41 On that day about 3,000 believed his message and were baptized. 42 They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread* and prayed together.

43 Everyone was amazed by the many miracles and wonders that the apostles worked. 44 *All the Lord’s followers often met together, and they shared everything they had. 45 They would sell their property and possessions and give the money to whoever was in need. 46 Day after day they met together in the temple. They broke bread* together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely, 47 while praising God. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved.

24 We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. 25 Some people have given up the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.

1 It is truly wonderful

when the people of God

live together in peace.

2 It is as beautiful as olive oil

poured on Aaron’s head*

and running down his beard

and the collar of his robe.

3 It is like the dew

from Mount Hermon,

falling on Zion’s mountains,

where the Lord has promised

to bless his people

with life forevermore.

14 We enjoyed being together,

when we went with others

to your house, our God.

9 You are better having a friend than to be all alone, because then you will get more enjoyment out of what you earn. 10 If you fall, your friend can help you up. But if you fall without having a friend nearby, you are really in trouble. 11 If you sleep alone, you won’t have anyone to keep you warm on a cold night. 12 Someone might be able to beat up one of you, but not both of you. As the saying goes, "A rope made from three strands of cord is hard to break."

22 You obeyed the truth,* and your souls were made pure. Now you sincerely love each other. But you must keep on loving with all your heart.

9 Welcome people into your home and don’t grumble about it.

10 Love each other as brothers and sisters and honor others more than you do yourself.

1 Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God’s Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others. 2 Now make me completely happy! Live in harmony by showing love for each other. Be united in what you think, as if you were only one person.

16 *Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.

32 *Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.

13 My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love.

11 This is why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing.

6 If we say we share in life with God and keep on living in the dark, we are lying and are not living by the truth. 7 *But if we live in the light, as God does, we share in life with each other. And the blood of his Son Jesus washes all our sins away.

11 Goodbye, my friends. Do better and pay attention to what I have said. Try to get along and live peacefully with each other.

Now I pray that God, who gives love and peace, will be with you.

34 *But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you.