“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers" (NKJV) Acts 2:42

After the descending of the Holy Spirit in power, the speaking of tongues, the first heart-cutting sermon by Peter, we learned that 3000 souls were baptized for remission of sins and received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). The manner of life of these people was that “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” Acts 2:42. That is very insightful; yes, that great number of believers observed, followed or walked carefully in the “apostles’ doctrine”.

Why apostles’ doctrine? Well, that was Dr. Luke’s summarized version of the new dispensation – the Christian era. The apostles’ doctrine invariably captured all that Jesus had taught them as they were reminded by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), as well as all the truth revealed to them by the same Spirit (John 14:26; John 16:13). The apostles’ doctrine was therefore inspired (2 Tim 3:16). It was such teachings – about sin, gospel, baptism, salvation, church, faith, giving, etc – that the over 3000 believers held steadfastly unto. As a result, they were all together and had things in common; thus, they were unified.

Doctrine, from the Greek word, “didaskalia” simply means teachings or instructions. In reference to our text, the doctrine was based on the apostles’ teachings – which today, we find in the New Testament mainly. The doctrine was sound and true (I Tim 4:6) because it was inspired. But there can be false doctrines too (Heb. 13:9) which often emanate from sources other than the Holy Spirit, and were obviously at variance to the sound doctrine. Such false doctrines led to disunity and divisions as we observe from the Corinthian church (1 Cor 1:11-16).

Unfortunately, many people (especially the youth) aren’t too comfortable discussing doctrinal issues. It appears the message is, “let everyone do what he thinks fit”. However, if we recognize that the apostles' doctrine is based on the teachings of the Inspired Word of God, there should not be that uneasiness that often arises during doctrinal discussions.

Beloved, we need to be dispassionate in our approach to doctrinal studies. Let’s not grow weary of discussing or teaching them. In fact, we need to give some extra attention to the sound teachings of the Bible relating to Christianity. We have to contribute to teaching the next generation about sound doctrine. Jesus told the apostles to teach those who would be baptized to observe all that He had taught them (Matt. 28:20). But where are the apostles today? Paul told Timothy that “the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2). Are we not faithful men? Are we ready to teach others what we’ve been taught? But is what we’ve been taught the apostles’ teachings?

Friends, let’s get involved; some of us have been on the touchlines for far too long. Study the sound and true doctrine, and teach others! Yes, you can, for it is a major point of unity among Christians. Contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., if we can be of help in your study of the apostles’ doctrine. God bless you.

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