Revitalize Worship Life

[ITS]

You have been sent back in time to Jerusalem in the year AD 35 to study worship life of the early church in order to help revitalize the worship of today. Describe what you find, and suggest how today's church can benefit from the practices of the early church.

[AWL]

The early church in Jerusalem 35 A.D. observed worship elements such as baptism, the Lord?s Supper (the Eucharist), and the Lord?s Prayer. All churches met on Sunday mornings in celebration of the resurrection of Christ, and Wednesdays and Fridays were often devoted to commemorate the suffering and death of Christ (including times of fasting). The reading of Scripture remained significant and primary, with special readings. The early worship services always included a sermon, an exposition of Scripture reading and included an exhortation of repentance and a return to holy living. Preaching was open to any member with the gift of public speaking. In addition, worship always included prayer, with the posture of standing with outstretched arms. The service also incorporated music, utilizing the Old Testament psalms and the New Testament hymns and poems. Christian worship is a mixture of synagogue worship and the Upper Room.
The communion service often began with a kiss of peace (men to men, women to women), as a token of Christian fellowship and love. Then came the two parts of the service: 1. offering (to pay for the elements and to support the ministry, and to help the poor), then 2. the communion itself, followed by the singing of songs (psalms and hymns). Everyone stood, and the spirit was one of joy and festivity. The pattern of worship of the early church was in house churches, which gradually emerged into a more structured and orderly in its worship and leadership models, and rules for faith and conduct later on. However, the early church in 35 A.D., only a couple of years after Christ's resurrection, worshiped and fellowshipped in house churches (more informal, you can say).
Today's church can definitely benefit from the early church's emphasis on community, as well as its house church format. The Acts 2 church of selfless love and genuine fellowship is often lost in today's highly structured and liturgical worship services, as well as the problems of church politics and power struggles. The early church did not have too many officers and titles, but shared their possessions and enjoyed learning from the Word. Of course structure helps the practical functioning of especially larger churches, but perhaps our modern church small groups can emulate the house church practices in its fellowship and deep love for one another. The sense of intimate community is what small groups nowadays should be about, amidst the larger congregational worship gathering on Sundays.

[mjbrad]

The pattern of church worship described in the previous post but didn?t emerge with this level formality until well after 35 AD. New Testament readings, for instance, could not have emerged until much later, particularly since none of the gospels was recorded before the late 60?s, and even the earliest of Paul?s letters were not written until the early 50?s. The Christian community of 35 AD would have had only the content of the existing scriptures, rabbinical writings, and the commentary of the Apostles and other followers of Jesus.

The church of 35 A.D. was still almost exclusively Jewish in character and tradition, although it was already beginning to see that a break with Judaism was inevitable. The Hellenistic Christians, speaking Greek and owning a relatively freer life-style than the Jewish Christians, led the way. However, at this moment in time the church was centered in Jerusalem and with it still carried a predominantly Jewish flavor.
The Jerusalem Jews were dependent on the Temple for its centrality of life. They were very traditional and cultured, tending toward cool and calculated behavior. Because of the centrality of the Temple and tradition, they were also more legalistic in the practice of religion. Some of this carried over into their newfound Christian experience. For a time, they remained loyal to the Jewish laws and continued to worship both in synagogues and at the Temple. (cf. Acts 2:46) Jewish Christians experienced tolerance from the Sanhedrin, particularly because of their regular attendance and observance of Jewish laws and rituals. Until the first significant Christian persecution, around 36 AD, the link to Judaism was still close. Afterwards, however, the movement began to look outward with more missionary zeal as the Christians in Jerusalem were dispersed. House churches did develop, but not until later.

If Acts 2:42-47 is taken as descriptive of the typical practice of the early church, we find four general characteristics that can be highlighted: Devotion to authoritative teaching, common fellowship, the breaking of bread (possibly a reference to the Lord?s Supper), and prayer. There is a clear sense of community.

Two special ceremonies under the apostles particularly focused the unity of the Christian movement. Both are easily recognizable today: Baptism and the Lord?s Supper. The first, following in the vein of John the Baptist, marked entrance into a spiritual kingdom, albeit yet to be fully revealed. The second emphasized a renewal of their covenant with God and each other. Baptism and shared meals were, of course, not uncommon prior to Christianity, but they did gain a new focus, practice, and significance in their new realm.

The church today can be aided greatly in its worship by recognizing the simplicity of these elements and by understanding their cultural application. Structure provides order, but it is not structure that God blesses. Obedience, praise, gladness, sincerity, community?these are some the key descriptions of the early church of which we should take note today. The result? ?And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.? (Acts 2:47b)

[Fooshee]

You have been sent back in time to Jerusalem in the year AD 35 to study worship life of the early church in order to help revitalize the worship of today. Describe what you find, and suggest how today's church can benefit from the practices of the early church.

The worship in the early church was one that is described only in part in Acts. If I were to go back in time, this is what I would notice.

I believe that the church at this time would be a wonderful experience. It would have a spirit of reverence to God and the love of others in the service which is signified by people greeting one another with what is called a "holy kiss". There would be a great sense of excitement and mission. The service would be held in a home and center around the reading and teaching of the scripture. Some Psalms would be sung and perhaps someone would write a new song that spoke of some of the elements of the New Covenant in order to encourage the group. Prayer would be apart of their meeting not out of a sense of obligation, but motivated from a true thankfulness to God and burden for others. The Lord's Supper would be practiced upon each assembly and baptisms would take place often since many new people were becoming believers. If there were any foreigners in the group, it is possible that the speaking and interpretation of tongues might be present. Finally, an offering would be given as needed for any in need in the group or for the furtherance of the gospel.

There would not be a major distinction between the laity and clergy as we often see today. Also, there would be some serious discussion between the former Hellenistic Jews and Judiazers over if one must become a Jew first in order to become a Christian. Although there is love, one can tell that some tension is growing.

To the church today, I would conclude that the early church could be characterized as a group of believers that are spiritually vital, biblically grounded, relationally healthy, personally generous, socially responsible and evangelistically bold. I think that it would be helpful for churches today to pray that God would work among them to become the same. However, I think it would be equally as helpful to communicate to churches today that the early church was still in this world. That is, it was not perfect. Factions were beginning to form and obstacles were just around the corner.

[Fooshee]

I believe that you have done a great job here. I also concur about your initial statement regarding the dating of 35 AD. Although I did not write this in my response to the question, I think that it would be extremely difficult to conclude what a typical service would look like in 35 AD since one probably didn't look like another. Although I do think that Acts gives us a few clues here, any responses to this question are clearly conjectured. And since that is the case, I think we should not be dogmatic on what worship was like at this time.

The pattern of church worship described in the previous post but didn?t emerge with this level formality until well after 35 AD. New Testament readings, for instance, could not have emerged until much later, particularly since none of the gospels was recorded before the late 60?s, and even the earliest of Paul?s letters were not written until the early 50?s. The Christian community of 35 AD would have had only the content of the existing scriptures, rabbinical writings, and the commentary of the Apostles and other followers of Jesus.

The church of 35 A.D. was still almost exclusively Jewish in character and tradition, although it was already beginning to see that a break with Judaism was inevitable. The Hellenistic Christians, speaking Greek and owning a relatively freer life-style than the Jewish Christians, led the way. However, at this moment in time the church was centered in Jerusalem and with it still carried a predominantly Jewish flavor.
The Jerusalem Jews were dependent on the Temple for its centrality of life. They were very traditional and cultured, tending toward cool and calculated behavior. Because of the centrality of the Temple and tradition, they were also more legalistic in the practice of religion. Some of this carried over into their newfound Christian experience. For a time, they remained loyal to the Jewish laws and continued to worship both in synagogues and at the Temple. (cf. Acts 2:46) Jewish Christians experienced tolerance from the Sanhedrin, particularly because of their regular attendance and observance of Jewish laws and rituals. Until the first significant Christian persecution, around 36 AD, the link to Judaism was still close. Afterwards, however, the movement began to look outward with more missionary zeal as the Christians in Jerusalem were dispersed. House churches did develop, but not until later.

If Acts 2:42-47 is taken as descriptive of the typical practice of the early church, we find four general characteristics that can be highlighted: Devotion to authoritative teaching, common fellowship, the breaking of bread (possibly a reference to the Lord?s Supper), and prayer. There is a clear sense of community.

Two special ceremonies under the apostles particularly focused the unity of the Christian movement. Both are easily recognizable today: Baptism and the Lord?s Supper. The first, following in the vein of John the Baptist, marked entrance into a spiritual kingdom, albeit yet to be fully revealed. The second emphasized a renewal of their covenant with God and each other. Baptism and shared meals were, of course, not uncommon prior to Christianity, but they did gain a new focus, practice, and significance in their new realm.

The church today can be aided greatly in its worship by recognizing the simplicity of these elements and by understanding their cultural application. Structure provides order, but it is not structure that God blesses. Obedience, praise, gladness, sincerity, community?these are some the key descriptions of the early church of which we should take note today. The result? ?And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.? (Acts 2:47b)

[pat engler]

You have been sent back in time to Jerusalem in the year AD 35 to study worship life of the early church in order to help revitalize the worship of today. Describe what you find, and suggest how today's church can benefit from the practices of the early church.
The early church in Jerusalem began integrating what the disciples had been taught by Jesus in the Upper Room at the Last Supper and what they had practiced in the Jewish Synagogue. Acts 2, although written several years later, recalls the day of Pentecost and the days and weeks that immediately followed. The disciples met everyday in the temple courts praising God and fellowshipping, meeting the needs of the poor, baptizing, breaking bread together (the Lord's Supper and/or meals together). They prayed prayers of intercession and sang songs from Old Testament, Psalms, etc., as well as hymns that were passed down, though not recorded yet in the New Testament, i.e., Mary's Song. They had the apostles and those gifted with teaching read and exposite the Scriptures. At this time, the believers probably all still felt they were all equal, because the hierarchal structure had not been entrenched so deeply yet.
We could benefit today from going back to the simplicity of the worship of the early church, by making our services more about Jesus as the reason we are worshipping together and less about indoctrinated formalities of how a service should happen. If Christians could just back to and stay with the basic teachings of Christ, like the early church did, I don't think church life would be so complicated. People would be happier without all the hierarchacal stuff and just knowing God loves them for who they are.

[pat engler]

You have been sent back in time to Jerusalem in the year AD 35 to study worship life of the early church in order to help revitalize the worship of today. Describe what you find, and suggest how today's church can benefit from the practices of the early church.

The worship in the early church was one that is described only in part in Acts. If I were to go back in time, this is what I would notice.

I believe that the church at this time would be a wonderful experience. It would have a spirit of reverence to God and the love of others in the service which is signified by people greeting one another with what is called a "holy kiss". There would be a great sense of excitement and mission. The service would be held in a home and center around the reading and teaching of the scripture. Some Psalms would be sung and perhaps someone would write a new song that spoke of some of the elements of the New Covenant in order to encourage the group. Prayer would be apart of their meeting not out of a sense of obligation, but motivated from a true thankfulness to God and burden for others. The Lord's Supper would be practiced upon each assembly and baptisms would take place often since many new people were becoming believers. If there were any foreigners in the group, it is possible that the speaking and interpretation of tongues might be present. Finally, an offering would be given as needed for any in need in the group or for the furtherance of the gospel.

There would not be a major distinction between the laity and clergy as we often see today. Also, there would be some serious discussion between the former Hellenistic Jews and Judiazers over if one must become a Jew first in order to become a Christian. Although there is love, one can tell that some tension is growing.

To the church today, I would conclude that the early church could be characterized as a group of believers that are spiritually vital, biblically grounded, relationally healthy, personally generous, socially responsible and evangelistically bold. I think that it would be helpful for churches today to pray that God would work among them to become the same. However, I think it would be equally as helpful to communicate to churches today that the early church was still in this world. That is, it was not perfect. Factions were beginning to form and obstacles were just around the corner.
I agree with much of what you posted. It's hard to say, though, if the church members greeted one another with a holy kiss until Paul instructed them later in his letters. Although no NT Scripture had been written yet in 35 A.D., the Christians listened to the teaching of the apostles and during service, they could have also sung some well known poems and hymns that were later recorded as Scripture (i.e., Mary's Song, etc.,). Many churches can start out very enthusiastic because of the newness of it all and I don't doubt that things were still pretty exciting by 35 A.D., but I wonder how much fear, sorrow, and doubt there was as well because the church was probably experiencing more and more persecution. The church also kept not only the elements you mentioned from the "Upper Room" with Jesus (Lord's Supper, intercessory prayer, baptism, etc.) but it also held on to its very foundation of "church" life which began with the elements practiced in the Jewish synagogue (i.e., reading and expositing Scriptures, singing the Psalms, collection for the needy, common prayers, etc.).

[Brain]

You have been sent back in time to Jerusalem in the year AD 35 to study worship life of the early church in order to help revitalize the worship of today. Describe what you find, and suggest how today's church can benefit from the practices of the early church.

Brain Gusciora CH505

The Christian ekklesia was meant to be an alternative society, a thumbnail sketch of the kingdom of God.

So, for example, in the ekklesia of God, Jews and Gentiles, so often separated in Roman society, shared life together as brothers and sisters. Slaves could also be full participants in the Christian gatherings, enjoying equality in Christ with non-slaves, even with their masters. Women could actively participate in the gatherings just as long as they didn't engage in the scandalous behavior of the pagan cults. The theological truth that in Christ "there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female" was lived out in the Christian assemblies (Galatians 3:28). They were, indeed, a kind of alternative society, one that implicitly rejected the domineering, separatistic, and elitist values of the Roman world.

Could it be said that the church in America today is also an alternative society? Perhaps, in some places and at some times, but I fear these are the exceptions to the rule. The church in our culture tends to play a very different role than what was once envisioned by Paul and the earliest Christians. On the one hand, we often reflect the fallen values of our society rather than the holy values of God's kingdom. For example, put a church in the middle of a materialistic culture and, odds are, the church will be materialistic too...

[fonce]

You have been sent back in time to Jerusalem in the year AD 35 to study worship life of the early church in order to help revitalize the worship of today. Describe what you find, and suggest how today's church can benefit from the practices of the early church.

Christian worship was mixture of the two dominant elements – Synagogue worship (reading of the Scripture, exposition of the scripture, singing of the psalms, the use of the common prayer, confession of the faith, and collection of money for the needy) from the Jewish heritage and the Upper room (the Lord’s supper, intercessory prayer, singing of NT hymns, and practice of baptism). These remained the central elements of the worship service in the life of early church. The church was more than a building or a place at that time. It was a worshiping community of people of God. All people - the poor and the rich, slaves and masters, women and men, Jews and Gentiles were all in one family. God's family.
Today many churches seem to be missing this element. Churches are divided by social classes, genders, and ethnic groups. It is rare to see a church that has members from diverse social and cultural background. We may need to evaluate what causes this division and remind ourselves that we all are brothers and sisters in Christ.

[fonce]

You have been sent back in time to Jerusalem in the year AD 35 to study worship life of the early church in order to help revitalize the worship of today. Describe what you find, and suggest how today's church can benefit from the practices of the early church.
The early church in Jerusalem began integrating what the disciples had been taught by Jesus in the Upper Room at the Last Supper and what they had practiced in the Jewish Synagogue. Acts 2, although written several years later, recalls the day of Pentecost and the days and weeks that immediately followed. The disciples met everyday in the temple courts praising God and fellowshipping, meeting the needs of the poor, baptizing, breaking bread together (the Lord's Supper and/or meals together). They prayed prayers of intercession and sang songs from Old Testament, Psalms, etc., as well as hymns that were passed down, though not recorded yet in the New Testament, i.e., Mary's Song. They had the apostles and those gifted with teaching read and exposite the Scriptures. At this time, the believers probably all still felt they were all equal, because the hierarchal structure had not been entrenched so deeply yet.
We could benefit today from going back to the simplicity of the worship of the early church, by making our services more about Jesus as the reason we are worshipping together and less about indoctrinated formalities of how a service should happen. If Christians could just back to and stay with the basic teachings of Christ, like the early church did, I don't think church life would be so complicated. People would be happier without all the hierarchacal stuff and just knowing God loves them for who they are.

I totally agree with what you are saying. We need to reevalute what we are teaching at churches today. Too often I find that the focus of church is on ourselves and not much on Jesus Christ. Churches are often too busy with pleasing people and gaining members. Churches are sending messages what people want to hear. We need to put our attention back to Jesus Christ - the only reason why we gather together.

[terri gunderson]

You have been sent back in time to Jerusalem in the year AD 35 to study worship life of the early church in order to help revitalize the worship of today. Describe what you find, and suggest how today's church can benefit from the practices of the early church.

I am sure that worship was not boring with Peter as the leader of the new church in Jerusalem. He remains one of the most compelling examples of a life that is fully devoted to the Gospel of Christ. For this reason alone, I think his commitment to the shepherding of the new flock of believers would have led to a mix of fear and awe as he and the other disciples led in worship.

I believe that the new band of believers still held close ties with Judaism at this time. It was not until much later, closer to the Neronian persecution, when the Christians did not support the Jews dissent from emperor worship that the real split from Judaism occurred. For this reason, the early church probably looked similar in many ways to Jewish worship with OT scripture readings or recitation of memorized Scripture from the Torah, offerings, and singing. Two acts set them apart, however, from the Jews. They now practiced the Lord's Supper as commanded by Jesus and also practiced baptism. It is doubtful in my mind that baptism was an actual part of the worship service since immersion was the normative practice. From Acts 2:46 it appears that the church met both "in the temple and breaking bread from house to house." This implies a type of intimacy among the early believers but also suggests they had continued ties to the temple and Judaism.

It appears that their mark was joy and unity (Acts 2:46), and that new converts were added at almost every service. They were signs of early stressors, however, between the Galileans and the Judeans. The Galileans interest in the prophetic witness rather than on church organization eventually gave them a leading role in early evangelism. Acts continues to point to the importance of devoting themselves to both teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42).

As I look back at life and worship (which seemed to really intermingle) in the early church, it seems we can learn much as 21st century believers in America. It seems we are abundantly supplied, yet still lack the joy and ability to share with others that marked this period in church history. The unity and love among the believers would be the hallmark that would set them apart from their syncretistic neighbors and I believe it would still do the same today. The worship services were blessed by joy, sharing, unity, and God blessed their gatherings abundantly (Acts 2:47). I think we can benefit from the warmth and richness of the community and the simplicity of the shared worship by all who were present.

[terri gunderson]

Brain Gusciora CH505

The Christian ekklesia was meant to be an alternative society, a thumbnail sketch of the kingdom of God.

So, for example, in the ekklesia of God, Jews and Gentiles, so often separated in Roman society, shared life together as brothers and sisters. Slaves could also be full participants in the Christian gatherings, enjoying equality in Christ with non-slaves, even with their masters. Women could actively participate in the gatherings just as long as they didn't engage in the scandalous behavior of the pagan cults. The theological truth that in Christ "there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female" was lived out in the Christian assemblies (Galatians 3:28). They were, indeed, a kind of alternative society, one that implicitly rejected the domineering, separatistic, and elitist values of the Roman world.

Could it be said that the church in America today is also an alternative society? Perhaps, in some places and at some times, but I fear these are the exceptions to the rule. The church in our culture tends to play a very different role than what was once envisioned by Paul and the earliest Christians. On the one hand, we often reflect the fallen values of our society rather than the holy values of God's kingdom. For example, put a church in the middle of a materialistic culture and, odds are, the church will be materialistic too...

Hi Brian,

I have to agree with your post that the worldly look of the church does not reflect the initial church on the move in Jerusalem. I think we would be experiencing increased persecution and increased participation and joy if the church reflected a more holy and called out people. I often find even the terminology we are sometimes now using for our senior pastors (often times now called CEO's) to be reflective of the church imaging more of the world around them than the values that Christ instilled. Of course this all begins with personal sanctification, but the fact remains, the Church does not differ significantly with regards to divorce rates, etc. that would say we are different. In terms of worship this translates to less enthusiastic worship, seriousness of the Lord's Table, and the resulting work of the Spirit: more people coming to Christ.

[lydianurse]

What we find in the opening chapters of Acts describes the character of the church in AD 35. It was a fledgling church and had not worked out any standard practices or policies by this time. Furthermore, the church was entirely situated in Judea and had not yet spread to Gentile regions. Thus, the early church practices are highly Jewish in character. Nevertheless, there are some salient points that are worth mentioning in our attempt to revitalize our own worship today.

First of all, the church was dedicated to the apostles’ teaching. Although all of the 120 disciples who were gathered in the upper room at Pentecost received the Holy Spirit, still it was the apostles who were recognized as the leaders. They were entrusted with teaching and shepherding the church. It was important that all the believers understand the Scriptures and the gospel. Thus, there is also value for us today in regularly gathering together to hear the teaching of the Word.

Secondly, the church prayed together often. They were dependent upon the Lord in everything and sought His guidance and provision at every moment. The many persecutions drove them to pray even more. I think this is a weak point in many of our churches today. We have prayer chains and prayer meetings, but rarely is there frequent, extensive, fervent, corporate prayer in our American evangelical churches today. In fact, we often leave our prayer meetings, having spent more time discussing the prayer requests than actually praying together! The lack of prayer and of fasting has greatly weakened our churches and rendered us insensitive to the working of the Holy Spirit.

Thirdly, the believers shared everything in common. This assumes that Christians were in community together and were aware of the needs in their midst. Today American evangelical churches have become places where people can remain invisible for years. It is all too common for individuals to come to church for Sunday morning service and leave without talking to anyone else. Few Christians are in consistent, true fellowship. Even fewer American Christians would be willing to reveal the struggles and problems that they face during their daily lives. Thus, believers hardly share anything in common in any sphere of life, whether on a physical, spiritual, social, or emotional level. How can the church meet needs within the congregation if there is no true fellowship? It is imperative that all believers in our churches not only gather together in the large assembly, but also meet together in small groups throughout the week. This helps believers to meet the needs of others in their communities.

Finally, everyone was committed to the growth of the church and to the spread of the gospel. Every believer did his or her part to advance the work of the church. Many people gave generously to the church, which distributed the wealth to poor widows in its midst. People opened their homes to the church, so that they could meet for meals and services. People preached on the streets. Others helped with compassion ministries. Whatever it was, believers in the early church were eager to help in any way possible. This same attitude is lacking in many of our churches. We need people to give generously, volunteer passionately, and speak boldly for Christ in whatever ways they can.

[lydianurse]

I

It appears that their mark was joy and unity (Acts 2:46), and that new converts were added at almost every service. They were signs of early stressors, however, between the Galileans and the Judeans. The Galileans interest in the prophetic witness rather than on church organization eventually gave them a leading role in early evangelism. Acts continues to point to the importance of devoting themselves to both teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42).

As I look back at life and worship (which seemed to really intermingle) in the early church, it seems we can learn much as 21st century believers in America. It seems we are abundantly supplied, yet still lack the joy and ability to share with others that marked this period in church history. The unity and love among the believers would be the hallmark that would set them apart from their syncretistic neighbors and I believe it would still do the same today. The worship services were blessed by joy, sharing, unity, and God blessed their gatherings abundantly (Acts 2:47). I think we can benefit from the warmth and richness of the community and the simplicity of the shared worship by all who were present.

I agree with you regarding the joy and unity that is evident in the early church. It seems that with the passing of time, the church has grown divisive about issues that are not central to the gospel. The early church, however, was focused. It enjoyed unity because it focused on the gospel. It's primary aim was to proclaim the gospel to the rest of the world. Meanwhile, the church overflowed with abundant joy and hope in Christ. I think that if our churches would return to its basic foundation on the gospel, there would be greater unity. If we understood our love for one another as a demonstration of our love for Christ, there would be greater humility toward one another and greater efforts to serve one another.

[deanne]

Since this is only a couple of years after the crucifixion, everything would still be fresh in the believer's minds. Many of those who had walked with Jesus would still be present. Perhaps they were asked by newer believers what Jesus was like, what he taught and said. They probably still met in synagogues and the Temple for Scripture reading and exposition. They probably sang psalms. They may have also met often outside of the Synagogue and Temple; day by day in Acts. They shared meals, possibly communion (breaking of bread), there were signs and miracles. They grew day by day and baptized new members often. There was a close sense of community sharing all they had with each other. They praised the Lord and had favor with all people. They had gladness and sincerity of heart. They were small in number but yet still like a megachurch today (3000 +).

What could be done today?
This was truly a unique time in history. I'm not sure that there is anything to bring forward from that time that is not already present in form to recapture what seemed to be present at that time. Scripture reading and exposition are still present today, singing psalms, sharing meals, sharing possessions, and meeting in churches and outside of churches are the same in events. The closeness of the events cannot be duplicated.

[deanne]

The pattern of church worship described in the previous post but didn?t emerge with this level formality until well after 35 AD. New Testament readings, for instance, could not have emerged until much later, particularly since none of the gospels was recorded before the late 60?s, and even the earliest of Paul?s letters were not written until the early 50?s. The Christian community of 35 AD would have had only the content of the existing scriptures, rabbinical writings, and the commentary of the Apostles and other followers of Jesus.

The church of 35 A.D. was still almost exclusively Jewish in character and tradition, although it was already beginning to see that a break with Judaism was inevitable. The Hellenistic Christians, speaking Greek and owning a relatively freer life-style than the Jewish Christians, led the way. However, at this moment in time the church was centered in Jerusalem and with it still carried a predominantly Jewish flavor.
The Jerusalem Jews were dependent on the Temple for its centrality of life. They were very traditional and cultured, tending toward cool and calculated behavior. Because of the centrality of the Temple and tradition, they were also more legalistic in the practice of religion. Some of this carried over into their newfound Christian experience. For a time, they remained loyal to the Jewish laws and continued to worship both in synagogues and at the Temple. (cf. Acts 2:46) Jewish Christians experienced tolerance from the Sanhedrin, particularly because of their regular attendance and observance of Jewish laws and rituals. Until the first significant Christian persecution, around 36 AD, the link to Judaism was still close. Afterwards, however, the movement began to look outward with more missionary zeal as the Christians in Jerusalem were dispersed. House churches did develop, but not until later.

If Acts 2:42-47 is taken as descriptive of the typical practice of the early church, we find four general characteristics that can be highlighted: Devotion to authoritative teaching, common fellowship, the breaking of bread (possibly a reference to the Lord?s Supper), and prayer. There is a clear sense of community.

Two special ceremonies under the apostles particularly focused the unity of the Christian movement. Both are easily recognizable today: Baptism and the Lord?s Supper. The first, following in the vein of John the Baptist, marked entrance into a spiritual kingdom, albeit yet to be fully revealed. The second emphasized a renewal of their covenant with God and each other. Baptism and shared meals were, of course, not uncommon prior to Christianity, but they did gain a new focus, practice, and significance in their new realm.

The church today can be aided greatly in its worship by recognizing the simplicity of these elements and by understanding their cultural application. Structure provides order, but it is not structure that God blesses. Obedience, praise, gladness, sincerity, community?these are some the key descriptions of the early church of which we should take note today. The result? ?And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.? (Acts 2:47b)

I would agree with your assessment of the possible worship in A. D. 35.. I also agree that it developed other elements mentioned later as you stated. We only have scant information from the New Testament about those earliest days and as you pointed out Christians would have to go to the synagogue or Temple to hear Scripture. I would agree as well that in and around Jerusalem, Christianity would continue to be strongly Jewish in flavor. Yet differentiation from Judaism did not take long (16 yrs) requiring intervening by a council. In relation to the Phariseeism of the New Testament, Christianity was radically different. It is surprising that it was as well tolerated as it was.

[deanne]

The pattern of church worship described in the previous post but didn?t emerge with this level formality until well after 35 AD. New Testament readings, for instance, could not have emerged until much later, particularly since none of the gospels was recorded before the late 60?s, and even the earliest of Paul?s letters were not written until the early 50?s. The Christian community of 35 AD would have had only the content of the existing scriptures, rabbinical writings, and the commentary of the Apostles and other followers of Jesus.

The church of 35 A.D. was still almost exclusively Jewish in character and tradition, although it was already beginning to see that a break with Judaism was inevitable. The Hellenistic Christians, speaking Greek and owning a relatively freer life-style than the Jewish Christians, led the way. However, at this moment in time the church was centered in Jerusalem and with it still carried a predominantly Jewish flavor.
The Jerusalem Jews were dependent on the Temple for its centrality of life. They were very traditional and cultured, tending toward cool and calculated behavior. Because of the centrality of the Temple and tradition, they were also more legalistic in the practice of religion. Some of this carried over into their newfound Christian experience. For a time, they remained loyal to the Jewish laws and continued to worship both in synagogues and at the Temple. (cf. Acts 2:46) Jewish Christians experienced tolerance from the Sanhedrin, particularly because of their regular attendance and observance of Jewish laws and rituals. Until the first significant Christian persecution, around 36 AD, the link to Judaism was still close. Afterwards, however, the movement began to look outward with more missionary zeal as the Christians in Jerusalem were dispersed. House churches did develop, but not until later.

If Acts 2:42-47 is taken as descriptive of the typical practice of the early church, we find four general characteristics that can be highlighted: Devotion to authoritative teaching, common fellowship, the breaking of bread (possibly a reference to the Lord?s Supper), and prayer. There is a clear sense of community.

Two special ceremonies under the apostles particularly focused the unity of the Christian movement. Both are easily recognizable today: Baptism and the Lord?s Supper. The first, following in the vein of John the Baptist, marked entrance into a spiritual kingdom, albeit yet to be fully revealed. The second emphasized a renewal of their covenant with God and each other. Baptism and shared meals were, of course, not uncommon prior to Christianity, but they did gain a new focus, practice, and significance in their new realm.

The church today can be aided greatly in its worship by recognizing the simplicity of these elements and by understanding their cultural application. Structure provides order, but it is not structure that God blesses. Obedience, praise, gladness, sincerity, community?these are some the key descriptions of the early church of which we should take note today. The result? ?And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.? (Acts 2:47b)

I would agree with your assessment of the possible worship in A. D. 35.. I also agree that it developed other elements mentioned later as you stated. We only have scant information from the New Testament about those earliest days and as you pointed out Christians would have to go to the synagogue or Temple to hear Scripture. I would agree as well that in and around Jerusalem, Christianity would continue to be strongly Jewish in flavor. Yet differentiation from Judaism did not take long (16 yrs) requiring intervening by a council. In relation to the Phariseeism of the New Testament, Christianity was radically different. It is surprising that it was as well tolerated as it was.

[Haehle]

I believe if I were to "transport" to Jerusalem 35AD, I worship life I would experience among believers would be just that: worship life. Early Christ followers did life together. Their getting up and lying down, eating, working, playing was in glory to God. They walked and talked together--barriers that had once separated--jew/greek, slave/free. man/woman--were gone. What I think we could (should) learn from them is that you don't "go to church", we ARE the church. Worship isn't something we gather for on Sunday mornings and then check off our to do list. Worship is how we live--daily, moment by moment presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. Sadly, I believe the church today is too much an institution, a business--not the expectant Bride that Jesus died for.

[Haehle]

Since this is only a couple of years after the crucifixion, everything would still be fresh in the believer's minds. Many of those who had walked with Jesus would still be present. Perhaps they were asked by newer believers what Jesus was like, what he taught and said. They probably still met in synagogues and the Temple for Scripture reading and exposition. They probably sang psalms. They may have also met often outside of the Synagogue and Temple; day by day in Acts. They shared meals, possibly communion (breaking of bread), there were signs and miracles. They grew day by day and baptized new members often. There was a close sense of community sharing all they had with each other. They praised the Lord and had favor with all people. They had gladness and sincerity of heart. They were small in number but yet still like a megachurch today (3000 +).

What could be done today?
This was truly a unique time in history. I'm not sure that there is anything to bring forward from that time that is not already present in form to recapture what seemed to be present at that time. Scripture reading and exposition are still present today, singing psalms, sharing meals, sharing possessions, and meeting in churches and outside of churches are the same in events. The closeness of the events cannot be duplicated.

An idea of what can be done today to "recapture" the early church's experience: Seek God's approval, not man's. Offer "grace on tap", love that sacrifices, and service to those in need. We need to get out of the "club" mode and onto (back to?) being the light and salt that Jesus intended. It would also serve the world well if believers would recognize and use their spiritual gifts, not depend on the "qualified" clergy (etc) to do the work of the Body.