“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Acts 2:42 (ESV)
The early church had a simple rhythm that shaped everything they did. They were devoted — not casual, not occasional, but steadfastly committed — to learning the Word of God together. Their devotion to “the apostles’ teaching” was not just an intellectual exercise but a relational and transformational practice that built a gospel-shaped community.
In today’s busy world, our Community Groups have the same opportunity. We gather to study the Bible and live it out together. The goal is not routine, but a rhythm that keeps God’s Word at the center of our shared life.
Why Acts 2:42 Matters for Us
Acts 2:42 captures the heartbeat of a church alive with spiritual devotion. Each element — the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer — points to a holistic picture of discipleship – of being and making disciples.
Devoted reminds us that growth requires intentionality.
The apostles’ teaching roots us in the truth of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, now preserved in Scripture.
Fellowship ensures our study is relational, not isolated.
Breaking bread and prayers show that study naturally leads to worship and dependence on God.
When a group devotes itself to Scripture this way, study becomes a shared journey rather than a weekly appointment.
The Biblical Foundation
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…” — Acts 2:42
Check out these verses on studying God’s Word and think through why each is done better in the context of community:
2 Timothy 3:16–17 — God’s Word equips believers for every good work.
Colossians 3:16 — “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another…”
Psalm 1:1–3 — The one who delights in God’s Word flourishes like a tree by streams of water.
James 1:22 — Be doers of the Word, not hearers only.
Hebrews 10:24–25 — Stir up one another to love and good works.
Together, these verses remind us that Bible study in community is for transformation, not just information.
Five Biblical Guidelines for a Healthy Rhythm
Be Devoted (Acts 2:42) – Make Scripture central in your gatherings.
Be Dependent (Psalm 119:18) – Pray for God to open eyes and hearts.
Be Doers (James 1:22) – Move from study to obedience.
Be Sharers (Colossians 3:16) – Invite everyone’s voice; let the Word dwell richly among you.
Be Connected (Hebrews 10:24) – Let study build relationships and mutual encouragement.
These guidelines keep groups focused on spiritual formation rather than academic discussion alone.
Training Guide: Leading Groups in Scripture Engagement
Below is a simple framework for helping leaders create and sustain a rhythm of healthy Bible study in their Community Groups.
1. Align with the Word
Keep the Bible at the center of every gathering.
Encourage groups to connect the discussion to the sermon passage each week.
Ask questions like:
What stood out to you from Sunday’s message?
How does this passage challenge or encourage you?
What’s one way we can live this out as a group?
Tip: Let the sermon text serve as both an anchor and a launching point for group and personal study throughout the week.
2. Use a Simple, Repeatable Method
Choose a study approach that invites participation and keeps the focus on application.
SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer): Read, notice, apply, and pray.
Discovery Bible Study (DBS): What does this teach about God? What does it teach about people? How will we obey this passage?
Weekly Sermon Discussion Questions (Bridgeway C Group Leaders): I provide a weekly sermon discussion template at Bridgeway Church, which can be found in the email update. Feel free to use this guide as needed or each week as you gather in your Community Group.
Keep your structure consistent enough to be familiar, but flexible enough to stay fresh.
3. Encourage Participation
Rotate who reads or summarizes the passage.
Ask open-ended questions instead of leading ones.
Affirm thoughtful responses and make space for silence and reflection.
Draw out quieter members gently by asking, “What stands out to you about that verse?” Or, “We’ve heard from several members already. What about those who have not shared? What are your thoughts?”
When everyone contributes, the group “lets the Word of Christ dwell richly among them” (Col. 3:16).
4. Keep Study Relational
Scripture engagement is most potent when it’s shared in genuine fellowship.
Open each meeting with a life update or answered prayer connected to last week’s text.
End by praying Scripture over one another.
Occasionally, plan a Scripture & Story night — a time for members to share how God’s Word is shaping them.
The goal is for the study to feel like a shared meal, not a classroom lecture.
5. Move from Study to Action
A Bible study that stops at discussion misses the point. Help your group move from learning to living.
Ask:
“What will this look like if we live it out this week?”
“Who can we encourage or serve because of this passage?”
“How might this connect to Bridgeway’s sermon or next Sunday’s text?”
Close with a personal challenge:
“This week, reread this passage and write one observation, application, and prayer.”
This connects group learning → personal devotion → mission.
6. Guard Against Routine
Routine kills engagement; rhythm sustains it. Keep the focus alive by:
Toby DeHay 