Topical Bible: Glorifying God: The Church at Jerusalem

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The Church at Jerusalem holds a significant place in the early Christian narrative as the birthplace of the Christian Church and a model for glorifying God through communal life, worship, and evangelism. This entry explores the ways in which the Church at Jerusalem exemplified the glorification of God, drawing from scriptural accounts and historical context.

Foundation and Growth

The Church at Jerusalem was established following the ascension of Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2. This event marked the beginning of the Church's mission to glorify God by spreading the Gospel. Acts 2:41-42 states, "Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." The rapid growth of the Church was a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit and the commitment of the early believers to glorify God through their lives and witness.

Communal Life and Worship

The Church at Jerusalem was characterized by a strong sense of community and shared life, which was a reflection of their desire to glorify God. Acts 2:44-47 describes this communal lifestyle: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." This passage highlights the believers' commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus, demonstrating love and generosity, and worshiping God both in the temple and in their homes.

Perseverance and Evangelism

The Church at Jerusalem faced significant challenges, including persecution from religious authorities. Despite these trials, the believers remained steadfast in their mission to glorify God. Acts 4:29-31 records a prayer of the early Church: "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." The response to this prayer was a renewed boldness in evangelism, as the believers continued to proclaim the Gospel and perform acts of healing and mercy in Jesus' name.

Leadership and Teaching

The apostles played a crucial role in guiding the Church at Jerusalem, ensuring that the teachings of Jesus were faithfully transmitted and that the community remained focused on glorifying God. Acts 6:2-4 illustrates the apostles' dedication to their spiritual responsibilities: "So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, 'It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.'" This decision allowed the apostles to focus on teaching and prayer, ensuring that the Church remained grounded in sound doctrine and effective in its mission.

Impact and Legacy

The Church at Jerusalem set a precedent for future Christian communities in its commitment to glorifying God through worship, teaching, fellowship, and evangelism. Its influence extended beyond its immediate context, as seen in the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. The Church's dedication to glorifying God through every aspect of life serves as an enduring example for believers today.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 11:18
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance to life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Primitive Church.
... blessedness of the faithful in the heavenly Jerusalem, with the ... very aged man, and
had ruled the Church of Smyrna ... him glad to be so near glorifying God by his ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxiv the primitive church.htm

On the Journey to Jerusalem - Departure from Ephraim by Way of ...
... as will be remembered, not necessary to repair to Jerusalem. ... at once turned back,
with a loud voice glorifying God. ... The History of the Church and of individual ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxii on the journey.htm

The Revelation of John
... Church that triumphed over the beast, glorifying God; and this ... a picture of the
sevenfold judgment of God on the ... discloses to the eye the ideal Church, the new ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the revelation of john.htm

The Constitution of the Church in the Second Century.
... what evil am I doing in glorifying Christ?' To ... replied"'We also truly acknowledge
one God; we acknowledge ... But the history of the Church of Caesarea affords ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the constitution of.htm

In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ...
... his sight,' he followed Jesus in the way,' glorifying God. ... the disciples, what was
before Him in Jerusalem at the ... to all time His House, the Church, is filled ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv in jericho and.htm

The Peace Following the Persecution.
... and in short all everywhere are rejoicing and glorifying God for the ... peculiar order,
and thus hold that Alexander of Jerusalem is here ... 2176] The church of Rome ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter v the peace following the.htm

The Law of God
... furnish occasion and matter to others for glorifying his Father ... To the latter purpose,
[that of church discipline,] were ... in part, by the power of God, in the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 12 the law of.htm

Epistle v. --Which is the First on the Subject of Baptism ...
... love now established, and are glorifying God for the ... the lands everywhere, are rejoicing,
praising God on account ... the generous practice of the church at Rome ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/epistle v which is the first.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --Life of S. Cyril.
... Emperor long to reign as the protector of the Church and of the Empire, "ever
glorifying the Holy and Consubstantial Trinity, our true God." The word ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction chapter i life of s.htm

The Sick of the Palsy
... that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, "We ... such as the fugitives
from Jerusalem should hereafter ... of the family, the nation, and the Church. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 2 1-12 the sick of.htm