Just before his ascension to heaven, Christ told his followers that they would "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 1:8, ESV here and throughout this post) They then returned to Jerusalem and selected Matthias to take the place of Judas Iscariot (who had betrayed Christ and subsequently committed suicide). The book of Acts also informs us that the twelve apostles were joined by a number of women (including Christ's mother) and Christ's brothers, and that they were united in prayer and fellowship during this period (Acts 1:12-26).
According to the same source, the next great event in the history of the Church occurred on the Day of Pentecost. On that day, we read that "they were all together in one place." (Acts 2:1) While there, we are informed that "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 2:2-4) Moreover, we are told that Jerusalem was hosting Jewish pilgrims from all over the world for this festival and that each of them heard the disciples speaking in their own language (Acts 2:5-11). Of course, this must have caused quite a stir among the folks who observed this phenomenon, because Peter was apparently compelled to explain what had happened (Acts 2:14-40). And, as a consequence of his explanation, we are informed that about three thousand people were added to the Church that day! (Acts 2:41)
Moreover, the source then proceeds to characterize the operation of this now rather large body of believers. We read that: "they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." (Acts 2:42-47)
We should also note at this juncture that ALL of the saints (members of the Church) were practicing Jews. Hence, as Christ had done throughout his earthly ministry, they continued to observe the Jewish Sabbath, holy days, rituals, and practices related to ritual cleanliness. Indeed, the book of Acts makes this very clear and also informs us that they continued to focus on the Temple in Jerusalem and the synagogues of Judaea. In fact, in the very next chapter, we read: "Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour." (Acts 3:1) While there, we are told that Peter performed his first public miracle and healed a lame man who was in the habit of begging near one of the gates to the Temple grounds (Acts 3:2-10). Later, in this same account, we are informed that Peter gave an impromptu sermon in the area of Solomon's Portico (Acts 3:11-26).
Indeed, Peter's and John's activities in the environs of the Temple got them arrested and hauled before the Jewish council (Acts 4:1-22). And, although Peter and John were eventually released, it is important to this account to understand that these early leaders of the Church continued to think of themselves as Jews and to regard the Temple as a place of worship and gathering. It should also be noted that Jewish attempts to suppress preaching in Jesus' name only emboldened the apostles and early Church (Acts 4:23-31).
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