," after baptism, is also described with much
distinctness, in a few words which seem to have been recorded once for
all of the first converts, in formal terms which should be applicable
to all others: "They continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine,
and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts ii.
42). And the four particulars thus stated seem to include all the
duties of the Christian life. Their stedfast attention to "The
Apostles' doctrine" implies that they accepted their testimony as the
truth necessary for salvation. Their holding to "the fellowship" or
communion, implies their unity with the Apostles, and with one
another. Their continual observance of "The breaking of bread" implies
the high position at once given to the ordinance of the Holy
Communion, instituted by the Lord Himself as the bond of the New
Covenant, in place of the sacrifices of the blood of beasts under the
Old Covenant. And their habitual joining in "The prayers," implies
that the assembling of Christians for common worship was practised
from the first.

Such was the life of the first subjects of "The Kingdom of Heaven."
And this record of it in Holy Scripture sets it forth as the pattern
for all future generations. It is true that the infant Church was not
perfect, and, had it been so, it would not have corresponded with the
description which our Lord had given of it in His Parables; but the
leaven was at work upon the hearts of the believers, and the result
was manifest in their lives.

After about ten years had thus passed, during which the Church was
being gradually developed as the Kingdom of Messiah in Judaea and
Samaria, the second period of its history, as recorded in the Bible,
began. And henceforth Antioch became a fresh centre of interest and
activity, in consequence of the ordination of S. Paul and S. Barnabas
as Apostles. "There were in the Church that was at Antioch certain
prophets and teachers. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the
Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto
I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid
their hands on them, they sent them away. So they being sent forth by
the Holy Ghost, sailed to Cyprus" (Acts xiii. 1-4). Thus began the
first missionary journey into heathen lands. And from Cyprus the good
news of "The Kingdom of Heaven" spread to Asia Minor, where in the
course of years the seven branches of the Church were found