Lesson 5: Fellowship 59
about their new faith. In so doing, the early church became a living
example of the ideal community God intended for his covenant people
(Deuteronomy 15:7–8). These verses describe communal sharing, not
communal property; that is, the members of this fellowship shared their
resources as needs arose within the community (cf. Acts 4:32–35).
2 : 4 6 – 47. While these early Christians were still following Jewish prac-
tices, they saw Jesus as the fulfillment of their traditions. Their fervent
hope that Jesus would soon return provided additional motivation for
them to live sacrificially. At this early stage, the Christian community
was marked by unity, generosity, and worship. Others in Jerusalem
admired their behavior to the point that this new fellowship of believers
was “having favor with all the people” (2:47, nasb) much as the young
Jesus grew in favor with God and people (cf. Luke 2:52).
Humble Service as a Member of the Body of Christ (Romans 12:3–8)
12:3. In order for a local body of believers to function properly, its mem-
bers must have the proper attitude. Because God is the source of our
gifts and abilities, there is no room for pride or self-denigration. Instead,
we should think sensibly about ourselves and how we can use our God-
given abilities to minister to others.
12:4–5. Just as the human body has many parts with different functions,
so also the body of Christ has many members who function in various
ways for the benefit of the body as a whole. The desire to use our gifts for
the common good will stand in stark contrast to the selfish ambitions
to exalt ourselves or rank one gift above another. Paul’s use of the body
as an analogy for the church established a new corporate identity for
God’s people. This new identity was not based on nationality or ethnic
unity, but rather on the diverse (but mutually interdependent) parts of
the body which are united in Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12–27).
12:6 – 8. Though not a comprehensive list, Paul highlighted some of the
gifts with which God blesses individual members to use for the benefit
of the larger faith community. Those who prophesy must share their
insights from God in proportion to their faith, being careful not to go
beyond what God has revealed. Serving may refer to specific services