The early church was a church which fulfilled its purpose of gathering many believers for the teaching necessary for perfecting of the saints of that time. This church beyond argument possessed the power and authority of God which, arguably, has gone away.
There are many claims which harken back to that church for their authority but all have failed miserably to this very day. In my many experiences in our churches today I have found them so lacking as to disassociate myself from them all. This is a personal decision and is certainly not something I would claim everyone should do. There are ample warnings as to false prophets to make one cautious and I have met more than one.
I believe God is going to restore the authority of the early church once again in this age and that it will be in a way parallel to the Jews rejection of Christ. The religious will reject once again the movement of God in our age but those who have ears to hear will see God working. To him that hath, more will be given. To him that hath not, even that which he seemeth to have will be taken away.