They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 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, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 NIV

Dr. Luke often begins a topic with a summary statement and then expounds on one or more of the details included in that statement. He began the book of Acts by describing Jesus, “After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit,’” Acts 1:3-5. Luke told us of a gathering, around a meal, where Jesus taught the disciples and encouraged them about the coming Holy spirit.

In Acts 2:42-47 Luke described the day-to-day activities, spiritual practices and the gatherings of the very early Christian church members. He told us – as they gathered together, “Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles,” Acts 2:43. For example, a crippled man was healed by Peter and John in Acts 3:1-11. Luke again summarizes about signs and wonders in Acts 5:12-16. He told us many people were being healed and, “more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number,” Acts 5:14.

Luke goes on to tell us of Phillip’s actions and the results in Acts 8:4-8, and of many priests and others coming to know Jesus as their Messiah in Acts 6:7. The gathering together of the believers, the unity among them, and the way they shared everything with those who were in need is described in detail in Acts 4:32-37. People were attracted to this movement and many came to know Jesus as Messiah.

We also are encouraged to, “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching,” in Hebrews 10:24-25. The gathering together for Fellowship among the early church often accompanied miracles, signs and wonders. The Holy Spirit was present and working in people, then and now. Are you regularly attending a gathering of believers? If not, I encourage you to do that.