Returning to the Roots of Faith: The Apostolic Gathering in Homes

​Many modern denominational structures and traditions lack a biblical foundation. To align with the apostolic model, we must return to the practices of the first-century church. The apostolic church gathered primarily in homes, which served as the structural foundation for family and community. It was in an upper room—a home—that 120 believers waited with anticipation to fulfill their apostolic calling.

Jesus instructed his disciples not to rely on their own strength or talents, but to wait for the promise of the Father: the Holy Spirit. As recorded in Acts 1:8, Jesus promised that once the Holy Spirit came upon them, they would receive power to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

The New Testament documents the church meeting in homes at least 13 times. References such as Acts 2:46, 5:42, 8:3, and 20:20 describe believers moving from house to house, breaking bread, praying, and ministering the Word. The home provided an environment where people could be authentic, shedding religious masks and false identities. Other instances include the households of Cornelius (Acts 10:22), Mary (Acts 12:12), Jairus (Acts 16:32), Lydia (Acts 16:40), Titus Justus (Acts 18:7), Priscilla and Aquila (Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19), Nymphus (Colossians 4:15), and Philemon (Philemon 1-2).

Regarding the location of the 120, I believe it was the house of Mark. During a visit to Jerusalem in 2018, I was led to a site identified as Mark’s house. Although Jerusalem has been rebuilt many times—with new cities constructed over the ruins of the old—the Spirit confirmed to me that this was the place where the 120 received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Mark, a cousin of Barnabas, eventually matured into a productive minister who opened his home to the apostles, providing the setting where they received the promise of the Father.

In the 21st century, we must return to this original foundation. While large gatherings have their place, they often leave individuals feeling anonymous. In a home setting, believers can be vulnerable, share their struggles, confess sins to one another, and experience true community. It is a place where love dwells, where we can share meals, serve one another, and wash each other's feet.

Jesus frequently ministered in homes, including the upper room for the Last Supper and the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. As we enter this age of restoration, we are called to return to this house-to-house model. By ministering in these intimate settings, we can mature, expand the Kingdom of God, and practically impact the communities around us.

The summary 

The Gospel of the Kingdom began in the home, a place where love dwells. For the first 200 years following the events in the upper room, the church existed primarily within the home. As the Gospel spread across various regions, cultures, and languages, it reached Greece, where it evolved into philosophy. Upon reaching Rome, it transformed into a religious institution.

This institutionalization led to the Dark Ages, a thousand-year period during which much of the truth was nearly lost. However, God always preserved a remnant to carry His light and the unadulterated scriptures. Eventually, the gospel spread to England and then the United States, where it became an enterprise—a commercialized industry of large organizations and companies.

It is now time to return to the truth and the restoration of all things, as prophesied by Paul and Peter and as practiced by the church in the Acts of the Apostles.

Acts 3:19-23, Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said to the fathers, The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people