully.
The essential doctrines are embodied in Creeds, Confessions and Statements of Faith that are widely accepted by the Protestant Churches. Not all doctrines are essential to the Faith. The Jewish and Roman believers had different views about food but 'the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking' (Romans 14.17). The apostle taught that the principles of love and submission are to govern our actions.
Both churches and individuals may hold doctrines. It is the duty of church leaders to teach sound doctrine and to guard against false doctrine. Leaders should concentrate on the important issues since Scripture recognises that individuals (including leaders) may disagree over minor matters. Individuals should not press their own views upon the church; however, it is healthy for Christians to be aware of conflicting ideas. It develops discernment and maturity in thinking. 'Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind' (Romans 14.5). Divisiveness is a denial of the unity of the body of Christ.
If Christians are divided from others of different opinion they can become doctrinaire. If they strain at gnats of doctrine they can become pharisaical. When Hosea said: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice' (Hosea 6.6), the people were performing the correct religious duties yet were displeasing God. Jesus quoted Hosea to the Pharisees who tithed mint, dill and cumin but neglected the more important matters of the Law. The Law can be summed up as 'Love the Lord your God ... and ... love your neighbour ...' (Luke 10.27). Doctrine is not an end in itself but the basis for worship, evangelism and fellowship.
Fellowship
A church is a company of believers, called out of the rest of humanity, having structure and government. The church is called to worship, to evangelise and for fellowship.
Christian fellowship is dependent upon doctrine. It is exclusive, for 'what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?' (2 Corinthians 6.15). The closer the agreement over doctrine, the easier fellowship should be. Christians seek fellowship, and local churches tend to attract like-minded people.
It is wrong for Christians deliberately to separate from others over non-essential doctrines. Perhaps it is better to accept into fellowship those who are not Christians than to exclude any who are Christians. Where fellowship is good, it will attract unbelievers who may profess faith. If we speak to them with spiritual words that are spiritually discerned, it should be-come evident that they are not Christian. The Spirit may then open their minds to the gospel.
Within the context of church meetings, fellowship means the opportunity for all to contribute, each for a short period. 'When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction ...' (1 Corinthians 14.26). In a healthy fellowship people can express views that do not meet total agreement, without feeling censured. Unbiblical beliefs that are expressed can be handled lovingly. 'When Priscilla and Aquila heard (Apollos), they invited him into their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately' (Acts 18.26).
Fellowship meetings work well in small groups in homes. House meetings are not new. 'Day after day ... from house to house (the apostles) never stopped teaching' (Acts 5.42). Teaching is most effective when there is feedback from those who are taught.
A meeting at which one person speaks for a prolonged period without feedback has its place but it is not fellowship. Fellowship emphasises the value of the person in the church. It adds warmth to doctrine.
Breaking of bread
Once, when the Christians came together on the first day of the week to break bread, Paul spoke until the next day (Acts 20.7-12). The meeting was planned to mark Paul's departure. He probably addressed the whole gathering and also discussed concerns with the church leaders. It appears that they prepared enough food for at least one fellowship meal in addition to the Lord's Supper. In fact, the Lord's Supper was generally celebrated as part of a fellowship meal. 'Breaking of bread' refers to sharing a meal rather than part of the 'temple' worship. 'Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together' (Acts 2.46).
At the Lord's Supper, eating bread is an expression of fellowship. 'And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?' (1 Corinthians 10.16). The word translated as 'participation' (NIV) or 'communion' (AV) is 'koinonia' (in Greek) or 'fellowship'. Our fellowship is in the body of Christ that is the Church. The bread is one loaf symbolising unity or commonality.
A formal communion service for the whole church, though important, does not make hospitality at home less important. Within the discipline of church fellowship meetings, everyone can contribute, each for a short time. There is limited scope for forming friendships. Friendships are developed and strengthened through invitations into homes. We get to know people better in their own environment. A natural part of hospitality is eating together. At home around the table there is less formality and more time for individuals. We live in a fast-food, freezer and microwave age. In the days of the patriarchs, sharing a meal took time and trouble. Refusing to give or receive hospitality was tantamount to an insult. Eating the food showed trust in the one who provided.
Some people are particularly good at giving hospitality. All Christians should be hospitable as far as practicable. As friendship grows and joys and sorrows are shared it becomes natural to pray together. These times build confidence to pray in larger groups.
Prayer
For prayer in a group to be worthwhile, there must be agreement based on doctrine, fellowship, and communion in Christ. Jesus said: 'if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven' (Matthew 18.19). This implies knowing and understanding the minds of others. Good prayer requires good understanding. It takes time and involvement with others to gain good understanding.
The better the understanding, the better the prayer. The most powerful, efficacious prayer is earnest and sincere. To pray like this in a group calls for confidence. Whereas some people are naturally self-confident, others need congenial fellowship to build confidence. Without doctrinal agreement, fellowship and hospitality, church prayer meetings can be cold and formal. They will be unattractive and ill-attended.
Conclusion
It was stated at the outset that there is a progression from doctrine to fellowship then hospitality and finally prayer. Although this is a simplification, it can be seen that the four are closely related. Clearly, without these four foundations the church will be weak. Acts 2 shows that in the beginning the church was built with these foundations and it grew in strength.
G. Walker
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