✨ Acts Chapter 2 — The Spirit Comes at
Pentecost
Acts 2:1–4 (NKJV)
1 When the Day of
Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And
suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it
filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them
divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all
filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the
Spirit gave them utterance.
🔹 Section Title: The
Arrival of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–4)
🔑 Key Words &
Phrases
- Pentecost (v.1) — Marks the feast of first
fruits; symbolically launches the spiritual harvest of the church.
- One accord (v.1) — Indicates unity and
shared purpose among the disciples, a condition that precedes spiritual
empowerment.
- Sound from heaven (v.2) — Signals divine origin
and supernatural intervention.
- Rushing mighty wind (v.2) — Represents the power and
presence of the Spirit, echoing breath and life imagery from Genesis.
- Tongues as of fire (v.3) — Symbolizes purification,
divine presence, and individual commissioning.
- Sat upon each of them (v.3) — Emphasizes personal
empowerment; the Spirit rests on every believer, not just leaders.
- Filled with the Holy Spirit (v.4) — Denotes complete
spiritual empowerment for witness and ministry.
- Other tongues (v.4) — Refers to known
languages, enabling cross-cultural communication of the gospel.
- As the Spirit gave them utterance (v.4) — Shows that spiritual gifts are directed by the Spirit, not self-generated.
Commentary
Pentecost (v.1)
marks a divinely appointed moment of spiritual harvest. The disciples’ unity
(“one accord”) reflects a posture that invites God’s presence. The “sound from
heaven” (v.2) and “tongues as of fire” (v.3) reveal God’s power and purity. The
Spirit’s descent on “each of them” (v.3) affirms that empowerment is personal.
Being “filled” (v.4) leads to action—Spirit-enabled speech with purpose.
❓ Discussion Questions
- What does this passage teach
about the relationship between unity and spiritual empowerment?
- Why might God choose wind and
fire as symbols of His Spirit?
- How does this moment shape our
understanding of spiritual gifts and their purpose?
🛠️ Application
Acts 2:1–4
challenges us to prepare for spiritual empowerment through unity and
expectancy. The disciples were gathered, aligned, and ready. The Spirit’s
arrival disrupted the ordinary with unmistakable signs, reminding us that God
often moves beyond our expectations.
Importantly, the
Spirit came to commission, not just comfort. The disciples spoke as the Spirit
enabled them (v.4), showing that spiritual gifts are meant for active witness.
This passage invites us to live with readiness, openness, and boldness—empowered
to speak truth and serve others.
Great, Bill. Let’s
continue with Acts 2:5–13, following the same structured format you’ve
refined. This section captures the crowd’s reaction to the Spirit’s arrival and
sets the stage for Peter’s sermon.
✨ Acts Chapter 2 — The Crowd Responds
to the Spirit: (Acts 2:5–13 NKJV)
5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every
nation under heaven.
6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused,
because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not
all these who speak Galileans?”
8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?
9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and
Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene,
visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful
works of God.”
12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever
could this mean?”
13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”
🔑 Key Words &
Phrases
- Devout men (v.5) — Indicates sincere
seekers of God, spiritually attentive to signs.
- Every nation under heaven (v.5) — Emphasizes the global
reach and inclusivity of the gospel.
- Confused (v.6) — Reflects the initial
disorientation when divine activity breaks human categories.
- Own language (v.6, 8) — Underscores the
Spirit’s ability to meet people where they are.
- Galileans (v.7) — Suggests surprise that
untrained men could speak foreign languages.
- Wonderful works of God (v.11) — Reveals the content of
the Spirit-inspired speech: praise, not chaos.
- Amazed and perplexed (v.12) — Captures the tension
between awe and uncertainty.
- Mocking (v.13) — Introduces skepticism,
a common response to spiritual phenomena.
📚 Commentary
This passage
highlights the Spirit’s power to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.
The crowd, composed of devout Jews from across the known world (v.5), hears the
disciples speaking in their native languages (v.6–11). This miracle is not
random—it’s strategic, signaling that the gospel is for all people.
The mention of
“Galileans” (v.7) reflects the crowd’s astonishment that common men could speak
with such clarity. The Spirit’s work is not limited by education or status. The
content of their speech—“the wonderful works of God” (v.11)—shows that Spirit-led
communication is centered on praise and truth.
The mixed reactions
(v.12–13) remind us that divine activity often provokes both wonder and
ridicule. Some are drawn in; others dismiss it. This sets the stage for Peter’s
bold clarification in the verses that follow.
❓ Discussion Questions
- Why is it significant that people
from many nations heard the gospel in their own language?
- What does the crowd’s confusion
and amazement reveal about how we respond to spiritual events?
- How should we handle skepticism
when sharing Spirit-led truth?
🛠️ Application
Acts 2:5–13
challenges us to recognize the Spirit’s ability to reach across boundaries. The
disciples didn’t tailor their message—they spoke as the Spirit enabled, and God
ensured it was heard. This encourages us to trust that when we speak truth, God
can make it land where it’s needed.
We’re called to be
part of that mission—not by mastering every tongue, but by being faithful to
speak and let the Spirit do the rest.
Finally, the mixed
reactions teach us not to fear misunderstanding. Some will marvel, some will
mock. Our role is not to control the response, but to faithfully declare “the
wonderful works of God” (v.11) with clarity and courage.
✨ Acts Chapter 2 — Peter Interprets the
Spirit’s Arrival
Acts 2:14–21 (NKJV)
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to
them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you,
and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only
the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out
of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your
young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My
menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And
they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the
earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned
into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and
awesome day of the Lord. 21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the
name of the Lord Shall be saved.”
🔹 Section Title:
Peter Explains the Prophetic Fulfillment Acts 2:14–21
🔑 Key Words &
Phrases
- Standing up with the eleven (v.14) — Shows unified
leadership and boldness in public witness.
- Raised his voice (v.14) — Indicates clarity,
authority, and urgency in proclamation.
- Not drunk... third hour (v.15) — Refutes mockery with
logic and sets the stage for spiritual explanation.
- Spoken by the prophet Joel (v.16) — Anchors the event in
Scripture, validating it as fulfillment.
- Pour out My Spirit on all flesh (v.17) — Declares inclusivity;
no gender, age, or class restriction.
- Prophesy, visions, dreams (v.17–18) — Marks the Spirit’s
activity as revelatory and participatory.
- Wonders... signs (v.19–20) — Signals divine
disruption and eschatological urgency.
- Whoever calls... shall be saved (v.21) — Offers universal
invitation to salvation.
📚 Commentary
Peter’s bold address
(v.14) marks a shift from confusion to clarity. He refutes the accusation of
drunkenness (v.15) and immediately grounds the event in prophecy (v.16),
showing that what’s happening is not chaotic—it’s divine fulfillment.
Joel’s prophecy
(v.17–21) emphasizes that the Spirit’s outpouring is for “all flesh”—a radical
inclusion of sons, daughters, servants, young and old. The Spirit’s work is not
reserved for the elite but is accessible to all who believe.
The imagery of
cosmic signs (v.19–20) points to the urgency of the gospel and the reality of
judgment. Yet the closing promise (v.21) offers hope: salvation is available to
“whoever calls” on the Lord. This moment reframes the crowd’s amazement into an
invitation.
❓ Discussion Questions
- Why does Peter begin by quoting
Joel?
- What does “all flesh” teach us
about the reach of the Spirit?
- How does this passage balance
warning and hope?
🛠️ Application
Acts 2:14–21 reminds
us that spiritual experiences must be interpreted through Scripture. Peter
doesn’t rely on emotion—he anchors the moment in prophecy. This teaches us to
discern spiritual events by returning to God’s Word.
The promise of the
Spirit is radically inclusive. No one is excluded by age, gender, or status.
This challenges us to broaden our view of who God can speak through and
empower. We must be ready to listen to voices we might otherwise overlook.
The signs and
wonders described are not just dramatic—they’re urgent. They point to a coming
day of accountability. But the final verse offers assurance: salvation is
available to all who call on the Lord. This passage calls us to speak boldly,
interpret faithfully, and invite widely.
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by
God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your
midst, as you yourselves also know—
23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you
have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;
24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not
possible that He should be held by it.
25 For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face,
For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.
26 Therefore, my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover, my flesh also will rest in hope.
27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to
see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in
Your presence.’
🔹 Acts 2:22–28) Jesus God’s Plan, David’s Prophecy, Our Hope
🔑 Key Words &
Phrases
- Attested by God (v.22) — Jesus’ miracles
validated His divine mission publicly.
- Determined purpose and
foreknowledge (v.23) — His death was not accidental but part of God’s redemptive
plan.
- Lawless hands (v.23) — Highlights human
responsibility in rejecting the Messiah.
- Loosed the pains of death (v.24) — Resurrection broke
death’s grip; it could not hold Him.
- Not be shaken (v.25) — David’s confidence in
God’s presence points to Christ’s unshakable victory.
- Rest in hope (v.26) — Assurance of
resurrection and eternal life.
- Not leave my soul in Hades (v.27) — Prophetic promise of
Jesus’ resurrection.
- See corruption (v.27) — Jesus’ body did not
decay; He rose before decomposition.
- Ways of life (v.28) — The resurrection opens
the path to eternal joy and communion with God.
📚 Commentary
Peter shifts from
explaining the Spirit’s arrival to proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah. He appeals
to the crowd’s firsthand knowledge of Jesus’ miracles (v.22), then confronts
them with the reality of His crucifixion (v.23)—both divinely foreknown and humanly
enacted.
The resurrection
(v.24) is central: death could not hold Jesus. Peter supports this claim by
quoting David (v.25–28), showing that the resurrection was foretold and
fulfilled. David’s words, though poetic, point beyond himself to the risen
Christ—whose body did not see corruption and whose soul was not abandoned.
This section teaches
that Jesus’ death and resurrection were not tragic accidents but sovereign
fulfillment. It also affirms that resurrection brings joy, hope, and access to
“the ways of life” (v.28).
❓ Discussion Questions
- How does Peter balance divine
sovereignty and human responsibility in Jesus’ death?
- Why is David’s prophecy essential
to Peter’s argument?
- What does “rest in hope” mean for
believers today?
🛠️ Application
Acts 2:22–28 calls
us to recognize Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as the fulfillment
of God’s eternal plan. His miracles were public, His death was purposeful, and
His resurrection was unstoppable. This challenges us to see the cross not as defeat,
but as divine design.
Peter’s use of
David’s prophecy reminds us that Scripture consistently points to Christ. We’re
invited to read the Old Testament not just for history, but for hope—seeing how
God’s promises unfold across generations.
Finally, the
resurrection is not just a doctrine—it’s a doorway. Because Jesus was not
abandoned to death, we too can “rest in hope” (v.26). That hope is active,
joyful, and rooted in the presence of God. It’s not just for someday—it’s for
today.
✨ Acts 2:29–36 - Jesus Declared Lord and Christ
29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David,
that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to
him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up
the Christ to sit on his throne,
31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that
His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.
32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.
33 Therefore, being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from
the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see
and hear.
34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The LORD
said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand,
35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’
36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this
Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
🔹 The Fulfillment of
David’s Prophecy (Acts 2:29–36)
📚 Commentary
Peter continues his
sermon by clarifying that David’s words in Psalm 16 and Psalm 110 were not
about himself—David died and remained buried (v.29). Instead, David, as a
prophet, foresaw the resurrection of the Messiah (v.30–31). Peter affirms that
Jesus fulfilled this prophecy and that the apostles are eyewitnesses to His
resurrection (v.32).
Jesus’ exaltation
(v.33) is not future—it’s present. He now reigns at God’s right hand, and the
outpouring of the Spirit is evidence of His authority. Peter quotes Psalm 110
(v.34–35) to show that David acknowledged a greater Lord—one who would rule
until all enemies were subdued.
The conclusion
(v.36) is direct and convicting: Jesus, whom they crucified, is now declared by
God to be both Lord and Christ. This is not a suggestion—it’s a certainty.
❓ Discussion Questions
- Why does Peter emphasize David’s
death and burial?
- How does Jesus’ exaltation relate
to the Spirit’s outpouring?
- What does it mean for Jesus to be
“both Lord and Christ”?
🛠️ Application
Acts 2:29–35 calls
us to confront the reality of Jesus’ identity. He is not just a teacher or
prophet—He is the risen Lord, reigning now at the right hand of God. Peter’s
argument is built on Scripture, history, and personal witness, reminding us
that faith is not blind—it’s anchored.
David’s tomb was
visible, but Jesus’ tomb was empty. That contrast demands a response. If Jesus
is truly exalted, then our lives must reflect His lordship—not just in belief,
but in obedience.
Finally, the
Spirit’s presence among believers is not separate from Jesus’ reign—it’s proof
of it. When we experience the Spirit’s work, we’re participating in the reality
of Christ’s exaltation. This passage invites us to live with conviction,
clarity, and submission to the One whom God has made “both Lord and Christ.”
📖
Section Title: The Promise and the Call (Acts
2:35–39)
Acts
2:35–39 (NKJV)
35 “Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”
36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made
this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter
and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit.”
39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar
off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
📚 Commentary
Peter’s
sermon crescendos in verse 36 with a bold declaration: “God has made this
Jesus…both Lord and Christ.” This is not merely theological—it’s deeply
personal. The phrase “whom you crucified” confronts the crowd with their
complicity, yet it’s not condemnation—it’s invitation¹.
Verse
37 captures the emotional rupture: “cut to the heart.” The Greek word katanussō
implies piercing conviction. This is the Spirit’s work—truth that wounds in
order to heal. Their response, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”,
reveals a readiness to act, not just reflect².
Peter’s
response in verse 38 is both pastoral and prophetic: “Repent…be
baptized…receive the gift.” The sequence is vital—repentance leads to
cleansing, which opens the door to empowerment. The “gift of the Holy
Spirit” is not reserved for the elite but offered to all who respond³.
Verse
39 expands the scope: “to you…your children…all who are afar off.” This
echoes Isaiah 57:19 and Ephesians 2:13, affirming that the gospel bridges
generational and geographical distance. The phrase “as many as the Lord our
God will call” underscores divine initiative—salvation is God’s invitation,
not human invention⁴.
❓
Discussion Questions
1.
What
does it mean to be “cut to the heart” in a spiritual sense?
2.
How
does Peter’s call to repentance and baptism shape our understanding of
conversion?
3.
What
implications does verse 39 have for generational faith and global missions?
🛠️ Application
Acts
2:35–39 reminds us that conviction is a gift, not a threat. When truth pierces
our hearts, it opens the way for transformation. Peter doesn’t shame the
crowd—he shepherds them toward grace.
This
passage also affirms that the promise is generational and global.
Whether you’re a parent praying for your children or a believer burdened for
distant nations, God’s call extends beyond borders and bloodlines.
In
ministry, we must echo Peter’s clarity: repentance, baptism, and
Spirit-empowerment are not optional—they’re essential. And like Peter, we must
be ready to respond when people ask, “What shall we do?”
📎
Footnotes
¹
MacArthur emphasizes the personal confrontation in Peter’s sermon as a call to
repentance, not condemnation source.
² Keener notes that “cut to the heart” reflects deep conviction and communal
response in the Jewish rhetorical tradition source.
³ John Stott and Craig Keener highlight the inclusive nature of the Spirit’s
gift as central to apostolic preaching source.
⁴
N.T. Wright and Ellicott’s Commentary affirms this verse as a theological bridge between the Jewish promise and the Gentile inclusion source.
📖 Section Title: A
Vital Church Grows (Acts 2:40–45)
Acts 2:40–45 (NKJV)
40 And with many other words, he testified and exhorted them, saying,
“Be saved from this perverse generation.”
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that
day about three thousand souls were added to them.
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and
fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were
done through the apostles.
44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all,
as anyone had need.
📚 Commentary
The Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost wasn’t a one-time spectacle—it birthed
a movement. Verse 40 shows Peter continuing to “testify and exhort” beyond
the recorded sermon, urging the crowd to “be saved from this perverse
generation.” This echoes Deuteronomy 32:5 and Philippians 2:15, framing
salvation not just as personal but as a call to separate from cultural
corruption¹.
Verse 41 marks a staggering response: “about three thousand souls
were added.” This is the first great harvest of the church, fulfilling
Jesus’ promise in Acts 1:8. The phrase “gladly received his word”
reveals that conviction (v.37) has now matured into joyful obedience.
Verse 42 outlines the early church’s rhythm: “doctrine…fellowship…breaking
of bread…prayers.” These four pillars—teaching, community, communion,
and intercession—form the DNA of a Spirit-filled congregation².
Verse 43 introduces awe: “fear came upon every soul.” This
reverent wonder wasn’t just emotional—it was anchored in “wonders and
signs” done through the apostles, validating their authority and
Christ’s ongoing work³.
Verses 44–45 describe radical generosity: “had all things in
common…divided them among all.” This wasn’t forced socialism but
Spirit-led compassion. The early believers saw possessions as tools for
ministry, not trophies of success⁴.
❓ Discussion
Questions
- What does Peter’s warning in
verse 40 suggest about the church’s relationship to culture?
- How do the four practices in
verse 42 shape a healthy church today?
- What does the early church’s
generosity teach us about stewardship and community?
🛠️ Application
Acts 2:40–45 challenges us to move from conviction to community. The
Spirit doesn’t just fill individuals—He forms a people. The early church didn’t
grow through programs but through presence: shared meals, shared prayers,
shared lives.
Their generosity wasn’t transactional—it was transformational. Needs were
met not by systems but by saints. In a world of isolation and consumerism, this
passage calls us to be radically present, radically generous, and radically
rooted in the apostles’ teaching.
📎 Footnotes
¹ F.F. Bruce notes that Peter’s phrase echoes prophetic calls to separate
from corrupt generations (cf. Isa. 1:4).
² John Stott identifies Acts 2:42 as the “model of the apostolic church” in The
Spirit, the Church, and the World.
³ Craig Keener emphasizes that “fear” here reflects awe at divine activity, not
terror.
⁴ N.T. Wright sees this generosity as a sign of eschatological community—living
now as if the kingdom has come.
📖 Section Title: A
Community of Praise and Growth (Acts 2:46–47)
Acts 2:46–47 (NKJV)
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of
heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord
added to the church daily those who were being saved.
📚 Commentary
The chapter closes with a portrait of joyful, organic growth. Verse 46 shows the believers “continuing
daily with one accord”—a phrase that echoes Acts 1:14 and 2:1, reinforcing
unity as the Spirit’s hallmark. Their rhythm of “breaking bread from house
to house” suggests that worship wasn’t confined to the temple—it spilled
into homes, meals, and everyday life¹.
The phrase “gladness and simplicity of heart” reveals a
posture of gratitude and humility. This wasn’t forced piety—it was Spirit-born
joy. Verse 47 adds a communal dimension: “having favor with all the
people.” The early church’s witness was magnetic—not through marketing,
but through mercy².
The final line—“And the Lord added to the church daily those who
were being saved”—is both descriptive and prescriptive. Growth wasn’t a
campaign—it was a consequence. When the church lives in unity, generosity, and
praise, God draws people in³.
❓ Discussion
Questions
- What does “one accord” look like
in today’s church context?
- How does hospitality
(house-to-house fellowship) shape spiritual formation?
- What does it mean for the Lord to
“add daily” to the church?
🛠️ Application
Acts 2:46–47 invites us to reimagine the church not as a weekly event, but as a
daily rhythm. The Spirit-filled community is marked by joy, simplicity, and
shared life. Meals become ministry. Homes become havens. Praise becomes public
witness.
This passage challenges us to cultivate favor—not through compromise, but
through compassion. And it reminds us that true growth is God’s work. Our role
is to be faithful, unified, and open-hearted—so that the Lord might add daily
those who are being saved.
📎 Footnotes
¹ John Stott notes that the early church’s daily rhythm reflected both
temple liturgy and domestic intimacy.
² Craig Keener emphasizes that favor with outsiders was rooted in visible
generosity and relational integrity.
³ N.T. Wright sees this verse as a fulfillment of Jesus’ promise in John 15:
“fruit that remains.”
📘 Summary: The Birth
and Blueprint of the Church (Acts 2:35–47)
Acts 2:35–47 traces the powerful conclusion of Peter’s Pentecost sermon
and the immediate formation of the early church. Peter declares that “God
has made this Jesus…both Lord and Christ” (v.36), confronting the crowd
with their role in the crucifixion. Their response—“What shall we do?”—leads
to a call for repentance, baptism, and the promise of the Holy Spirit
(vv. 37–39). This moment marks the birth of the church, as “about three
thousand souls were added” (v.41).
The new believers devote themselves to “the apostles’ doctrine and
fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayers” (v.42), forming a
Spirit-filled community marked by awe, generosity, and unity. They share
possessions, meet daily in the temple and homes, and live with “gladness and
simplicity of heart” (vv. 44–46). Their witness is magnetic—“the Lord
added to the church daily those who were being saved” (v.47).
This passage offers a timeless blueprint for vibrant Christian community:
rooted in truth, fueled by the Spirit, expressed through radical generosity,
and sustained by worship and shared life.
