THE APOSTLES` DOCTRINE

By Jim Silva

Following the Apostle Peter`s sermon on Pentecost day,many of the crowd "were pricked in their heart" (Acts 2:37). In the same chapter,we read:"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.......and they continued steadfastly in the apostles` doctrine and fellowship,and in the breaking of bread,and in prayer" (Acts 2:41,42).

What is this apostles` doctrine? The New American Bible translates verse 42 as: "and they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles` teaching." So the apostles` doctrine is simply the apostles` teaching. That is, those things which were being taught continually by the Apostles. We are told,additionally, that they devoted themselves to fellowship. in other words they were assembled together as one spiritual body:sharing ,participating and conducting themselves as the body of Christ, according to I John 1:7. We also are told that they were devoted to the breaking of bread, That is, celebrating the memorial of The Lord`s Supper. Finally, we are told that they were devoted to prayer. That is prayer in their worship service. We have, therefore, a case for the four elements required in public worship: Teaching, the Lord`s Supper, fellowship,and prayer.

The Christian today has the same responsibility to continue steadfastly in the Apostles` doctrine,which is simply the "doctrine of Christ" (Gal 1:6-9).;the "truth" (II Peter 1:22);and "sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1,II Tim 4:3). Moreover,we have assurance that the Apostles` doctrine is from God because:

1. Christ promised them the Holy Spirit to guide them in all truth (Jn 14:26, Jn 16:13, Lk 24:49).

2. The truth provided them by the Holy Spirit was the basis for their teaching (Acts 2:4, Mat 18:18, Jn 20:22,23)

3. The Apostles spoke only that which was revealed to them (I Cor 2:9-13, II Peter1:16-21, Acts4:19,20).

4. The Apostles` doctrine was both preached and written (Eph 3:3-5).

We conclude from the foregoing that the Christian today has the duty to continue in the Apostles` doctrine because it is from God and ordained by God. To reject the Apostles` doctrine is to reject God. The following attributes reflect the attitude to be manifested by the Christian :

1. Steadfastly read God`s Word (I Tim 4:13)

2. Steadfastly hear and follow God`s Word (Jn 5:24, 8:47).

3. Steadfast;y meditate upon God`s Word (I Tim 4:15).

4. Steadfastly seek edification (Acts 20-32).

5. Recognize the all sufficiency of God`s Word (II Tim 3:14-17).

6. Understand that steadfastness will secure for us our inheritance with God.