The Lord’s Supper took place in an “upper room” in Jerusalem and in Troas (Luke 22:12; Acts 20:8). Does that place set a precedent to be imposed on later generations? No, as nearly all agree. Why? Because the Scriptures themselves never give significance to that place or any place. On the other hand, the Scriptures give abundant meaning to the Lord’s Supper. It is our “participation” in the blood and body of Christ, a sharing that expresses our unity (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). It is our memorial to the death that saved us and established the New Covenant (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 22:17-20).
Jesus gave to the Lord’s Supper the highest purpose. Accordingly, “the breaking of bread” had its special place in the church’s life (Acts 2:42). Jesus said, “Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:25). How frequent was that? Christians met often (Acts 2:44-47; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Corinthians 5:4; James 2:2). However, since the Lord’s Supper was a shared meal, it would be eaten at gatherings prepared for the purpose (cf. Luke 22:12). Acts 20:7 shows that the apostle Paul with his companions waited in Troas to take the Lord’s Supper with local Christians.
We came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days. On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them….
Sunday was memorable for great Gospel events (John 20:1, 19; Acts 2:1). It was also the day used for regular giving (1 Corinthians 16:2). For disciples seeking to follow apostolic practice, this range of Scriptures provides all the guidance we need. Anything else would be merely speculative. We may wonder, why did Jesus not treat Sunday like the Law’s Sabbath? Because the New Covenant is “not like” the Old; it is not given in a way suited to legalists. While we honor “the Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10), we treat every day as sacred (Luke 9:23; Acts 2:46-47; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 4:2; Hebrews 13:15).
As to the purpose of baptism, Acts and the letters provide the clarity we need. Convicted by the Gospel, hearers cried, “What shall we do?” Guided by the Spirit (Acts 2:4), Peter replied,
Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself (Acts 2:38-39).
Sinners needed forgiveness, and Peter showed them how to receive that forgiveness. Though Saul’s conversion story was unusual, God’s messenger still told him, “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16). What has water to do with removing sins? Paul himself explained that baptism is where the believer enters the death and burial of Christ and receives newness of life (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). Peter also described baptism as the appeal based on Jesus’ resurrection.
Baptism, which corresponds to this [the flood], now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:21)