Marked By Joy

5 Things First Century Christians Teach Us About Joy

By Jared Mitzelfelt

Joy marked the lives of the early Christians. You can’t read the New Testament without being struck by how deeply joyful the first-century church was—even in the midst of persecution, suffering, and loss.

Biblical joy is a supernatural emotion empowered by the Holy Spirit when we are deeply connected to Jesus and others.

In John 15, Jesus told His disciples to “abide” in Him, just like a branch connected to a vine. Many Christians today try to produce joy by trying harder or maintaining a positive attitude. But that only creates a superficial joy that eventually cracks under pressure.

True joy isn’t something we can produce. It’s something Jesus produces when we remain connected to Him. Joy is not superficial; it’s supernatural. It doesn’t come from us. It comes from Him.

And when we’re also connected deeply with one another, as fellow branches in the same vine, we experience complete joy in community.

Jesus said it clearly:

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11, ESV).

So maybe we don’t have a joy problem after all. Maybe we have a connection problem.

We live in an age of constant connection—yet we’ve never felt more alone. Our devices keep us “connected,” but our souls remain starved for real relationships. It’s like we’re snacking on digital junk food, thinking it’s enough, when in reality, we’re still spiritually malnourished.

The early church, however, was deeply connected, both to Jesus and to one another. And that’s what made them a people marked by joy.

Five Keys to Joy in the Early Church

In Acts 2:44 we read, “All who believed were together and had all things in common.” Here are five thingsthe early Christians had in common that made them a people marked by joy:

1. Common Love

Peter wrote to the early believers:

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory…”           —1 Peter 1:8–9 (ESV)

The early church was marked by joy because they were first marked by love—love for Jesus and love for one another. This kind of love fueled their inner joy.

It’s no surprise that love comes first in the fruit of the Spirit. We can’t skip love to get to joy. Rather, it’s through love that we have joy. If you lack love for Jesus or for others… you will lack joy.

2. Common Commitment

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers… And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.”  —Acts 2:42, 46 (ESV)

The early Christians weren’t just casually connected. They were devoted. They met daily in both public and private—from the temple to the table.

Contrast that with today: many believers treat church and community as optional. We’ve built community around convenience, not commitment. Shallow commitment leads to shallow fellowship, and shallow fellowship doesn’t foster joy; it prevents you from it.

3. Common Generosity

“They were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”  —Acts 2:45 (ESV)

Radical generosity was one of the first fruits of the Spirit-filled church. They didn’t hoard for themselves. They gave freely to others. They weren’t focused on building their own personal kingdoms. They were focused on building God’s kingdom. So much of today, our minds and hearts are focused on what we can get rather than what we can give.

As Jesus said:

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  —Acts 20:35

And Paul echoed, “God loves a cheerful giver.”  —2 Corinthians 9:7

     Want more joy? Give more generously!

4. Common Hope

Paul wrote:

“Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”  —Romans 5:2 (ESV)

The early church had a hope that produced joy. Not wishful thinking, but confident expectation.

Modern hope says: “I hope this works out.”

Biblical hope says: “God will keep His promise.”

The early church lived with certainty about eternity. Whether Jesus returned today or they died tomorrow, they knew they would be reunited with Him. That assurance gave them unshakable joy.

5. Common Mission

The early church didn’t grow by accident. Their joy spread because they were on mission—together.

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,”  —Philippians 1:4–5 (NIV)

Joy came through partnership in the gospel. Early believers didn’t all leave home and jobs to become missionaries. Instead, they became missionaries where they were. Your job—whether parent, barista, teacher, mechanic, or CEO—is your mission field. And when you live out your purpose with others living out their purpose, joy is multiplied.

So… What About Us?

If we want to reclaim joy, we need to recover what the early church had:

• A love that motivates us
• A commitment that bonds us
• A generosity that fuels us
• A hope that anchors us
• A mission that unites us

We aren’t meant to live joyless lives—we are supposed to be a people marked by joy. We just need to reconnect—deeply—with Jesus and with one another.

Three Next Steps to Help You Be Marked By Joy

1. Abide in Jesus daily. Spend intentional time in Scripture and prayer, not just out of duty but out of delight in knowing and loving Jesus more.
2. Commit to church community. Show up regularly. Share your life. Listen well. Break bread. Pray together.
3. Live your mission boldly. See your ordinary spaces as sacred opportunities to bring Jesus to others by working hard and winning hearts for Him.

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”  —John 15:11 (ESV)

Let’s be a people marked by joy!