Bible Question: What were the main changes and developments in the early Jerusalem churchs' sturcture and strategy, as portrayed in Acts 1-12?What were the forces that caused each of these changes to be made? |
Bible Answer: Greetings again Rose53, Well, we know that they started as a band of followers of Christ (Acts 2:41-47) giving to any and all, as anyone might have need, possibly not unlike the band of ragamuffins that followed David in 1 Samuel 22:2. They at first had the apostles to lead and guide them (Acts 4:13), and others eventually became leaders and evangelists (Acts 4:36). They became a congregation (Acts 6:2) and the twelve began to choose people (Acts 6:2-6) who would later become known as elders and deacons (1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1). Their message spread to Gentiles (Acts 9:15 and 10:44-48 and 11:18), and their gathering became a council (Acts 15:2). The Council/congregation began to issue decrees (Acts 15:22-31). Some of the "forces" for these changes include the ever growing population of the church (Acts 16:5), conflicts within the church (Acts 15:1-2), and persecution (Acts 11:19 and Acts 12:1) which dispersed the church, spreading it to many places. Blessings to you, Makarios |