What is the history and significance of the church at Jerusalem?

TL;DR:

The church at Jerusalem was the home base of Christianity. The church at Jerusalem calls us to continue the mission of spreading the gospel and making disciples to the ends of the earth.

After Jesus' ascension, the church in Jerusalem became the home base of Christianity, led by Peter, James, and other disciples (Acts 2, 5, 8, and 15). Prior to His ascension, Jesus instructed his disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, who empowered them to be His witnesses in Jerusalem and beyond (Acts 1:7–8). The Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost transformed the disciples, enabling them to speak in various languages and resulting in three thousand conversions in one day (Acts 2:1–41). The gospel spread from Jerusalem, affirming its universal message through outreach to Samaritans and Gentiles (Acts 8; 11). This early movement exemplifies the importance of community, prayer, and mission, encouraging us to continue spreading the gospel with the same dedication and reliance on the Holy Spirit today.

from the old testament

The church at Jerusalem is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

The church at Jerusalem was the homebase of Christianity after the ascension of Jesus Christ (see Acts 2, 5, 8, and 15). The church at Jerusalem was led by Peter and the other close disciples of Jesus. James, Jesus' half-brother, was also a leader.
The newly converted Jews thought that when Jesus rose from the dead He would immediately establish His kingdom. Instead, Jesus said, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:7–8). The disciples’ job was to be a witness to who Jesus is, what He had done, and what He wanted for His people.
After Jesus’ ascension, Jesus' disciples returned to the place they'd been staying. Along with the women who had been following Jesus, Jesus' mother Mary, and Jesus' brothers, they devoted themselves to prayer. They also established leaders (Acts 1:12–26).
Soon the believers were given the promised gift of the Holy Spirit in a dramatic experience: "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:1–4).
Besides being able to speak in different languages, Peter became a confident leader and public speaker. Acts 2 details Peter's speech that starts to help the Jews understand how Jesus brings everything to completion by quoting the Old Testament (the Jewish Scriptures at that point) and connecting what they knew to who Jesus is. In one day, three thousand people come to faith in Jesus Christ.
From Jerusalem the gospel was sent out and spread, but it also became a sort of headquarters for Christianity. When the apostles there heard about the Samaritans believing the gospel, they sent Peter and John to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8). This affirmed to the believers that the gospel is also for the Samaritans.
After Peter shared the gospel with Cornelius, a Gentile, in Ceasarea, and saw the Holy Spirit come on the Gentiles, he reported it to the church in Jerusalem (Acts 11).
When some disciples in Jerusalem disbelieved Paul was truly a disciple of Jesus after his conversion, Barnabas took Paul before the apostles and elders there (Acts 9:26–30).
Later, Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem from Syrian Antioch to settle matters concerning Gentile believers (Acts 15).
When Christ returns and establishes His kingdom, the New Jerusalem will come down from heaven as a bride adorned for the groom (Revelation 21:1–4).

implications for today

The work that Jesus initiated in bringing the gospel to the ends of the earth, starting with the church in Jerusalem, serves as a powerful reminder and encouragement for us today. Jesus empowered His disciples with the Holy Spirit, igniting a movement that began in Jerusalem and rapidly spread across the globe. This early church, guided by leaders like Peter and James, showcased the importance of community, prayer, and steadfast faith. Their dedication to spreading the gospel, despite challenges and persecution, demonstrates that the message of Jesus is a universal hope meant for everyone. Today, we are called to continue this mission, making disciples of all nations to the ends of the earth. No matter where we are or the obstacles we face, we can be assured that we, too, are equipped by the Holy Spirit to share the transformative love and salvation of Jesus Christ. Just as the early believers’ efforts laid the groundwork for a worldwide mission, our commitment to living out and sharing our faith can have a profound impact, bringing light and hope to our communities and beyond.

understand

The church at Jerusalem was the central hub for early Christianity after Jesus' ascension.
The church at Jerusalem was led by prominent disciples, including Peter and James, Jesus' half-brother.
The believers at Jerusalem were empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, enabling them to witness effectively and leading to the rapid spread of the gospel.

reflect

How does the example of the early church in Jerusalem inspire you to be more involved in your local faith community?
How can you rely on the Holy Spirit for boldness and guidance in sharing your faith?
What specific steps can you take to spread the gospel within your own community and beyond?

engage

To this day, Christians pilgrimage to Jerusalem to see and understand the place where their Savior was crucified and resurrected, and where His Church began. The city of Jerusalem today is the holy site of three major world religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. It is quite possibly the most contentious area of land on the planet. The Crusades were fought specifically to recapture the land from the Moors and establish it as a Christian state. They failed. Yet, the gospel of Jesus Christ still flourishes there and around the world.
How can our churches emulate the sense of community, prayer, and mission that characterized the early church in Jerusalem?
What role does leadership play in the growth and health of our churches, and how can we support and develop our leaders?