Gospel Outreach International

How did the early Christian church conduct their meetings, and what can we learn from their practices? In this Bible study of Acts 20, we explore a fascinating account of an early church gathering that includes Paul’s teaching, fellowship, and even a miraculous event. Through this passage, we gain valuable insights into the customs and priorities of the early believers.

But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” Acts 20:10

• The early Christians established a practice of meeting on the first day of the week (Sunday), which was distinct from the Jewish Sabbath tradition
• Paul demonstrated unwavering commitment to teaching and exhorting believers wherever he went, even when facing opposition
• The early church meetings combined both spiritual fellowship (breaking bread) and physical fellowship (sharing meals together)
• Paul worked with a diverse team of believers from different regions who helped him collect and deliver funds for poor Christians in Jerusalem
• The church gatherings could be lengthy, with Paul’s teaching extending until midnight in this account
• Even in crisis moments (like Eutychus’s fall), Paul maintained calm leadership and demonstrated God’s power

And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted. Acts 20:12

What stands out in this Bible study is how Jesus’s influence shaped the early church’s practices. The believers gathered to remember Him through breaking bread, they experienced His power through Paul’s ministry when Eutychus was raised, and they followed His example of combining spiritual teaching with shared meals and fellowship. This reminds us that our church gatherings today should also reflect these essential elements of worship, teaching, and genuine community.

Bible References

• Acts 20:1-12:
• Romans 15:19
• Psalm 22
• Isaiah 53