STUDY No. 29 - THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

The Christian Church, as it was in the early days of Christianity, was marked by three things: There were deviations and false teachers and teaching, but there have always been those who walked in living faith and instant obedience to the word of God, which became their final and only authority.

Read carefully Acts Chapters 1, 2 and 20.

THE BIRTHDAY OF THE CHURCH

You have just read about this in Acts 2. It took place on the day of Pentecost (between 29 and 33 A.D.). Jesus had promised the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49-53). In Acts 1:4, 5 this promise is spoken of as being fulfilled "not many days hence". The Holy Spirit would give them power to witness (Acts 1:5-8). Then it happened - the promise was fulfilled (Acts 2:1-13). What an amazing event - the apostles (see Acts 2:14) were speaking in other languages they had never learned (v. 8-11), yet these languages were recognised by those who were present.

The book of Acts falls into two great divisions:

Ephesians 2:20, 21 are key verses:
"....... BUILT UPON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, CHRIST HIMSELF BEING THE CHIEF CORNER STONE ......."

Scripture makes it very clear that apostles were unique. They constituted final authority along with such scriptures as were available before the finalisation of the canon of the New Testament.

FORMS OF THE EARLY CHURCH

Those who believed gathered together in various places such as Jerusalem, Corinth and Philippi.
 
 Notice what the leaders were called.  Acts 11:30
 Acts 14:23
 Acts 20:17		  Acts 20:28
 Philippians 1:1
 Titus 1:5-7
 Notice the day upon which they worshipped.  Acts 20:7  What was special 
 about it?
 What was the main purpose of their meeting?  Acts 2:46  Acts 20:7
 Is there another?  Acts 20:9  1 Corinthians 11:23-24
 Notice the solemn institution of the Lord's Supper. 
 True believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have always seen the importance of remembering their Lord in this continuing way.		  Matthew 26:26-32

 

THE MARKS OF AN APOSTLE

 1  The Church is founded upon them.  Ephesians 2:20, 21
 2  They were eyewitnesses to the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. 
 Most had been with Him.		  1 Corinthians 9:1
 1 Corinthians15:7, 8
 3  Each was chosen by the Lord.  Matthew 10:14
 4  An apostle's ministry was authenticated by signs and wonders.
 An apostle could confer such power on others.		  Peter in Acts 3:3-11
 Paul in Acts 20:6-12
 Paul in Acts 28:1-6
 5  The apostles had absolute authority.  1 Corinthians 14:29-33
 6  They were able to discern the authenticity or otherwise 
 of those who professed Christ		  Acts 4:33
 Acts 5:3
 Acts 8:18-22
 Acts 13:8-12
 7  The apostles have a unique place of honour in the future temple.
 The names of the twelve apostles are upon the twelve foundations.		  Revelation 21:14

Theologians are still discussing who is the twelfth apostle - Matthias or Paul. Some argue that Paul was clearly chosen by Christ, and Matthias wrongly by chance!
WARNING! Some will claim nowadays to be apostles! (Revelation. 2:2)

We must remember that there was no New Testament as we have it today in the early Church. There were merely a growing number of letters. (Even some of these were suspect!)  In the providence of God, the genuine God, chosen ones were selected and eventually formed the canon of the New Testament. The perfect thing had come and passing authority of apostles was no longer needed. Consider carefully 1 Corinthians, where Paul is contrasting things that are permanent with things that are passing. Compare 1 Corinthians 13:9, 10 with 2 Peter 1:6-2:3.

Having considered
(a) that THE CHURCH'S ONE FOUNDATION IS JESUS CHRIST HER LORD, and
(b) the significant part played by the apostles in the setting up of the early churches,

    let's look at:

THREE PICTURES OF THE CHURCH

A BUILDING
  1 Corinthians 3:9, 16, 17
 2 Corinthians 6:16
 Ephesians 2:20-22
A BRIDE
  2 Corinthians 11:2, 3
 Ephesians 5:24, 25, 32, 33
A BODY
  1 Corinthians 12:12-21

In each of these beautiful pictures there is a wealth of teaching concerning the nature, the devotion and the functions of the Church of Jesus Christ. It is a building unto Him, a bride for Him and a body to represent Him.

"..... CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT. "
 (Ephesians 5:25 b) - a vital verse!

       PREVIOUS STUDY                                                                               NEXT STUDY