By: Matthew D. Dyer
Below is a list of practices demonstrated by the New Testament Church that reveal how unity was actively cultivated among the Apostles, Elders, and the various congregations. These examples show that Christian fellowship in the first century was not merely a matter of shared belief, but of shared action—intentional cooperation, mutual accountability, and collective discernment. By observing how the early Church operated, we gain a clearer picture of what biblical unity looks like in practice and how it was maintained across different regions, leaders, and assemblies.
| Church | Actions/Activities | Scripture References |
|---|---|---|
| Jerusalem | Shared possessions and cared for the needy – believers “had all things in common” and sold property to distribute to anyone in need; appointed seven deacons to ensure fair distribution to widows; received financial relief sent from the Church at Antioch during a famine; organized the Jerusalem Council made up of Elders from different Churches to decide Gentile (Ethnos) believers’ obligations. | Acts 2:44–45; 4:32–35; 6:1–6; 11:27–30; 15:19–20 |
| Antioch (Syria) | Sent out missionaries – the church at Antioch laid hands on Barnabas and Saul (Paul) and sent them on their first missionary journey; organized aid for others – Antioch’s disciples decided to send relief to the Church (brethren) in Judea and sent it with Barnabas and Saul. | Acts 13:2–3; 11:29–30 |
| Corinth | Collected offerings for other churches – Paul instructed the Corinthians to set aside a weekly offering for the poor believers in Jerusalem. | 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 |
| Ephesus | Renounced idolatry and occult – many Ephesian converts burned their magic books, publicly destroying occult works worth 50,000 pieces of silver. | Acts 19:19 |
| Philippi | Financially supported missions – the Philippians partnered with Paul’s ministry by sending gifts for his needs; sent envoys – they dispatched Epaphroditus to assist Paul, calling him their “messenger” and “minister” to Paul’s needs. | Philippians 4:15–16; 2:25 |
| Colossae | Exchanged letters with Laodicea – Paul’s letter to Colossae was to be read also at Laodicea, and vice versa. | Colossians 4:16 |
| Laodicea | Received Paul’s correspondence – Paul instructed Colossae to read his letter “also in the church of the Laodiceans.” | Colossians 4:16 |
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