The Apostolic Doctrine 3

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. (Acts 2:42-43)

The thrust of yesterday's post is that the Apostolic doctrine derives and thrives in the atmosphere of the Holy Spirit and the unity of believers.

Today, we will examine the audience of the doctrine and attitude for the doctrine... 

Audience of the doctrine

I am not concerned about the demographics of the audience here. Rather, what inspires my insight is a single characteristic that defines the audience and its implication. It is significant to reckon here that the apostles were as much an audience of their doctrine as those who received the Gospel and were added to the fold. 

What exactly is significant about the audience of the apostolic doctrine is that they were disciples. A disciple is a learner, a disciple is a follower, a disciple is meek, a disciple is a listener, a disciple is teachable. It is of immeasurable importance for Christians to have a heart that is willing to be taught and receive instruction. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning (Proverbs 9:9). 

The benefits of having a heart that is open to instruction are exemplified in the lives of the disciples. The Word found expression in their lives and produced fruits of a lifestyle that had been impacted by the word of truth. You will recall that It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians, having been under Christ-centred teaching for a whole year  by Barnabas and Paul.

Attitude for the doctrine

Attitude here refers to the disposition of the audience to the apostolic doctrine. Luke reports that they “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” The Greek tense of the verb used here implies consistency or persistence, possibly against all odds and with tenacity or intensity. They were consistent and tenacious in attending to the apostolic doctrine. They received it, retained it, and acted on its principles. In other words, they received, retained and responded with the right action. There’s a reception of the word of truth, a retention and a response with corresponding action that demonstrates the impact of truth. We read in Acts 2:41 that disciples received the word with gladness, also, in chapter 17 verse 11, we see the great attitude with which the Bereans received the word. They were open minded and “received the word with all eagerness.”

Tomorrow,  I'll bring you the concluding part of the series. For now, let your heart dwell on what you have read.