In this final Bible class of the quarter, Shaun Calix explores how the early church in the book of Acts embodied Jesus’ two greatest commandments—loving God and loving neighbor—and how those practices contributed to the explosive growth of the church, even amid persecution. A practical and encouraging study for any congregation seeking to grow through faithful discipleship. (Oak Hollow Church of Christ, April 26, 2026)

In “The Greatest Commandments and the Growth of the Early Church,” teacher Shaun Calix wraps up a quarter-long study by examining key passages from the book of Acts. Building on the previous lesson about how Jesus perfectly fulfilled the commands to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves, this class shows how the first Christians lived out those same commandments in their daily life together.

Despite facing uncertainty after Jesus’ ascension and intense persecution, the early believers demonstrated deep devotion to God through constant prayer, faithfulness to the apostles’ teaching, and obedience even when it was costly. They also showed radical love for neighbor through generous sharing, caring for widows, healing the sick, welcoming outsiders (including a eunuch and a Roman centurion), and boldly preaching the gospel to those outside their comfort zone.

The class includes small-group discussions on specific Acts passages followed by a larger group sharing that highlights themes of unity, trust in God’s provision, perseverance in hardship, and willingness to go beyond surface-level help to meet both physical and spiritual needs. Shaun emphasizes that while God is the one who gives the increase, the early church’s faithful living of the greatest commandments served as a powerful witness that drew people to Christ.

Practical applications for today’s church are discussed, including the importance of prayer, visible love and unity among believers, caring for the vulnerable, and being open to the people God places in our path—even when it challenges our comfort or cultural expectations.

This engaging, participatory Bible class is ideal for Christians who want to understand the connection between loving God, loving others, and healthy church growth.

Introduction & Prayer (Steve leads)

Context & Purpose of the Lesson
- Recap of previous lesson on Jesus fulfilling the two greatest commandments (love God, love neighbor) in His life and teaching.
- Connection to discipleship and Garrett’s Wednesday night class.
- Goal: Show how the early church lived out these commandments and how that contributed to its growth.
- Important reminder: God gives the increase (Acts 2:47); we are His instruments.

Small Group Activity
- Class divides into six groups.
- Each group studies assigned passages from Acts and discusses how they demonstrate love for God, love for neighbor, or both.

Group Reports & Discussion (Key passages and themes covered):

Group 1 (Devotion amid difficulty):
- Acts 1:14 (prayer after ascension)
- Acts 2:42 (devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer)
- Acts 8:4 (scattered believers preach while persecuted)
- Sending of Paul and Barnabas with prayer and fasting.
*Theme*: Persistent prayer, devotion to God’s word, and fellowship even in fear or persecution.

Group 2 (Love for God in suffering):
- Stephen’s stoning (Acts 7 – praying for his persecutors’ forgiveness)
- Paul and Silas singing in prison (Acts 16)
- Paul heading to Jerusalem despite knowing persecution awaits (Acts 20).
*Theme*: Loving God through obedience and praise in hardship; loving neighbor through forgiveness and continued ministry (e.g., converting the jailer).

Group 3 (Unity and care for the needy):
- Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32-35 (believers selling possessions, sharing, no one in need)
- Acts 6:1-6 (caring for widows; appointment of the first deacons).
*Theme*: Love for neighbor through radical generosity and practical care; love for God shown in unity, trust, and obedience to commands to care for the vulnerable (widows, etc.).

Group 4 (Acts of mercy and compassion):
- Healing of the lame beggar (Acts 3)
- Many signs and wonders (Acts 5)
- Raising of Tabitha/Dorcas (Acts 9), who herself made clothes for the needy.
*Theme*: Loving neighbor through healing, provision, and service; modern application: caring for the sick even without miraculous gifts.

Group 5 (Going outside comfort zones):
- Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39)
- Ananias and the conversion of Saul/Paul (Acts 9:10-19).
*Theme*: Obeying the Spirit to reach unlikely people; overcoming fear or prejudice to include those God sends; meeting spiritual needs (teaching, baptism, hospitality).

Group 6 (Welcoming outsiders/Gentiles):
- Peter’s vision and visit to Cornelius (Acts 10–11).
*Theme*: God declaring Gentiles clean; overcoming Jewish cultural/religious barriers; loving neighbor by accepting those previously considered “unclean” or outsiders; focus on the gospel message over cultural differences.

Closing Application & Traits for Church Growth
- Prayer (individual and corporate) as central to depending on God for increase.
- Visible love and unity among believers (“They will know you are My disciples by your love for one another”).
- Caring for the needy in practical and deeper ways (physical + spiritual needs).
- Willingness to step outside comfort zones and engage people God places in our path.
- Boldness and perseverance amid persecution or difficulty.

Conclusion
Thanks to participants; appreciation for the quarter’s study.