One Heart and One Soul

"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common."—Acts 4:32

Contributed

Outwardly they had little in common. Some were unkempt sinners, others were thriving publicans. A few were of the persuasion of the Pharisees, others were despised by the scribes and priests. Some worked in Jerusalem in menial jobs, others were merchants and traders from as far away as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Rome. True, they were all of the Jewish religion, but even that would soon change as Gentiles would join their group in ever-growing numbers. Yet, with such divergent backgrounds, they were "of one heart and of one soul."

The diversity of their home conditions was soon lost in an overwhelming cause. They were captivated by a new truth—Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. A lowly Galilean, rejected by the religious leadership and crucified for the twin crimes of blasphemy and treason, was risen from the dead. Unbelievable! Yet the proofs were there—"infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3). The news was electrifying! On the day of Pentecost 3000 were baptized (Acts 2:41); shortly thereafter 5000 more joined their number.

What welded together this diverse body into the driving force it soon became, not only in Judea but throughout the world? They were "of one heart and of one soul." The Apostle Paul divides this unity that bound them into its constituent parts in Ephesians 4:4-6: "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

Having been begotten with a new spirit, a holy spirit, they saw a new calling, developed a new faith, lived a new baptism, and found a new relationship not only to their Lord but God himself, the "Father of all." This was the compulsion that knit them together as one body, the body of Christ.

More than this commonality of vision, however, was responsible for the phenomenon of the new Christian church. God, in his overruling providence, raised up in their midst men and women fully devoted to him who would provide leadership to this body. First and foremost among these, having been tutored by Jesus himself, were the Twelve Apostles.

These were not alone. He brought forth some to be prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Eph. 4:11). Paul explained their role in verses 12 to 16, "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

Beyond these special servants there were the thousands of other brethren, each playing a role so that the body could grow by "that which every joint supplieth." What a joy it will be, if we are faithful, to meet the members of this group who, coming from many cultural and economic backgrounds, were drawn to lay that aside and "have all things in common." It is with great anticipation that we can each look forward to meeting OUR BRETHREN FROM THE EARLY CHURCH.