Lesson 38: The Purpose of the Body of Christ

“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” Acts 2:42.

There are four purposes for the church given in this verse: 1) teaching the Bible, 2) making a place where believers can fellowship, 3) sharing the Lord’s supper, and 4) prayer.

The church is to teach truth so we can grow in our faith. Ephesians 4:14 tells us, “So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can learn to love and honor one another (Romans 12:10), teach each other (Romans 15:14), be kind and compassionate to each other (Ephesians 4:32), encourage each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and most importantly, love each other (1 John 3:11).

The church is to be a place where believers can celebrate the Lord’s Supper, remembering Christ’s death and shed blood for us (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The practice of “breaking bread” (Acts 2:42) also carries the idea of having meals together. This is another example of the church fellowship. The final purpose of the church according to Acts 2:42 is prayer. The church is to be a place that teaches prayer, and practices prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”


Another commission given to the church is spreading the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). The church is called to be faithful in sharing the gospel in both word and deed. The church is to be a “light” in the community, pointing people toward our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The church is to both spread the gospel and prepare its members to do so (1 Peter 3:15).

More purposes of the church are given in James 1:27: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” The church is to be about the business of ministering to those in need. This includes not only sharing the gospel, but also providing for physical needs (food, clothing, shelter) as necessary and appropriate. The church is also to equip believers in Christ with the tools they need to overcome sin and remain free from the pollution of the world. This is done by biblical teaching and Christian fellowship.

How are we to be part of the church? Paul gave a great picture to the believers in Corinth. The church is God’s hands, mouth, and feet in this world—the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). We are to be doing the things Jesus Christ would do if He were here physically on the earth. The church is to be “Christian,” “Christ-like,” and “Christ-following”.

Assignment: Go to church this week with the specific purpose of getting involved in some program of the church.