Church In The Apostles Time.

[Digging4Truth]

I'm sitting here thinking... I wonder what the early church "services" were like?

There are many angles that we could approach this from but the one that goes through my mind is this... Did they show up each time and there was one guy who came with a prepared message and they all sat & listened?

I just can't feature it being like that at all.

But, then, that leaves the question... What was it like?

How do you picture in your mind a "service" going in the times of the apostles. One of the original apostles need not even be there since most "services" around the world didn't have one in attendance on any given day.

What do you think it was like?
How was it run?

Speculate on...

[RandyWayne]

Well, if Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wed night, Friday or Saturday youth services and week after week of scheduled revival services worked for them, it should work for us!

:)

[RandyWayne]

A serious question, or thought: When someone gave a message, did all the visiting pastors sit elevated behind him (or her) nodding their approval?

[scotty]

As you said, since one of the apostles may not have been in attendance at any given time I envision the services differently.

With an apostle present: If the apostle journeyed there because of some problems he had heard coming from the church then I do believe God would have laid a message on his heart during his journeys. That aside, I believe whether the apostle was there or not the services I imagine would be of breaking bread, fellowshipping, singing and praising God, testimonies of Gods blessings and works.

jmo

[Timmy]

Long, boring sermons. At least once, anyway. Acts 20:9. :lol

[berkeley]

I don't think the women made whaling sounds like today's church women do.

[Amanah]

I thought they mostly either met in the Jewish temple, or met in each others homes.

when they met in people's homes they shared food, thoughts and prayer.

[Amanah]

oh boy, we are messed up

[RandyWayne]

Chris will probably chime in on this but your average meeting was probably very much like a bunch of friends getting together to talk about a common interest and eat. I am sure it didn't take long for all sorts of ceremony to enter the picture but I am sure the church in the first years was 180 different than it is now.

[Timmy]

oh boy, we are messed up

Yeah you are. :toofunny

[scotty]

I don't think the women made whaling sounds like today's church women do.

Well not in church. Don't they have a wall for that ?

[berkeley]

I thought they mostly either met in the Jewish temple, or met in each others homes.

when they met in people's homes they shared food, thoughts and prayer.

SHHHH!! don't let taquila see this!

[RandyWayne]

Well not in church. Don't they have a wall for that ?

Except in church they are wails of joy!

[Amanah]

Yeah you are. :toofunny :smack

[Digging4Truth]

Long, boring sermons. At least once, anyway. Acts 20:9. :lol

Indeed. But, then again, that's where we see a good example of "lost in translation".

When we read that verse with our modern understanding of church we assume that Paul was up there "preaching" and everyone else was listening in.

But the word that is translated as preaching is actually the word where get our word dialogue. The possible Strongs definitions are...

1) to think different things with one's self, mingle thought with thought
a) to ponder, revolve in mind

2) to converse, discourse with one, argue, discuss


So... while the young man did fall asleep and fall out the window... what was going on was not a monologue (which we have today in most of our services) but a dialogue.

[Digging4Truth]

I thought they mostly either met in the Jewish temple, or met in each others homes.

when they met in people's homes they shared food, thoughts and prayer.

From my reading they met in homes... and the meetings they had in Jewish temples were more of an outreach... trying to spread the gospel to the Jews. There were imprisoned for this and told to not go back. But... they did go back and immediately started preaching Jesus in the Temple again.

The unconverted Jews were certainly not allowing them to hold Christian "services" in their Temples.

[Hoovie]

Chris will probably chime in on this but your average meeting was probably very much like a bunch of friends getting together to talk about a common interest and eat. I am sure it didn't take long for all sorts of ceremony to enter the picture but I am sure the church in the first years was 180 different than it is now.

Chris will straighten this out... but I think you forgot eating pretzels and drinking beer!

[Hoovie]

Well not in church. Don't they have a wall for that ?

Nope. It's a new day - I have an APP for that!

[RandyWayne]

Chris will straighten this out... but I think you forgot eating pretzels and drinking beer!

I just assumed that went without saying.

[Aquila]

Church was SIMPLE. Here's my take on it...

Read how Paul tells the Corinthians their meetings should be conducted:

1 Corinthians 14:26-33
New Living Translation (NLT)
A Call to Orderly Worship
26 Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.
27 No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say. 28 But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately.
29 Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said. 30 But if someone is prophesying and another person receives a revelation from the Lord, the one who is speaking must stop. 31 In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. 32 Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.

Notice, two or three are to speak the Word of God (prophesy). Others present are to evaluate what’s being said. But if someone is teaching the Word of God and another person sitting there listening receives a revelation from the Lord, the one who is speaking must stop. This way everyone with the gift to speak God’s Word will have a turn to speak, one after the other. This is so that everyone will learn and being encouraged. Remember that everyone who speaks are in control of their own spirits and can take turns. Because God isn’t a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy church.

Here's the concept in modern form:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10ZIMJU3DhU

[Amanah]

From my reading they met in homes... and the meetings they had in Jewish temples were more of an outreach... trying to spread the gospel to the Jews. There were imprisoned for this and told to not go back. But... they did go back and immediately started preaching Jesus in the Temple again.

The unconverted Jews were certainly not allowing them to hold Christian "services" in their Temples.

right, I thought they went there to pray

[Aquila]

Note how many times the NT mentions "Christians" meeting in homes. After the break from Judaism, this was the normative form of meeting for the first century Christians:

1. Acts 2:2
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

2. Acts 2:46
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

3. Acts 5:42
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

4. Acts 7:49
Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

5. Acts 8:3
As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

6. Acts 9:11
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

7. Acts 9:17
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

8. Acts 10:2
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

9. Acts 10:7
And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

10. Acts 10:22
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

11. Acts 12:12
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

12. Acts 16:31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

13. Acts 16:32
And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.


14. Acts 18:7
And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

15. Acts 18:8
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

16. Acts 20:20
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,)

17. Acts 28:30
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

18. Romans 16:3-5
3Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto

19. Romans 16:10
Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.

20. Romans 16:11
Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.

21. 1 Corinthians 1:11
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

22. 1 Corinthians 1:16
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

23. 1 Corinthians 16:15
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
24. 1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

25. Philippians 4:22
All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

26. Colossians 4:15
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

27. 2 Timothy 1:16
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

28. 2 Timothy 3:6
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

29. 2 Timothy 4:19
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

30. Titus 1:11
Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

31. Philemon 1:2
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

32. 2 John 1:10
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

[Timmy]

Indeed. But, then again, that's where we see a good example of "lost in translation".

When we read that verse with our modern understanding of church we assume that Paul was up there "preaching" and everyone else was listening in.

But the word that is translated as preaching is actually the word where get our word dialogue. The possible Strongs definitions are...

1) to think different things with one's self, mingle thought with thought
a) to ponder, revolve in mind

2) to converse, discourse with one, argue, discuss


So... while the young man did fall asleep and fall out the window... what was going on was not a monologue (which we have today in most of our services) but a dialogue.

OK, then, long boring dialogue. ". . . as Paul was long [dialoguing]" is given as the reason the guy fell asleep. ;)

[pelathais]

The early Christians existed in a world where all of the other faiths that surrounded them generally had large an ornate temples and other edifices for their rites. As Christianity came into favor, they either took over these older temples or constructed buildings of their own. It was a slow development that did have its merits. As with all things, there were also the trade-offs as well.

We could "go back" to the way it was. Poor, persecuted, tortured and killed.

[Amanah]

The early Christians existed in a world where all of the other faiths that surrounded them generally had large an ornate temples and other edifices for their rites. As Christianity came into favor, they either took over these older temples or constructed buildings of their own. It was a slow development that did have its merits. As with all things, there were also the trade-offs as well.

We could "go back" to the way it was. Poor, persecuted, tortured and killed.

:heeheehee

[Margies3]

Seems to me that when Jesus was here, the church met lots of different places. I seem to remember one time that the preacher (Jesus) taught from the side of a hill. That time, the support people (disciples) were busy trying to gather food to feed that crowd. Too bad they could only come up with a little fish and even less bread.

[NotforSale]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLmjVDQMQUs

I think it was like this...no doubt, NOT!!! :nutso

[scotty]

I think it was like this...no doubt, NOT!!! :nutso

WOW. lol.

[Amanah]

i almost choked on a pretzel laughing at that

the guy that did a somersault into the baptismal tank, to funny

[Michael The Disciple]

The concept of house Church is not new to this generation. It was promoted much in the Jesus Movement of the 70's. It was perfectly normal to us. We met several times a week and it looked somewhat like in Aquilas video. Except gifts of the Spirit were also manifest. Prophetic words. Praying for the sick.

There was praise and worship, doctrine and eating together. In the midst of this we would gather hundreds (sometimes thousands) of tracts and hit the streets. Airports, Bowling Alleys, Shopping Centers and Malls. The Bus Station was another good place to go.

When we first started the streets of Dayton Ohio were full of Pimps and Hookers. There actually came a time when those witnessing began to outnumber them. Our fellowship went to the Forests late at night where the hippies and occultists were hanging out. Some went to the Gay Bars others to High School Football games, everywhere proclaiming Christ!

Then back to the house to share testimonies of all the Lord had done.

[Amanah]

The concept of house Church is not new to this generation. It was promoted much in the Jesus Movement of the 70's. It was perfectly normal to us. We met several times a week and it looked somewhat like in Aquilas video. Except gifts of the Spirit were also manifest. Prophetic words. Praying for the sick.

There was praise and worship, doctrine and eating together. In the midst of this we would gather hundreds (sometimes thousands) of tracts and hit the streets. Airports, Bowling Alleys, Shopping Centers and Malls. The Bus Station was another good place to go.

When we first started the streets of Dayton Ohio were full of Pimps and Hookers. There actually came a time when those witnessing began to outnumber them. Our fellowship went to the Forests late at night where the hippies and occultists were hanging out. Some went to the Gay Bars others to High School Football games, everywhere proclaiming Christ!

Then back to the house to share testimonies of all the Lord had done.

sounds like fun :)

[Timmy]

sounds like fun :)

There's "house church", and then there's:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf1Oor_jmvY

[Amanah]

that is like street ministry, its awesome,
its taking church out of the 4 walls and to the people
maybe that is the best way to have church,
not trying to get people to come to you,
but taking church to the people

[pelathais]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLmjVDQMQUs

I think it was like this...no doubt, NOT!!! :nutso

Might as well have church in a bar!

[Timmy]

Might as well have church in a bar!

:spit

[Hoovie]

Might as well have church in a bar!

Yeah... bar-church is looking more and more appealing!

[Digging4Truth]

right, I thought they went there to pray

Yes sir. That is bound to be true too.

[Digging4Truth]

The early Christians existed in a world where all of the other faiths that surrounded them generally had large an ornate temples and other edifices for their rites. As Christianity came into favor, they either took over these older temples or constructed buildings of their own. It was a slow development that did have its merits. As with all things, there were also the trade-offs as well.

We could "go back" to the way it was. Poor, persecuted, tortured and killed.

1. The thread is not about "going back". It's about discussing how they did it.

2. And anyway... why would "going back" have anything to do with poverty, persecution, torture or killing? If someone did "go back" they could do so in a million dollar home and suffer none of the other things.

The statement is absolutely a straw man statement.

[Digging4Truth]

The concept of house Church is not new to this generation. It was promoted much in the Jesus Movement of the 70's. It was perfectly normal to us. We met several times a week and it looked somewhat like in Aquilas video. Except gifts of the Spirit were also manifest. Prophetic words. Praying for the sick.

There was praise and worship, doctrine and eating together. In the midst of this we would gather hundreds (sometimes thousands) of tracts and hit the streets. Airports, Bowling Alleys, Shopping Centers and Malls. The Bus Station was another good place to go.

When we first started the streets of Dayton Ohio were full of Pimps and Hookers. There actually came a time when those witnessing began to outnumber them. Our fellowship went to the Forests late at night where the hippies and occultists were hanging out. Some went to the Gay Bars others to High School Football games, everywhere proclaiming Christ!

Then back to the house to share testimonies of all the Lord had done.

Sounds great.

[Aquila]

The concept of house Church is not new to this generation. It was promoted much in the Jesus Movement of the 70's. It was perfectly normal to us. We met several times a week and it looked somewhat like in Aquilas video. Except gifts of the Spirit were also manifest. Prophetic words. Praying for the sick.

There was praise and worship, doctrine and eating together. In the midst of this we would gather hundreds (sometimes thousands) of tracts and hit the streets. Airports, Bowling Alleys, Shopping Centers and Malls. The Bus Station was another good place to go.

When we first started the streets of Dayton Ohio were full of Pimps and Hookers. There actually came a time when those witnessing began to outnumber them. Our fellowship went to the Forests late at night where the hippies and occultists were hanging out. Some went to the Gay Bars others to High School Football games, everywhere proclaiming Christ!

Then back to the house to share testimonies of all the Lord had done.

:yourock :shockamoo

[Aquila]

There's "house church", and then there's:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf1Oor_jmvY

:thumbsup