Topical Bible: Praise: First Converts

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In the early Christian church, the act of praising God was a central element of worship and community life, especially among the first converts. These initial believers, often coming from diverse backgrounds, found common ground in their newfound faith and expressed their devotion through praise.

Biblical Foundation

The Book of Acts provides a vivid account of the first converts and their practices. In Acts 2:41-47, we read about the day of Pentecost when about three thousand souls were added to the church. These new believers "devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). Their communal life was marked by a spirit of joy and praise, as they "broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people" (Acts 2:46-47).

Expressions of Praise

The first converts expressed their praise in various forms, including prayer, singing, and communal worship. The early church's gatherings were characterized by a deep sense of awe and reverence, as "everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles" (Acts 2:43). This atmosphere of praise was not only a response to God's mighty works but also a testimony to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Cultural and Religious Context

The first converts came from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds, each bringing their own cultural and religious traditions. For Jewish converts, praise was deeply rooted in the Psalms and the liturgical practices of the synagogue. Gentile converts, on the other hand, often came from pagan backgrounds where praise was directed towards multiple deities. The unifying factor for these diverse groups was the recognition of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, which redirected their praise towards the one true God.

Impact on the Early Church

The praise of the first converts had a profound impact on the growth and vitality of the early church. Their genuine expressions of worship and gratitude attracted others to the faith, as seen in the daily addition of new believers: "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47). This communal praise not only strengthened the bonds among believers but also served as a powerful witness to the surrounding community.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the praise of the first converts underscores the centrality of worship in the Christian life. It reflects a heart transformed by the grace of God and a life oriented towards His glory. The early church's emphasis on praise highlights the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness in all circumstances.

Legacy and Influence

The legacy of praise established by the first converts continues to influence Christian worship today. Their example serves as a model for believers to cultivate a lifestyle of praise, both individually and corporately. The early church's commitment to praising God amidst persecution and trials remains an enduring testament to the power of faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 2:47
Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The First Native Converts and Christian Schools
... on the other, mingled with the strains of the Bengali hymn of praise. ... are desirous
to avoid such a precedent." Although these first converts were necessarily ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vi the first native.htm

Peter's First Sermon
... the tokens of which you see flaming on each head, and hear bursting in praise from
every ... First, the narrative tells how the raw converts were incorporated ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/peters first sermon.htm

The Epistle to the Philippians.
... he had his most loyal and devoted converts, who were ... autobiographic, resembling in
this respect the First Epistle to ... is like his midnight hymn of praise in the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 97 the epistle to.htm

Church Union.
... we think should still guide us in our efforts to establish the Kingdom of Christ
in this land, that you may praise God in our ... "The first converts received into ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/viii church union.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... But the "Hours of Prayer" and Praise were still retained, "the singers ... flesh, and
of His bones[30]." [Sidenote: Thankfulness of the first converts.] What wonder ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

Index of First Lines.
... INDEX OF FIRST LINES ... listening ear, 781 God of the universe, whose hand, 135 God
of the year, with songs of praise, 884 God's perfect law converts the soul ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/index of first lines.htm

Preface to the First Edition of the Gospel of the Pentateuch to ...
... Divine element which has converted and still converts millions of ... that is, to consider
it at first according to ... with a genius which needs no poor praise of mine ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/preface to the first edition.htm

Acts xvi. 25, 26
... but let us think over that night, the stocks, and the hymns of praise. ... heathen objection
is this, You may see by the character of the first converts, such as ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxvi acts xvi 25.htm

In Memoriam.
... The dawn came and the first converts of his own Mission were gathered in. ... [Pastor
Iap was the first pastor of the ... He commanded the respect and praise of men. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/xii in memoriam.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... as often in Paul the admission of pagan converts to the ... But Peter begins upon the
note of praise (i.3-12 ... Remember first of all how much you have to thank God for ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm