Communal Living in the Early Church for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 7
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Communal Living
Previous Lesson: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Topic: Communal Living in the Early Church
Subject Matter: Election of the successor of Judas Iscariot; Acts 1:15-26; Characteristics of the early Christian community. Acts; 2:41-47, 4: 32-; Problems of the early; Christian community. Acts; 5:1-11, 6:1; Solutions to the problems of the early church community

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Recall the events leading to the election of Matthias as Judas Iscariot’s successor.
• State at least four characteristics of the early Christian community.
• Identify two major problems faced by the early Christian community.
• List the solutions implemented to address the problems of the early church.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of unity and communal sharing in a Christian community.
• Recognize the presence of discrimination in both historical and contemporary contexts.
• Desire to live in harmony and resolve conflicts peacefully within their communities.

Psychomotor Domain

• Read and interpret relevant Bible passages from the book of Acts.
• Participate actively in discussions about the early church and modern societal issues.

Social Domain

• Relate the problems of discrimination in the early church to similar issues in contemporary society.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• The Holy Bible (Acts 1:15-26, 2:41-47, 4:32-37, 5:1-11, 6:1)
• A suitable Christian Religious Studies textbook for SS 3
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• A Bible
• Charts showing key events or characteristics of the early church
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it provides students with a foundational understanding of communal living and the challenges faced by the early Christian church. By studying their experiences, students can learn valuable lessons about unity, problem-solving, and addressing discrimination, which are relevant to contemporary society and their personal faith journey.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have prior knowledge of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the events of Pentecost, and the establishment of the early church.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Communal Living in the Early Church

Election of the Successor of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-26)

After Judas Iscariot’s betrayal and death, the apostles felt the need to replace him to maintain the number twelve, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. Peter led the apostles in this decision, stating that the replacement must be someone who had been with them throughout Jesus’ ministry, from John’s baptism until Jesus’ ascension, and could bear witness to His resurrection.

1. Peter addressed about 120 believers, quoting prophecies from Psalms (Psalm 69:25, 109:8) regarding Judas’ fate and the need for a successor.
2. Two men were nominated: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.
3. The disciples prayed, asking God to show them which of the two He had chosen.
4. They cast lots, and the lot fell on Matthias, who was then added to the eleven apostles.

Bible Reading: Acts 1:15-26

Characteristics of the Early Christian Community (Acts 2:41-47, 4:32-37)

The early Christian community exhibited remarkable unity, devotion, and communal living, setting an example for future generations.

1. Devotion to Teaching: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, learning and living by the doctrines of Christ.
2. Fellowship: They shared a strong bond of brotherhood, spending time together in mutual support and encouragement.
3. Breaking of Bread: This refers to their communal meals, often including the Lord’s Supper, symbolizing their unity in Christ.
4. Prayer: They were steadfast in prayer, both individually and corporately.
5. Communal Sharing: They sold their possessions and goods and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had need. No one claimed private ownership of their possessions; everything was shared in common.
6. Unity: The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul.
7. Temple Attendance: They continued daily with one accord in the temple, participating in public worship.
8. Home Gatherings: They broke bread from house to house, sharing meals with gladness and simplicity of heart.
9. Praise and Favour: They praised God and enjoyed the favour of all the people.
10. Growth: The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Bible Reading: Acts 2:41-47, 4:32-37

Problems of the Early Christian Community (Acts 5:1-11, 6:1)

Despite their strong communal spirit, the early church faced internal challenges that threatened its integrity and unity.

1. Ananias and Sapphira’s Deception (Acts 5:1-11):

   Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property but secretly kept back part of the money, bringing only a portion to the apostles while pretending it was the full amount. Peter confronted them, stating they had lied to the Holy Spirit and not just to men. Both Ananias and Sapphira died immediately after being confronted, serving as a severe warning against hypocrisy and dishonesty within the community.

2. Discrimination in Food Distribution (Acts 6:1):

   As the number of disciples increased, a complaint arose from the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews. The Hellenistic Jews (Greek-speaking Jews) felt that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, while the Hebraic Jews (Aramaic-speaking Jews) were being favoured. This indicated a potential division and discrimination based on cultural or linguistic differences within the community.

Bible Reading: Acts 5:1-11, 6:1

Solutions to the Problems of the Early Church Community

The apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, implemented effective solutions to address the challenges faced by the growing community.

1. Divine Judgment on Ananias and Sapphira:

   The immediate deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, though severe, served as a powerful deterrent against hypocrisy, greed, and dishonesty. This event instilled a healthy fear in the community and ensured the purity and integrity of the early church’s communal sharing practices.

2. Election of Seven Deacons (Acts 6:2-6):

   To resolve the issue of discrimination in food distribution, the apostles called the whole group of disciples together and proposed a solution. They suggested that the community should choose seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to take charge of this daily ministry. This would allow the apostles to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.

   The community chose the following seven men:

   1. Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit)
   2. Philip
   3. Prochorus
   4. Nicanor
   5. Timon
   6. Parmenas
   7. Nicolaus (a convert to Judaism from Antioch)

   These men were presented to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them, commissioning them for this service. This solution effectively addressed the discrimination, ensured fair distribution, and allowed the apostles to focus on their primary spiritual responsibilities.

Bible Reading: Acts 6:2-6

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Guided Reading, Question and Answer, Group Work

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Recalling/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly reviews the previous lesson on the establishment of the early church and asks students what they remember about the apostles. The teacher then introduces the topic of communal living in the early church, highlighting its unique characteristics.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils recall previous knowledge and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.

Learning Point: Early church context

Step 2: Election of Matthias

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Reading

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the circumstances leading to the need for a successor to Judas Iscariot. The teacher guides students to read Acts 1:15-26, explaining the process of Matthias’ election, including Peter’s speech, the criteria for selection, the candidates, and the casting of lots.

Pupils’ Activity: Students read Acts 1:15-26 and listen to the teacher’s explanation of Matthias’ election.

Learning Point: Matthias’ election process

Step 3: Characteristics of the Early Christian Community

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Analysis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into small groups and assigns each group to read either Acts 2:41-47 or Acts 4:32-37. Each group identifies and discusses the characteristics of the early Christian community found in their assigned passage. The teacher then facilitates a class discussion to compile a comprehensive list of characteristics.

Pupils’ Activity: Students read assigned passages, discuss in groups, and contribute to the class list of characteristics.

Learning Point: Early church characteristics

Step 4: Problems of the Early Christian Community (Ananias and Sapphira)

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Storytelling/Moralizing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates the story of Ananias and Sapphira from Acts 5:1-11, emphasizing their deception and the consequences. The teacher leads a brief discussion on the moral lessons from this event regarding honesty and integrity in communal living.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the story and participate in the discussion on honesty and integrity.

Learning Point: Ananias and Sapphira’s sin

Step 5: Problems of the Early Christian Community (Discrimination)

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Relating

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the problem of discrimination between the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews in food distribution, as described in Acts 6:1. The teacher then leads students to relate this problem to issues of discrimination in our contemporary world, asking for examples.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the explanation, understand the difference between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews, and provide examples of modern discrimination.

Learning Point: Discrimination problem

Step 6: Solutions to the Problems of the Early Church Community

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Summarizing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how the early church addressed the problems identified in Steps 4 and 5, focusing on the divine judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, and the election of the seven deacons to manage food distribution. The teacher highlights the wisdom in delegating responsibilities.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and understand the solutions implemented by the early church.

Learning Point: Solutions to problems

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Who was elected to replace Judas Iscariot?
2. Mention two characteristics of the early Christian community.
3. What was the problem involving Ananias and Sapphira?
4. How did the apostles solve the problem of discrimination in food distribution?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Early church understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the election of Matthias, characteristics, problems, and solutions of the early church into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Communal living notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 0 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarizing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the key lessons from the communal living of the early church, emphasizing the importance of unity, honesty, and effective problem-solving in any community.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and reflect on the lessons learned.

Learning Point: Early church lessons

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Discuss how the communal sharing practices of the early church (Acts 4:32-37) could be applied in your local church or community today.
2. Identify and explain one contemporary issue of discrimination in Nigeria and suggest how the early church’s solution in Acts 6:1-6 could inspire a resolution.

Lesson Keywords

• Matthias – The apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot.
• Communal Living – A lifestyle where people share resources and responsibilities for the common good.
• Hellenistic Jews – Greek-speaking Jews, often from outside Judea.
• Hebraic Jews – Aramaic-speaking Jews, typically from Judea.
• Deacons – Seven men chosen to oversee the daily distribution of food in the early church.
• Ananias and Sapphira – A couple who died after lying to the Holy Spirit about their property sale.

Differentiation

For struggling learners, the teacher will provide simplified summaries of the Bible passages and focus on identifying key characteristics and problems. For advanced learners, the teacher will encourage deeper analysis of the theological implications of Ananias and Sapphira’s judgment and the socio-cultural context of discrimination between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search YouTube for: “Communal living early church Acts” or “Election of Matthias Acts 1”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have a Bible and any charts ready. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the Bible passages (Acts 1:15-26, 2:41-47, 4:32-37, 5:1-11, 6:1). Begin by engaging students with a brief recap of the early church’s formation. Guide them through the narrative of Matthias’ election, emphasizing the spiritual process involved. Facilitate group work for identifying the characteristics of the early community, ensuring all students contribute. When discussing problems, use the stories of Ananias and Sapphira and the discrimination against Hellenistic widows to highlight internal and external challenges. Encourage students to draw parallels to modern issues of discrimination. Guide them to understand the wisdom in the solutions implemented by the apostles, particularly the election of deacons. Ensure students copy the Board Summary notes accurately during the note-taking stage. Check for understanding through questions throughout the lesson and during the evaluation phase. Provide extra support for students who struggle with understanding the biblical context or moral lessons, and challenge faster learners with deeper analytical questions about the relevance of these events today.