Question: What Scriptures and scriptural principles provide guidance for the order and character of assembly meetings?
Answer: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). This verse gives us the key to guidance as to assembly meetings the Word of God! A summary verse as to such meetings is Acts 2:42: “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Note that gospel efforts, the gospel meeting and outreaches to children and the lost in general are not included. However, these meetings—which are held on individual exercise and responsibility to the Lord (Acts 21:8; 2 Tim 4:5)—may meet in the same room where the assembly gathers collectively in the presence of the Lord Jesus.
Primarily, assembly meetings include: (1) the breaking of bread and the prayer meeting, and (2) the reading and ministry meetings (the apostles’ doctrine). For example, Paul in Acts 20:7 “preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow” in the Troas assembly. The apostles’ doctrine and fellowship gives the basis of every assembly meeting.
The details of the order of these meetings are not specifically stated in Scripture but are discerned by believers and guided by the Spirit of God a most important principle for proper assembly conduct. As stated in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “The things of the Spirit of God... are spiritually discerned.”
But such facets as prayer, praise and worship are stated in Scripture: “the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name” in Hebrews 13:15 and “offer up spiritual sacrifices” in 1 Peter 2:5. Clear references to singing are given in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, giving guidance as to the use of “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” in “teaching and admonishing one another.” Singing in praise to the Lord is stated in Revelation 5:9: “Thou art worthy... for Thou wast slain.” These examples are but a few of many such passages.
The breaking of bread meeting, also called the remembrance of the Lord in death, was instituted by the Lord Himself on the night of His betrayal. Though given in the synoptic gospels, it is most fully given in Luke 22:19-20. This passage is quoted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, affording us authority for the present day of grace as to this important meeting.
Guidance as to the day of the week is Acts 20:7: “Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread.” The order of giving of thanks for the bread and then the cup was instituted by the Lord Himself and restated by Paul. Today, in following the Lord’s pattern, one brother as guided by the Spirit of God gives thanks for both the bread and the cup.
In summary, Scripture itself is our guide for suited Christian conduct in assembly meetings. The guidance of the Spirit of God, using the Word of God, is essential in the expression of scriptural teaching and spiritual emotions in worship and prayer.
P. S. Jacobsen