Koinonia

The Fellowship of the Saints

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts‬ ‭2:42‬)

Fifty days after Christ’s resurrection His followers were filled by the promised Holy Spirit, marking the birth of the Church.  Within weeks thousands were added to their number.  The Christian community in Jerusalem had to learn very quickly how to work and walk with each other in truth and love.

The Greek word “Koinonia” is commonly translated into English as “fellowship” (see Acts 2:42). True Christian fellowship is not easy nor to be taken for granted, yet is the foundation for the Church and fuels her mission to the world. The first 7 chapters of the Book of Acts helps us to better understand the challenges and joys of being in such Christian community — to walk together.

Speaker: Guest
Scripture: Acts 6:1-7
Date: 2022-10-16

Acts 6:1-7 (NIV)

The Choosing of the Seven

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

Speaker: Ian Ma
Scripture: Acts 5:12-42
Date: 2022-10-09

Acts 5:12-42 (NIV)

The Apostles Heal Many

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.

Speaker: Ian Ma
Scripture: Acts 5:1-11
Date: 2022-10-02

Acts 5:1-11 (NIV)

Ananias and Sapphira

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Speaker: Guest
Scripture: Acts 4:32-37
Date: 2022-09-25

Acts 4:32-37 (NIV)

The Believers Share Their Possessions

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.

Speaker: Guest
Scripture: Acts 4:1-31
Date: 2022-09-18

Acts 4:1-31 (NIV)

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

Speaker: Guest
Scripture: Acts 3:1-19
Date: 2022-09-11

Acts 3:1-19 (NIV)

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

Speaker: Guest
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
Date: 2022-09-04

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)

The Fellowship of the Believers

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.