Convulsions are not His way, except as second-best. The disciples had
to stay within the fold of Israel, if they were to influence Israel.
The time of outward parting between the Temple and the Church was far
ahead yet.

But the truest life of the infant Church was not nourished in the
Temple, but in the privacy of their homes. They were one family, and
lived as such. Their 'breaking bread at home' includes both their
ordinary meals and the Lord's Supper; for in these first days every
meal, at least the evening meal of every day, was hallowed by having
the Supper as a part of it. Each meal was thus a religious act, a
token of brotherhood, and accompanied with praise. Surely _then_ 'men
did eat angels' food,' and on platter and cup was written 'Holiness
to the Lord.' The ideal of human fellowship was realised, though but
for a moment, and on a small scale. It was inevitable that
divergences should arise, but it was not inevitable that the Church
should depart so far from the brief brightness of its dawn. Still the
sweet concordant brotherhood of these morning hours witnesses what
Christian love can do, and prophesies what shall yet be and shall not
pass.

No wonder that such a Church won favour with all the people! We hear
nothing of its evangelising activity, but its life was such that,
without recorded speech, multitudes were drawn into so sweet a
fellowship. If we were like the Pentecostal Christians, we should
attract wearied souls out of the world's Babel into the calm home
where love and brotherhood reigned, and God would 'add' to _us_ 'day
by day those that were being saved.'