In a single day, the early Christian community in Jerusalem went from about 120 members (cf. Acts 1:15) to roughly 3,120 members! How did they nurture all those new believers? We tend to focus on the apostles’ teaching, on prayer, on generous giving—all important. But we often skip over one aspect of their spiritual growth so meaningful Luke named it twice. They “shared meals” (verse 42) and “shared food with gladness and simplicity” (verse 46).

• Pastor Lloyd John Ogilvie wrote, “Life together in the early church is described as breaking of bread and prayers. In order for people to be galvanized into oneness in Christ, it takes time to be together to listen to each other, care, and be for each other.” In what ways has relating to others more deeply than you can in a couple of minutes at church helped you to grow spiritually? How have you seen others grow spiritually through such connection?
• The Message rendered verses 46-47 as, “They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.” How might a renewal of “table fellowship” make our lives as Christians more winsome and appealing to others?