“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers” (Acts 2:42 NKJV).
In bygone days, a band would play upon a decorated wagon at the front of a parade. As spectators applauded, other people jumped onboard, hoping to share in the glory. When the music and applause ended, the extras jumped right back off. Thus, joining any popular trend came to be called “climbing onto the band wagon.”
Ancient Christians faced the bandwagon temptation just as we do. Paul exhorted, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). To work something out is to see it through to completion (like working out a math problem – you must not stop before completing all the calculations). Are we seeing discipleship through to completion?
Our brethren in first-century Jerusalem were not band wagon disciples. Acts 2:42 specifies four items in which they continued steadfastly:
The Apostles Doctrine (Teaching): They continued being taught by the apostles, and constantly behaved consistently with that teaching. Being a Christian involves life-long learning and growing. When you stop, you drop.
Fellowship: The church is a spiritual family. Going it alone is next to impossible. The early disciples spent much time together, sharing one another’s joys, sorrows, successes, and failures. When fellowship wanes, disciples weaken and may perish.
The Breaking of Bread: We need constant reminders of Jesus and what He did for us on Calvary. Jesus ordained the Lord’s Supper for this very purpose: “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).
Prayers: “Continue in prayer” (Colossians 4:2). Jesus taught us “always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Did you pray yesterday? Pray today! Did you pray this morning? Pray tonight!
Let us not treat the Lord and His church like a band wagon. By obeying the gospel, we committed ourselves to a lifetime of faithful service. May we continue steadfastly as the early disciples did!
–Joe Slater
