CLF-VE 9, Q1 STANDARDS AND COMPETENCY DIAGRAM
Updated: July 06, 2023
The students on their own and in the long
run will be able to: make and express
commitments, create action plan, and
document progress in order to be relevant
members of and contributors in building
(Christian) communities and societies for
integral human development.
TRANSFER GOAL
Identify the chief characteristics of the first
Christian community in Jerusalem;
Explain the Christian understanding of society and
its significant role for the common good;
Explain subsidiarity and solidarity as
complementary principles for the common good;
Describe Pope Francis’ vision of an inclusive
global economic system; and
Describe how Christian moral values and virtues,
are necessarily exercised by different civil
societies in their work for common good.
ACQUISITION
TRANSFER
Written Commitment, Action Plan,
and Documentation of progress in
being relevant members of and
contributors in building (Christian)
communities.
PERFORMANCE
STANDARD PERFORMANCE TASK
The learners demonstrate ways of: being
relevant members and builders of (Christian)
communities who (a) values and live by the
apostolic teachings, breaking of bread, E.U.: Students will understand that Christian
praying and sharing, (b) observes and
communities and societies serve as relevant
promotes inclusive system of development, &
instruments of integral development through ff. the
(c) seeks, upholds and defends the common
good for the integral development of all. example of the first Christian community in Jerusalem
in valuing and living by the apostolic teachings, the
breaking of bread, prayer, and sharing where the
THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH AND THE SOCIETY
principles of subsidiarity and solidarity are observed,
FOR INTEGRAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT inclusive economy is practiced, and in which, the
common good is sought, upheld, defended, promoted,
The learners demonstrate understanding of and experienced.
the first Christian community in Jerusalem
E.Q.: How can Christian communities and societies
as model community where the principles of
serve as instruments of integral development?
subsidiarity and solidarity are demonstrated,
inclusive economy is observed, and the
common good is promoted and MAKE MEANING
experienced, which Christian communities
and societies are called to seek, uphold and
defend.
CONTENT STANDARD
 CLF-VE 9, Q1, M1 STANDARDS AND COMPETENCY DIAGRAM

The students on their own and in the long run will be

TRANSFER
able to: make and express commitments to actively Written commitments highlighting
follow and creatively exemplify the chief characteristics the chief characteristics and
and values of the first Christian community in values of the first Christian
Jerusalem which are devotion to the apostolic community in Jerusalem.
teachings, breaking of the bread, praying, and sharing.

PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE TASK

TRANSFER GOAL
STANDARD

The learners demonstrate: creatively the

life of the first Christian community in
Jerusalem through a class activity that
highlights the values of praying, sharing,
Enumerate the six (6) key events in Jesus’ founding of the E.U.: Students will understand that the
healing, breaking of bread, and loving one first Christians in Jerusalem live
Church; another. wonderfully together, enjoying favor with
Reflectively analyze the life of the first Christian community in
all the people, by being devoted to the
Jerusalem and identify its chief characteristics;
teaching of the apostles and to the
Describe the important roles of the Holy Spirit in the birth, THE LIFE OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS IN communal life, to the breaking of the
growth and mission of the first Christian community; bread and to the prayers.
JERUSALEM: A MODEL COMMUNITY
Explain the importance of reading and praying the Word of
E.Q.: Why is the first Christian
God, and the “breaking of bread” (Holy Eucharist) in building a
community in Jerusalem a model
Christian community; and
The learners demonstrate understanding community? How did the first Christians
Make and express commitments that highlights the chief in Jerusalem live?
of: the life of the First Christian
characteristics and values of the first Christian community in
Community in Jerusalem as a model
Jerusalem.
community that prayed, broke bread
together and “enjoyed the good will of all
people”.
ACQUISITION (Acts 2:47; cf. 4:21.33; 5:13; 6) MAKE MEANING

CONTENT STANDARD
 CLE-VE 9, Q1, M1 CURRICULUM MAP
CORE &
DOCTRINE-MORALS-WORSHIP CONTENT PERFORMANC ACTIVITIES
MAIN TOPIC LEARNING COMPETENCIES ASSESSMENT RELATED
(DMW) STANDARDS E STANDARDS (OFFLINE)
VALUES
1. The Life of the Doctrine: Constructed Activity 1.
The learners The learners The learners: CHRISTIAN
First Christians “Certainly, as members of the Response; Activating
demonstrate demonstrate: IX.I-1.1. reflectively analyze SPIRITUALITY:
in Jerusalem: A Church, we should not stand Prior
understanding - creatively the life of the first Matching Type;
Model apart from others. All should Knowledge & Faith in Jesus
Community of: the life of the Christian community in Enumeration; Understanding
regard us as friends and Christ, His
- the life of the first Christian Jerusalem as a model : Opinion on Holy Spirit
1.1. The Birth neighbors, like the apostles, Essay;
First Christian community community that listened the Church; and His
of the Christian who ‘enjoyed the good will of Identification;
Community in in Jerusalem to the Apostles’ teachings, Church;
Community all the people’ (Acts 2:47; cf. Activity 2.
Jerusalem as a through a shared goods with one Table Completion
(Acts 2:1-13) 4:21.33; 5:13). Yet at the same Reading & Unity of All,
model class activity another, prayed and Reflecting: The
1.2. The time we must dare to be Prayerfulness
community that praised God together, and First Christian
Characteristics different, to point to ideals ;
that prayed, highlights enjoyed the favor of all Community in
of the First other than those of this world,
broke bread the values of people. (Acts 2:42-47; cf. Jerusalem
Christian testifying to the beauty of NATIONALISM:
together and praying, 4:21.33; 5:13; 6)
Community generosity, service, purity, Activity 4. Q &
“enjoyed the sharing, IX.I-1.2. explain the Cooperation
(Acts 2:42-47) - perseverance, forgiveness, A: Clarifying
highlighting the good will of all healing, importance of reading and and Expressing and
fidelity, to our personal
“reading and people”. (Acts breaking of praying of the Word of Learnings and Solidarity,
vocation, prayer, the pursuit of
praying of the 2:47; cf. bread, and God and the “breaking of Commitment
justice and the common good, National
word of God 4:21.33; 5:13; loving one bread” (Holy Eucharist) in
love for the poor, and social Activity 3. Unity
and breaking of 6) another. building a Christian
friendship.” (Christus Vivit 36) Meditative
the Bread” (The community. Reading: The
Holy Eucharist) IX.I-1.3. simulate the life of
Morals: Communal Life
1.3. The the first Christian of the First
“...The work of dominating
Growth and community in Jerusalem Christian
the world calls for a union of
Mission of the through a class activity Community
skills and a unity of
first Christian that highlights the values
Disciples in achievement that can only
of sharing, praying,
Jerusalem grow from quite a different
breaking of bread, and
(Acts 6) attitude.” The ecological
loving one another.
conversion needed to bring
about lasting change is also a
IX.I-1.4. pray solemnly
community conversion.
together the Acts of the
(Laudato Si’ 219).
Apostles 2:42-47.

Worship:
“They were continually
devoting themselves to the
apostles’ teaching and to
fellowship, to the breaking of
bread and to prayer.” (Acts
2:42-47)
 Christ’s Centered, Transformative Catholic Education

S.Y. 2022-2023
CHRISTIAN LIFE EDUCATION –
VALUES EDUKASYON (CLE-VE) 9
Quarter 1
Module 1

THE LIFE OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS

IN JERUSALEM: A MODEL COMMUNITY

Developed by:
Luther O. Odoc
Teacher
I. CURRICULUM STANDARDS

THE LIFE OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS IN JERUSALEM: A MODEL COMMUNITY

1. The Birth of the Christian Community (Acts 2:1-13)
2. The Characteristics of the First Christian Community (Acts 2:42-47) -
TOPIC
highlighting the “reading and praying of the word of God and breaking of the
Bread” (The Holy Eucharist)
3. The Growth and Mission of the first Christian Disciples in Jerusalem (Acts 6)

Doctrine: “Certainly, as members of the Church, we should not stand apart from
others. All should regard us as friends and neighbors, like the apostles, who
‘enjoyed the good will of all the people’ (Acts 2:47; cf. 4:21.33; 5:13). Yet at the
same time we must dare to be different, to point to ideals other than those of this
world, testifying to the beauty of generosity, service, purity, perseverance,
forgiveness, fidelity to our personal vocation, prayer, the pursuit of justice and the
CHRISTIAN common good, love for the poor, and social friendship.” (Christus Vivit 36)
MESSAGE
Morals: “...The work of dominating the world calls for a union of skills and a unity of
achievement that can only grow from quite a different attitude.” The ecological
conversion needed to bring about lasting change is also a community conversion.
(Laudato Si’ 219).
Worship: “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching
and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42-47)

The learners demonstrate understanding of: the life of the First Christian
CONTENT
Community in Jerusalem as a model community that prayed, broke bread
STANDARDS
together and “enjoyed the good will of all people” (Acts 2:47; cf. 4:21.33; 5:13; 6)

The learners demonstrate: creatively the life of the first Christian community in
PERFORMANCE
Jerusalem through a class activity that highlights the values of praying,
STANDARDS
sharing, healing, breaking of bread, and loving one another.
The learners: Learning Tasks
1. reflectively analyze the life of the first Christian
community in Jerusalem as a model community that Task 1. Activating Prior
listened to the Apostles’ teachings, shared goods with Knowledge &
one another, prayed and praised God together, and Understanding:
Opinion on Christian
enjoyed the favor of all people. (Acts 2:42-47; cf. Communities;
4:21.33; 5:13; 6)
Task 2. Reading &
2. explain the importance of reading and praying of the Reflecting: The First
LEARNING Word of God and the “breaking of bread” (Holy Christian Community in
Jerusalem
COMPETENCIES Eucharist) in building a Christian community.
Task 4. Q & A:
3. simulate the life of the first Christian community in Clarifying and
Jerusalem through a class activity that highlights the Expressing Learnings
values of sharing, praying, breaking of bread, and and Commitment
loving one another.
Task 3. Meditative
4. pray solemnly together the Acts of the Apostles 2:42- Reading: The
Communal Life of the
47.
First Christian
Community

CORE AND CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY: Faith in Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit and His
RELATED Church; Unity of All; Prayerfulness;
VALUES NATIONALISM: Cooperation and Solidarity; National Unity

II. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

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 This learning module is designed to lead you to:
1. Enumerate the six (6) key events in Jesus’ founding of the Church;
2. Reflectively analyze the life of the first Christian community in Jerusalem;
3. Identify the chief characteristics of the first Christian community in Jerusalem;
4. Describe the important roles of the Holy Spirit in the birth, growth and mission of
the first Christian community;
5. Explain the importance of reading and praying the Word of God, and the “breaking of
bread” (Holy Eucharist) in building a Christian community; and
6. Make and express commitments that highlights the chief characteristics and values of the
first Christian community in Jerusalem.

III. LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Let Us Pray
Almighty and Loving God,
we honor and thank you for our life
and for the purposeful existence
of every creature in the entire cosmos.
Lord Jesus, Master Teacher of humanity,
you said, knock and it will be opened to you.
Seek and you shall find.
Ask and it will be given.
As we begin with our lessons today,
Lord, please direct our studies,
ensure our perseverance,
and set your seal upon its completion.
You, who are the fount of wisdom,
grant us kin understanding,
a retentive memory, style and ease in learning,
and fluency, clarity and depth in communication.
May your Holy Spirit inspire us
to live a way of life that is pleasing to you.
We ask you this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

ENGAGE

TASK 1. Activating Prior Knowledge & Understanding:

Opinion on Christian communities
What can you say about Christian communities?
What do you think should Christian communities be?

Write your answers on the Assessment Sheet, page 10.

CLE-VE 9, Q1, M1, The Life of the First Christians in Jerusalem: A Model Community page 3 of 13
 For our CLE-EsP 9, Q1, first learning module,
we seek to deepen and make better our knowledge, understanding and
appreciation of the Catholic Church by looking at her beginning and mission:
why she exists; what she is supposed to be and to do. We will look at the first
Christian community in Jerusalem as model on how the members of the Church,
the community of disciples or followers of Jesus Christ should live. You should
be able to identify the distinguishing characteristics of the first Christian
community that makes it ideal.
We do this by the following steps (starting from the bottom):

Making and expressing commitment and ways to follow and exemplify the life of
5 th the first Christian community in Jerusalem that values the teaching of the
apostles, breaking of bread, praying, sharing, and loving one another
Making connections and meaning between the characteristics of the first
Christian disciples in Jerusalem and the growth and mission of the Church to
4th becoming a world religion and major influence in the society in the whole world

Deepening knowledge and understanding of the Church by identifying the

3 rd Characteristics of the First Christian Community which the Church wants to
follow and exemplify in her life, relationships and teachings

Clarifying, strengthening and broadening of knowledge and understanding on the

beginning of the Church as read in the selected biblical text and in relation to the
2nd
other key events in her founding by Jesus Christ
Reading and understanding Acts 2: 1-47 with testing and furthering of
1st understanding by doing the task that follows

EXPLORE
Read and understand the story from Acts 2: 1-47 then test and further your
understanding by doing the task that follows.
The Coming of the Spirit.
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, [the Apostles] were all in one place together. 2And
1*

suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, * and it filled the entire house in
which they were. 3Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, * which parted and came to rest on
each one of them. 4And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different
tongues,* as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6At this
5

sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them
speaking in his own language. 7They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all
these people who are speaking Galileans? 8Then how does each of us hear them in his own native
language? 9We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and
Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene,
as well as travelers from Rome, 11both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we
hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.” 12They were all astounded and
bewildered, and said to one another, “What does this mean?” 13But others said, scoffing, “They have
had too much new wine.”

Peter’s Speech at Pentecost.

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them…. 15These
14*

people are not drunk, as you suppose..... 16No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
18
…upon my servants and my handmaids I will pour out a portion of my spirit in those days,
and they shall prophesy. 19And I will work wonders in the heavens above and signs on the
earth below…

CLE-VE 9, Q1, M1, The Life of the First Christians in Jerusalem: A Model Community page 4 of 13
22
You who are Israelites, hear these words. Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by
God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs, which God worked through him in your midst, as you
yourselves know. 23This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed,
using lawless men to crucify him. 24But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death,
because it was impossible for him to be held by it…. 30[Since David] was a prophet and knew that
God had sworn an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne, 31 he
foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that neither was he abandoned to the
netherworld nor did his flesh see corruption. 32God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses.
33
Exalted at the right hand of God, he received the promise of the holy Spirit from the Father and
poured it forth, as you (both) see and hear. 34For David did not go up into heaven, but he himself said:
‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right-hand footstool.”’
36
Therefore let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord
and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
37
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other
apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?” 38Peter [said] to them, “Repent and be baptized, *
every one o
35
until I make your enemies your f you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your
sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit. 39For the promise is made to you and to your
children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.” 40He testified with many other
arguments, and was exhorting them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41Those who
accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.

Communal Life.*
42
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the
breaking of the bread and to the prayers. 43Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs
were done through the apostles. 44All who believed were together and had all things in common;
45
they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s
need. 46Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking
bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, 47praising God and
enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were
being saved.

TASK 2. Reading & Reflecting: The First Christian Community in Jerusalem

See Assessment Sheets, pages 10-11.

EXPLAIN
The Pentecostal narrative [Acts 2:1–41] is consist of an introduction (Acts 2:1–13), a
speech ascribed to Peter declaring the resurrection of Jesus and its messianic significance
(Acts 2:14–36), and a favorable response from the audience (Acts 2:37–41). It is likely that the
narrative telescopes events that took place over a period of time and on a less dramatic scale.
The Twelve were not originally in a position to proclaim publicly the messianic office of Jesus
without incurring immediate reprisal from those religious authorities in Jerusalem who had
brought about Jesus’ death precisely to stem the rising tide in his favor.
The following italicized words and clauses are taken from the Bible text that you read.
They are lifted from the New American Bible (NAB) commentaries. They are presented here for your
knowledge, information, and understanding the important message of the text.
There came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind [Acts 2:2]: wind and spirit are
associated in Jn 3:8. The sound of a great rush of wind would herald a new action of God in the
history of salvation.
Tongues as of fire [Acts 2:3]: in Ex 19:18, fire symbolizes the presence of God to initiate the
covenant on Sinai. Here the Holy Spirit acts upon the apostles, preparing them to proclaim the new
covenant with its unique gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:38).

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 Acts 2:14–36 is the first of six discourses in Acts (along with Acts 3:12–26; 4:8–12; 5:29–32;
10:34–43; 13:16–41) dealing with the resurrection of Jesus and its messianic import. Five of these
are attributed to Peter, the final one to Paul. Modern scholars term these discourses in Acts the
“kerygma,” the Greek word for proclamation (cf. 1 Cor 15:11).
Repent and be baptized [Acts 2:38]: repentance is a positive concept, a change of mind and
heart toward God reflected in the actual goodness of one’s life. It is in accord with the apostolic
teaching derived from Jesus (Acts 2:42) and ultimately recorded in the four gospels. Baptism in Acts
is presented as the expected response to the apostolic preaching about Jesus and associates it with
the conferring of the Spirit (Acts 1:5; 10:44–48; 11:16).

1.1. The Birth of the Christian Community

From Acts 2:1-13, we have seen the Pentecost, the coming down of the Holy Spirit to the
gathered disciples. This event is considered the birth of the Church (Christian community). However,
there are important key events prior to this that lead the gathered disciples to believe and be together
for the said final key event in the founding of the Church. St. Peter spoke on the most important of
these in his speech proclaiming the fulfillment of God’s promise in Jesus Christ with his suffering,
death and resurrection.
Theologians and biblical scholars (Catholics) today understand that Jesus founded the
Church through a process. The Church was founded by Jesus not just in one event of His life but in
the whole Christ event. It was a process of progress and phases that involves six key important
moments; they are: (a) the preaching of the kingdom, (b) the choice of the twelve, (c) the promise to
Peter, (d) the institution of the Eucharist, (e) the death and resurrection of Jesus, and finally, (f) the
outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. (Hans KUNG -Adelbert DENAUX Summary by James
KROEGER, MM).
The coming of God’s kingdom is central to the preaching of Jesus. His mission is basically, the
coming of that kingdom (Mk 1:14-15; Mt 3:2; 4:17; 11:12; 12:28; Mk 9:1; 13:30; Lk 11:20; 16:16;
17:20-21). In preaching the kingdom, Jesus is calling everyone to be part and be in that Kingdom.
Jesus intends that His mission for the kingdom be extended and continued until its fulfillment.
Jesus called disciples to join Him in His mission for God’s kingdom. Among his disciples, he
chose twelve whom he also named apostles (Mk 3:14-19; Lk 6:13-16; Mt 10:1-7). Just as the twelve
tribes of Israel formed the people of God, The Twelve form the foundation and nucleus of the new
and final people of God, the Church (Eph 2:20; Rev 21:14); they will continue the saving mission of
Jesus. The Twelve, the nucleus of the Church with their successors, came to be identified as the
Apostolic College. The Apostolic College is found today in the college of Bishops headed by the
Pope, the successor of Peter.
Peter’s name is mentioned 114 times in the Bible and he is a primary witness to the
resurrection of Jesus (I Cor. 15:5). In Mt 16:16-19 (“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this
rock I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld will not prevail against it. I will give you
the keys of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose
on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”), Jesus entrusted to Peter a special role/mission (the change of
name signifies this, also in Mt 10:2; Mk 3:16; Lk 6:14; Jn 1:42). He made him the head and overall
shepherd of the Church (also in Jn 21:15-17; Acts 1:8; 2:14, 37) to guard Jesus’ revelation (keeper of
‘keys of heaven;’ also in Lk 22:31-32) and giving him special power and authority (that is to ‘bind’ and
‘loose’). Jesus also promised that His Church would not lose the mission entrusted to her (gift of
infallibility).
At the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples before his passion and death, He instituted the
Eucharist and asked its perpetuation in memory of him. The Last Supper event prefigured, anticipated
or foreshadowed the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. It also recalls the covenant made by
God to His chosen people Israel ratified by blood of animal but now a new covenant through Jesus
ratified by his own blood (I Cor. 11:23-26, Mk 14:22-24, Mt 26:26-28, Lk 22:14-15, 17, 19-20; Jn 6:48-
58; Heb. 8:8-13a).
The death and resurrection of Jesus actualized what he has said in his last supper. A new and
definitive covenant is made where humanity is redeemed through the blood of Jesus. Those who bore
witness to this became united with each other and with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, they form the
Church. The resurrected Jesus gathered the scattered disciples again (Mt 28:16; Lk 24:33-35) and
entrusted them a worldwide mission (Mt 28:18-20; Jn 20:19-23; Mk 16:14-16).

CLE-VE 9, Q1, M1, The Life of the First Christians in Jerusalem: A Model Community page 6 of 13
 “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And
behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:18-20).
The coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2) completes the foundation of
the Church. The Holy Spirit empowered the afraid disciples to go out and proclaim that Jesus had
risen and that He is Lord. The Holy Spirit is the creative, life-giving, promised gift of Jesus Christ (Jn
14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7, 13). The elements of the continuity, fidelity, and faithfulness
(Infallibility/teaching Jesus Christ’s revelation necessary for salvation without error) in the Church is
assured by the Holy Spirit. The Church is temple of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 3:16-17; Eph. 2:17-22). She
is filled and vivified, sustained and guided by the Spirit. She owes its origin, existence, and continued
life to the Spirit.
Through all of these, we can say that Jesus assures the continuity of His mission, in and
through the assured continuity of the Church (also Mt 28:18-20); he had prepared His disciples to
continue what He has started. The time of the Church is a time of journey between the first coming of
Jesus Christ and his second coming (Parousia).

1.2. The Characteristics of the First Christian Community

Acts 2:42-47 is the first of three summary passages (along with Acts 4:32–37; 5:12–16) that
outline, somewhat idyllically, the chief characteristics of the Jerusalem community: adherence to the
teachings of the Twelve and the centering of its religious life in the Eucharistic liturgy (Acts 2:42); a
system of distribution of goods that led wealthier Christians to sell their possessions when the needs
of the community’s poor required it (Acts 2:44 ); and continued attendance at the temple , since in this
initial stage there was little or no thought of any dividing line between Christianity and Judaism ( Acts
2:46) [NAB Commentary].
From this, we can sense how the first Christian community live wonderfully together. They
were enjoying favor with all the people. They were testifying to the beauty of generosity, service,
purity, perseverance, forgiveness, fidelity, to our personal vocation, prayer, the pursuit of justice and
the common good, love for the poor, and social friendship.” (Christus Vivit 36). This is because they
were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of
bread and to prayer.

1.3. The Growth and Mission of the first Christian Disciples in Jerusalem
If we continue to read Acts until chapter 6, we will have a sense of the growth of the first
Christian community in Jerusalem. The growth of the community led to the need for assistants.
Hence, the community members chose among themselves reputable men, filled with the Spirit and
wisdom who were presented to the apostles, who in turn, prayed and laid hands on them. Laying of
hands is the customary Jewish way of designating persons for a task and invoking upon them the
divine blessing and power to perform it. The choice of assistants was necessary in order to meet the
needs of the growing community while ensuring that The Twelve will be able to continue to devote
themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.
There were accusations made against the community and her members just like what happen
to St. Stephen. However, being rooted and faithful to the truth and wisdom of God’s word in Jesus
Christ and His Spirit, the community was able to withstand and continue to grow. Today, the Church
is continually existing and is present in [almost] all nations of the earth. It is a blessing that majority of
the people in our country consider themselves to be members of such community. The challenge
however is that, our Christian communities today need to live out more faithfully the teachings of
Jesus Christ and the Apostles just like the first Christian community allowing the Holy Spirit to inspire
and move us to be courageous witnesses and proclaimers of the truths of our Christian faith to
others.

ELABORATE

The Apostles received the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus who empowered them to begin
proclaiming and witnessing to their Faith in the risen Jesus. In a very short time, thousands had
themselves baptized: it was the birthday of the Church. The miracle of the languages on Pentecost
(Acts 2:4, 6, 11) shows that the Church is there for all peoples from the very beginning: she is

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universal (kat’ holon [Gk.], catholic) and missionary. She speaks to all men, overcomes ethnic and
linguistic barriers, and can be understood by all. To this day the Holy Spirit is the “soul” of the Church,
the essential principle of her life (YouCat 118). However, the Holy Spirit did not come for the first time
on Pentecost; neither did it start empowering only on that day. The Holy Spirit has always been
important throughout the entire History of Salvation. Until today, the Holy Spirit continue to inspire and
work in each person drawing them towards Jesus Christ and the Church He founded.
We, being graced by the Holy Spirit must live our lives as a proclamation of Jesus’ love. We
must go out to share the Good News to every person we encounter in our lives beginning with those
very close to us and to other members of the communities that we belong in. We can do this by
following the example of the first Christian community in contributing the best we can in cooperation
with God’s grace and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
The proclamation and witness of the Good News (the coming of God’s Kingdom) is the
Church’s primary mission, that is, the mission of every baptized member. The mission of the Church
is directly linked to the mission of Jesus himself – “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (Jn
20:21). The Church must carry on what Jesus started; she should act as Jesus would act. The
Church continued the sacred signs of Jesus (Sacraments). She hands on Jesus’ words. We see this
mission of the Church carried out in and by the parishes through its catechetical programs,
celebration of the Sacraments (e.g., Holy Eucharist), homilies of priests, its concern in strengthening
families, outreach programs for the needy, etc.

Task 3. Meditative Reading: The Communal Life of the First Christian Community
Read once more in a prayerfully manner the passage from Acts 2:42-47 with a prayerful
commitment to follow and live out the example shown by the early Church.

SUMMARY
 … founded by the words and actions of Jesus Christ, fulfilled by his redeeming cross and his
Resurrection, the Church has been established as the mystery of salvation by the outpouring of
the Holy Spirit (CCC 778).
 “...the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost in order that he might continually sanctify the
Church." Then "the Church was openly displayed to the crowds and the spread of the Gospel
among the nations, through preaching, was begun." As the "convocation" of all men for salvation,
the Church in her very nature is missionary, sent by Christ to all the nations to make disciples of
them (CCC 767).
 “The Spirit prepares men and goes out to them with his grace, in order to draw them to Christ.
The Spirit manifests the risen Lord to them, recalls his word to them and opens their minds to the
understanding of his Death and Resurrection. He makes present the mystery of Christ, supremely
in the Eucharist, in order to reconcile them, to bring them into communion with God, that they
may "bear much fruit” (CCC 737).
 Christ founded his Church to continue his saving mission on earth. “The Church, endowed with
the gifts of her founder, receives the mission to proclaim and to establish among all peoples the
Kingdom of Christ and of God” (CFC 1412).

EVALUATE
Task 4. Q & A: Clarifying and Expressing Learnings and Commitment
See Assessment Sheets, pages 12 to 13.

Let Us Pray
Gracious God,
thank you for the instruction and guidance
to better know and understand You and Your Church.

CLE-VE 9, Q1, M1, The Life of the First Christians in Jerusalem: A Model Community page 8 of 13
 Grant us the necessary grace to remember,
appreciate and live according to the truths You have revealed.
Like the first Christian community,
we may devote ourselves to the example and teaching of the apostles.
Like them, we may give proper value and strive to live in sharing, praying,
breaking of bread in the Holy Eucharist, and in loving one another.
With your Holy Spirit, may we be courageous and able to proclaim to others
the Good News of salvation brought about by the suffering, death
and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ.
We ask these through Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

REFERENCES
CEAP-NCFC, Integrated Curriculum of Christian Living Education, Good Manners & Right Conduct,
and Values Education for K To 12 Basic Education, Curriculum Guide, (Philippines: July 2020),
retrieved on August 17, 2021 from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vntjkXbk1maOGCnI_Kn-
3ortMHuMwIFT/view;
Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
(USCCB), Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical
Materials for Young People of High School Age, (Washington, D.C., July 2008), retrieved on
January 1, 2019 from https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/
upload/high-school-curriculum-framework.pdf;
Catechism of the Catholic Church, (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Nov. 04, 2003), retrieved on July 4,
2021 from https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM;
CBCP-ECCCE, Catechism for Filipino Catholics (CFC), (Manila, Philippines: ECCCE, and Word and
Life Publications, 1997), retrieved on July 4, 2021 from
https://chermercado.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/cfc-cbcp.pdf;
Luther O. Odoc, Understanding the Church, retrieved from
https://www.scribd.com/doc/299847699/Understanding-the-Church
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Acts”, The New American Bible, retrieved on July 6,
2021 from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/2
Verzosa-Frago and Dango, Called to Meet Christ in Scripture, Church, and Sacraments, Textbook &
Teachers Guide (Quezon City, Philippines: Sibs Publishing House, Inc., 2006);
Austrian Bishops' Conference (ed.), YouCat English, (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2011), retrieved
on August 9, 2022 from https://latinparishaleppo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/YOUCAT.pdf

Image of praying hand, retrieved from http://www.clipartbest.com/cliparts/4Tb/Lnq/4TbLnq58c.jpg

CLE-VE 9, Q1, M1, The Life of the First Christians in Jerusalem: A Model Community page 9 of 13
 Christ’s Centered, Transformative Catholic Education

CLE-EsP 9, Q1, M1, S.Y. 2022-2023

Name (Last, First): Aug. 15- 30, 2022
Section:

THE LIFE OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS IN JERUSALEM:

A MODEL COMMUNITY

ASSESSMENT SHEET

ENGAGE
Task 1. Activating Prior Knowledge & Understanding:
Opinion on Christian Communities
What can you say about Christian communities?
What do you think should Christian communities be?

EXPLORE
Task 2. Reading & Reflecting: The First Christian Community in Jerusalem
Read and understand the story from Acts 2: 1-47 on pages 4 to 5. After, identify what each of
the numbered statements below refers to in the box; write your answers on the blank
provided after each statement (8 pts).

CLE-VE 9, Q1, M1, The Life of the First Christians in Jerusalem: A Model Community page 10 of 13
 Choices:
 The Holy Spirit as tongues of fire
 Devoted to the teachings of the apostles
 Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
 They began to speak in different tongues (languages).
 Centering its religious life in the Eucharistic liturgy (breaking of the bread)
 Continued attendance at the temple (communal prayer of listening and reflecting on the
Word of God [Old Testament])
 Sharing (a system of distribution of goods that led wealthier Christians to sell their
possessions when the needs of the community’s poor required it)
 God fulfilled His promise in and through the life and works of Jesus of Nazareth
whom the Israelites persecuted and killed but was raised from the dead, exalted
at the right hand of God and through whom the Holy Spirit was poured down.

1. The gathered disciples received Him on the time for Pentecost (1 pt.).
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. It happened to the disciples immediately after receiving the one on ‘number 1’ on the time
for Pentecost (1pt). ________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. The Good News that Peter preach at Pentecost (1 pt.).
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. According to Peter, the people should do this in order to be forgiven and to receive the
Holy Spirit (1 pt.). _____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. These are the four (4) chief characteristics of the community of those who accepted
Peter’s message and the rest of the disciples who live together (4 pts).
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

CLE-VE 9, Q1, M1, The Life of the First Christians in Jerusalem: A Model Community page 11 of 13
 EVALUATE
Task 4. Q & A: Clarifying and Expressing Learnings and Commitment
1. What are the six (6) key events in the founding of the Church by Jesus Christ? (6 pts)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the important roles of the Holy Spirit in the birth, growth and mission of the first
Christian community? Give the most significant in each area (3 pts for each part, 6 pts all).
(a) birth: ______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
(b) growth and mission: _________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. What is the importance of (a) reading and praying the Word of God and (b) the “breaking
of bread” (Holy Eucharist) in building a Christian community? (2 pts for each part, 4 pts)
(a) Reading and Praying of the Word of God: __________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
(b) “Breaking of Bread” (Holy Eucharist): ______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
CLE-VE 9, Q1, M1, The Life of the First Christians in Jerusalem: A Model Community page 12 of 13
4. What commitments do you make in relation to the following chief characteristics and
values of the first Christian community in Jerusalem: devotion to (a) the apostolic
teachings, (b) breaking of the bread, (c) praying, and (d) sharing? Use the table below in
presenting your answers (2 pts for each box, 8 pts).
I commit/devote myself
to… by…

the
apostolic
teachings

breaking
of bread

praying

sharing

Parent/Guardian Monitoring Log:

I attest that my child work on this module honestly and conscientiously on his/her own with
our or other people’s guidance only when necessary.

___________________________________________ _______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature over Printed Name Contact Number [if new]

Dear Parents,
Thank you very much in partnering with us in guiding and supporting your child’s education
and the school. We ask for your continuous support and patience until the end.

CLE-VE 9, Q1, M1, The Life of the First Christians in Jerusalem: A Model Community page 13 of 13
CLE-EsP 9, Q1, M1, The Life of the First Christians in Jerusalem- A Model Community, (Acts 2: 1-47)
Bible Question
What did the gathered disciples receive on the time for Pentecost?
Answer: Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4, NAB)

CLE-VE 9, Q1, M1, The Life of the First Christians in Jerusalem: A Model Community page 14 of 13