The Apostle’s Doctrine

Acts 2 :40-42

One of the leading characteristics of the early church was that they continued “steadfastly” in the apostles’ doctrine.  That is, when the apostles taught, they listened, learned, and followed the instruction.  This brings to mind that the word of God that we find revealed in the New Testament was first taught and understood, and begs the question, how? How is it that apostles taught and learned the will of God?  Please consider these few observations.

 Command

First, we note that they taught by revealing commandments that God expected to be followed.  2 Thessalonians 3:12, “Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.”  There are some things that the Lord requires of us that are not optional.  They are revealed to us as commands, instruction in which God simply says do or don’t do.    Paul pointed out the test for any man who claimed to be led of the Spirit was acknowledging Paul’s teaching as commands of God. (1Corinthians 14:37)

 Example

The apostles also taught by example.  Sometimes the easiest and best way to teach is by illustrative example.  They show us how to please God.  Notice, 1 Corinthians 10:11 “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”  These particular examples were of sinful conduct.  They warn us about behavior that is contrary to God’s will.  On the other hand there are examples that show proper or righteous living. Philippians 3:17 reads, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”  Paul presented a portrait of Christian conduct that would lead others aright.  Watch how this works for us today, Jesus instituted communion telling us how to observe it.  He goes on to say, “this do in remembrance of me”.  Yet we are left not knowing when or how often to commune, until we read Acts 20:7, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.”  Here we find an example of when to commune.  This illustrates when and how often to obey the commandment of God.  That, my friends, is the reason they taught by examples.

 Implication

As well, the apostles taught and learned the word of God by implication.  There are things that are implied in the scripture that require necessary inference.  Notice Peter’s vision in Acts 10:9-16, there the Lord made this statement “What God hath cleansed that call not thou common.”  Having shown Peter this array of animals to eat the Lord teaches him an important lesson.  Immediately then, Peter comes down from the roof and finds a group of men who have been sent to find him for Cornelius. Peter selects a group of Jewish brethren to go with him and they set off for Caesarea.  When he arrives the Bible says in Acts 10:28 “And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Peter had correctly inferred from the Lord’s words that he was to go to the Gentiles.  Now was the time for them to receive the gospel.  We learn some of the greatest and most meaningful lessons of the Bible by necessary inference. For instance we know the God loves each one of us personally, yet that is taught by implication.  John 3:16 reads “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  No one individual is named, it does not say God loves Bruce Roebuck, yet that is implied.

You see command, example, and necessary inference are not manmade tools for interpreting the Bible; they are heaven inspired means by which the apostles both learned and taught the will of God.  While philosophic writings lend themselves to subjectivity and judicial documents demand interpretation;, the Bible was revealed to give man instruction in righteous living (1Timothy 3:16-17) and prepare him for eternity.

Article by: Bruce Roebuck