Acts 2:42–47 sums up very well what is biblical community. In a nutshell, a biblical community gathers together (v.44, 46), is devoted to Christian teaching (v. 42), and is devoted to fellowship and the breaking of bread (v.42, 46) as well as prayer (v. 42). The passage goes into detailing how the community of that time was united, how they witnessed God’s mighty miracles—signs and wonders through the apostles. Their meeting, worshiping and fellowshipping together was consistent and subsequently, “The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (v.47)

Pastors often expound on this Acts 2:42-47 passage through sermons to remind the Church what their vision is and what they are striving to become as a church. It is most definitely a good and essential reminder for the church to hear. However, our role is TO BE this light, this loving community in the dark, and God is the One who adds to the number of those who are saved. It is His Spirit who brings those who are added to The Body. But our community of love and oneness is essential. Each one of us is called to be a catalyst of such a community. As global workers who are serving in different parts of the world where biblical communities are scarce or nonexistent—places where the gospel has not been heard or established, it is such an honor and privilege to be that light—an expeller of darkness. Biblical communities are expellers of darkness.

One of the greatest gifts God has given me in my field of service is my community—a body of great men, women and children who are united, one in spirit, one mind dedicated to one vision in making Messiah Jesus known and establishing an Acts 2:42-47 community in the dark places. Providentially, we all come from different nations, speak different languages (learning one common one to serve the least reached), and have grown up in different cultures, but what bonds us together is our love for God, our relationship through Christ and the dedication we have is in glorifying Him together.

Let us be encouraged by such biblical communities, as we fix our eyes on the Lord and our heart on what the Lord desires to see within biblical communities around the world. God is pleased when as a Body we gather together, devote ourselves to biblical teaching, worship Him together, frequently fellowship and break bread together, pray together, let Him powerfully and purposefully demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit through signs and wonders. God is pleased indeed and when such a spirit of love flows out of a community. This is when we will see more being saved and added to our number.