Here are four key characteristics of the early Church Christians:
1. Devotion to the Apostles' Teaching and Fellowship: They were committed to learning and following the teachings of the apostles (who had been taught by Jesus). They also shared life together in a community of love and support, characterized by fellowship. This involved sharing meals (including the Lord's Supper) and spending time together. (Acts 2:42)
2. Prayer: Prayer was a central and consistent part of their lives, both individually and corporately. They prayed for one another, for boldness to proclaim the Gospel, and for God's will to be done. (Acts 2:42, Acts 4:24-31)
3. Sharing and Generosity: They often shared their possessions and resources to meet the needs of those within the community. This demonstrated their love and commitment to one another, and showed a radical departure from the typical social norms of the time. In some cases, they even sold possessions to provide for those in need. (Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:32-37)
4. Evangelism and Bold Proclamation of the Gospel: They were actively sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others, even in the face of opposition. They were not afraid to speak about their faith, and they saw themselves as witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. This resulted in significant growth of the early Church. (Acts 2:41, Acts 4:13, Acts 5:42)