SS3 First Term Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note – Communal Living in the Early Church

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WEEK: 8

TOPIC: COMMUNAL LIVING IN THE EARLY CHURCH/THE HOLY SPIRIT AT PENTECOST

CONTENT:

1. ELECTION OF THE SUCCESSOR TO JUDAS ISCARIOT, ACT 1: 15-26
2. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY ACT 2: 41-47; 4: 32-37
3. THE PROBLEMS OF EARLY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY ACT 5: 1-11; 6: 1
4. SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM OF THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY ACTS 6: 2-6.

SUB-TOPIC 1: ELECTION OF THE SUCCESSOR TO JUDAS ISCARIOT, ACT 1: 15-26                            

In obedience to the Jesus’ instruction the disciples stayed together in the upper-room as they all returned to Jerusalem, staying together as a community. One of their earliest actions was the replacement of Judas Iscariot, who had long committed suicide following his betrayal of Jesus. To this end, Barnabas and matthias were selected, but after several rounds of prayer, they cast lots and finally, Matthias was chosen to replace Judas iscariot.

SUB-TOPIC 2:  CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY. ACT 2: 41-47; 4: 32-37

At the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, the number of the disciples including women was about one hundred and twenty (120). After Peter’s speech on the day of Pentecost about three thousand souls were baptized and added to the Church. Also, after the prayer of Peter and John for the crippled man at the beautiful gate who got healed during the hour of prayer, about five thousand men were converted and added to the church.

The converts all stayed in Jerusalem with the disciples. They formed the early Church. There was a sense of togetherness and belonging among members of the early Church. They were of one heart and one mind; they did everything in common.

The Characteristics of the early Church can be summarized as follows:

1. They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship.
2. They lived communal life; they had everything common.
3. They broke Bread together. This means they took Holy Communion together.
4. The rich and others sold their properties and possessions and brought all the money to the apostles’ feet.
5. They worshipped in the temple daily.

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