Acts 2:42

THE APOSTLES’ DOCTRINE

‘They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.’

Acts 2:42

This verse gives us the earliest information of the essential features of Christian unity. After Pentecost three thousand joined the Church, and this verse tells us in what their membership consisted. The Apostles’ doctrine, the Apostles’ fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayers—these are permanent bonds of unity amongst Christians.

I. What was the doctrine of the Apostles which they required their converts to accept? A perusal of the Acts of the Apostles shows us. They appealed to facts, and principally to the fact of the Resurrection of Christ’s glorious body from the grave. Then when persons were ready to become Christians, we still find the appeal to facts being made. The one condition of admission was Baptism for the remission of sins. That was the second point in their doctrine. The third fact in their teaching was the actual possession of the Holy Ghost by the Church as a body.

II. What was the effect of the doctrine on the lives of those who accepted it?

(a) A strong and vivid faith in the reality of a future life as a point of the Apostles’ doctrine on the Resurrection.

(b) Endurance under persecution, and perseverance under difficulties.

III. Practical application to ourselves.

(a) The Apostles’ doctrine condemns the idea that it does not matter what men believe so long as their conduct is good. A right faith is of the utmost importance.

(b) The belief required is not mere mental assent, but a reasonable active faith having practical effect on life.

(c) The centre of Apostles’ doctrine and of our own belief is the Person of Jesus Christ our Lord.

—Rev. Barton R. V. Mills.