'Unlocking Apostolic Doctrine: Revealing the Foundations of Faith'

Apostolic Doctrine

Apostolic doctrine refers to the teachings that come to us through the apostles, who were specifically chosen by Christ to carry His message to the world. The term "apostle" means "one who is sent." The twelve disciples became apostles, with the exception of Judas, who defected and was replaced by Matthias. Additionally, God chose Saul of Tarsus (later known as the apostle Paul) to be an apostle specifically for the Gentiles.

We have access to the teachings of the apostles through the New Testament. Most of the New Testament was written by apostles or those closely associated with them. For example, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John wrote the four Gospels, which provide accounts of Jesus' life and teachings from different perspectives. The apostle Paul wrote several letters to different churches, addressing various theological issues.

Apostolic doctrine is authoritative and vital to our understanding of what God has done for us. The New Testament refers to a settled body of doctrine often called "the faith" or "the gospel." It is important to note that the apostolic doctrine is foundational and unchanging. In fact, Paul condemns any attempt to change or pervert the content of the gospel.

1. Apostolic Sources in the New Testament

The New Testament consists of various books written by apostles or individuals closely associated with them. These writings provide us with valuable insights into the teachings of Jesus and the early Christian community.

• The Gospel According to Matthew: Written by Matthew, one of the original twelve disciples.
• The Gospel According to Mark: Based on Peter's preaching and written by Mark, who was an associate of Peter and Paul.
• The Gospel According to Luke and Acts of the Apostles: Written by Luke, a ministry partner of Paul and an eyewitness to many events.
• The Gospel According to John: Written by the apostle John, one of the twelve disciples.
• Pauline Epistles: Written by Paul, including letters to various churches and individuals.
• James: Written by James, the Lord's half-brother and leader of the church in Jerusalem.
• Peter's Epistles: Written by Peter, one of the twelve disciples.
• Jude: Written by Jude, another of the Lord's half-brothers.
• Hebrews: The author is unknown, but the work is based on eyewitness testimony.

2. Apostolic Doctrine and Its Authority

Apostolic doctrine holds a position of authority within Christianity. The teachings of the apostles are considered foundational and unchanging. Jude 1:3 speaks of "the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people." This implies that there is a settled body of doctrine that should not be altered or perverted.

Paul strongly warns against those who would change or pervert the gospel in Galatians 1:6–9. He condemns anyone who preaches a different gospel, even if it were an angel from heaven. The apostolic doctrine serves as a safeguard against false teaching and ensures that believers have a clear understanding of God's truth.

3. Role of Apostles in the Early Church

In the early church, apostles played a significant role in establishing and spreading the message of Jesus Christ. They were foundational gifts to the church, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:20. Their primary task was to preach and teach the gospel, laying a strong foundation for future generations.

However, once the foundation was laid and their teachings recorded in Scripture, the role of apostleship as it existed in the early church was no longer needed. Today, there is still a need for preachers, teachers, and missionaries to carry God's Word (the apostolic doctrine) to the entire world.

4. Misconceptions about Apostolic Doctrine

Some churches today use the term "apostolic" in their name, but it is important to understand the true essence of apostolic doctrine. While some may believe that they possess the apostolic gift, this is a misunderstanding of the New Testament teaching on apostleship.

Others may use the term "apostolic" to emphasize the importance of adhering to the teachings found in the New Testament. This is commendable if they truly uphold the apostolic doctrine as revealed in Scripture.

However, it is crucial to discern whether a church's teaching aligns with the apostolic doctrine. For example, one denomination called the Apostolic Church believes that baptism by immersion is necessary for salvation and that sign gifts will follow salvation. While there are instances of sign gifts in the book of Acts, it is not the teaching of the apostles that baptism is necessary for salvation or that every Christian will exhibit miraculous signs.

Why This Matters

Understanding apostolic doctrine helps us grasp the foundations of our faith and provides a reliable guide for living as Christians. The teachings of the apostles are authoritative and unchanging, providing us with a solid basis for our beliefs and practices. By studying and adhering to apostolic doctrine, we can ensure that our faith aligns with God's truth as revealed in Scripture.

Think About It

• How does studying apostolic doctrine strengthen your understanding of God's Word?
• Why is it important to discern whether a church's teaching aligns with apostolic doctrine?
• How can the teachings of the apostles impact our daily lives as Christians?