And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

Here is a record of the blessed fellowship enjoyed between the apostles and the three thousand souls that were baptised on the day of Pentecost. Such uncorrupted fellowship is what every Christian desires, and it should be the experience of all who profess the name of Christ.

Notice that the happy fellowship described in Acts existed by virtue of the new converts’ steadfast continuance in the apostle’s doctrine. This doctrine is the only teaching that the fellowship of Acts can be based upon. It is inflexible, and those who deviate from it deny themselves the fellowship it brings.

In his first letter, John refers to the apostolic doctrine as ‘that which we have seen and heard’. What John taught and believed, he heard directly from the lips of Jesus Himself. These truths ‘declare we unto you’, says John, ‘that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ’ (1 John 1:3).

It is clear from these two examples that obtaining this blessed fellowship is attainable to every soul. It does not require years of study or contemplation (three thousand were converted by one sermon), or an extraordinary mental capacity. It simply requires one to humble himself, leave aside preconceived ideas and habits, and receive the testimony of Jesus as delivered by His ministers. In receiving such testimony, one receives not merely human fellowship, but the fellowship of the Father and His Son.

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. Matthew 10:40

Christopher Sparks