748. ACT 1:14. THE PRIMITIVE DISCIPLES
Act_1:14. The Primitive Disciples
"These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication."’97Act_1:14.
The preceding verses relate to the interesting and glorious circumstance of Christ’s ascension. It will be seen that the Redeemer, before he was taken from his disciples, gave them much instruction, for he was seen of them, and conversed with them, for forty days. His last address is contained in the paragraph from the fourth verse. Having given them his parting advice, while their eyes were fixed upon him, "He was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight." Filled with wonder and admiration, they continued to gaze upwards, until two celestial messengers thus addressed them: "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?" Act_1:11. Then they returned to Jerusalem, &c. Let us consider,
I. The assembly referred to.
"These all," &c.
Now you will see at once, that the persons were disciples of Jesus. The apostles, evangelists, and friends of the Messiah, both men and women. Among them were the natural kindred and mother of the Redeemer. But there were three things connected with this assembly which will apply to congregations of believers in the present day.
1. They assembled under divine command. Act_1:4. It was not the result of their own views and spirit, it was in obedience to the will of their divine Lord. Such authority have we in reference to the public assemblies of believers. "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together," &c. Every idea given us of the Church is eminently social. A fold, a kingdom, &c. We are not to be isolated and separate, but united and compacted together. Thus there is a necessity for our meeting together.
2. They assembled under divine promise. The promise was the outpouring of the
Holy Spirit. The promise related to the presence of the Comforter, their guide,’97the Spirit who was to supply the lack of Christ’s personal presence. Under such promises do the disciples of Christ now meet: "Wherever two or three meet together in my name," &c. He is eminently present by his Spirit, in the congregation of the saints, to bless, to guide, to assist, to comfort, &c. &c.
3. They assembled, expecting the realization of the promised blessing.
And is not this equally important to us? Nothing else can render the sanctuary edifying. All other motives must be secondary. We should feel thus:’97Christ has commanded, I will obey; he has promised, I will expect; and obeying, and expecting, I will look for the blessing. I will go for it, go believing, go trusting, go until I obtain it. Need we wonder that we have not, if we do not desire, or expect? Observe,
II. The exercises in which they engaged.
"In prayer and supplication," &c. The terms are often used for the same thing, often synonymous, and interchangeable.’97But here it is probable that there is a distinction. They continued,
1. In prayer.
Asking for blessings, seeking for good to their souls, most probably pleading for the fulfilment of the promises. This must be our great object in the assembly of the saints,’97to pray. "My house shall be called a house of prayer." It should be the first, last, and chief exercise. Nothing so important as this. Only think of your wants, of your dependence, and of the goodness of your heavenly Father.
2. In supplication.
Prayer against evil. Prayer for deliverance from danger; against the evil of our hearts; against the evils of the world; against the evils of the adversary. "Deliver us from evil." What a necessary and comprehensive request! Notice,
III. The spirit in which their exercises were conducted.
1. There was unanimity.
"With one accord." With one spirit, one subject. How was it? They had one head, one command, one spirit. Is it not so with us? Christ is every Christian’s head, or legislator; obedience is essentially necessary in each. Religion produces the same spirit in all, the spirit of loyal obedience to Jesus Christ. Have we ever as an entire Church exhibited one instance of this external and internal obedience. You say some are sick, some necessarily detained; well, then, take the rest, and must we not feel ashamed? "These all," &c.
2. There was constancy.
"They continued." This was a part of the command. So it is to us. Besides, our wants, sins, and dangers continue. Our Lord’s graciousness and goodness continue. Oh yes, this work of prayer is our business, our comfort, our life, &c.
Application
1. Let us regard three things when we meet together.
(1.) The errand, prayer. (2.) The spirit, unanimity. (3.) The end, to be blessed, and to receive the promise.
2. Let us meet together as often as possible.
Our opportunities are golden, but they are passing away, &c.
3. Let us often think of the meeting in heaven.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS