In Acts 2:42 we see that those 3000 souls that were baptized on Pentecost continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and prayers.
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
What was the apostles’ doctrine of Acts 2:42?
The Apostles’ Doctrine
The apostles were strict observers of the Mosaic Law. They preached the Mosaic Law and circumcision. They preached the kingdom being restored to Israel, with Jesus Christ ruling on the throne of David and being the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
The gospel that they preached was the gospel of the kingdom, also known as the gospel of the circumcision. We see in Galatians 2:7-8 that the gospel of the circumcision was committed to Peter and the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed to Paul.
Galatians 2:7-8
7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles.)
The apostle’s doctrine was included in the Great Commission. The terms of salvation under the Great Commission were (1) repent and (2) believe on the name of Jesus Christ in that He was the Messiah of Israel, being water baptized for the remission of sins.
Jesus Christ – A Minister Of The Circumcision
Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision as Paul tells us in Romans 15:8.
Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.
The doctrine of the apostles also included the teachings of Jesus Christ while He was on earth, as seen in Matthew 28:16-20 and Mark 1:14-15.
Matthew 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 1:14-15
14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
The apostles and those Jews who became members of the Jerusalem church believed that Christ would return soon. They were expecting to soon experience the Tribulation, and then the return of Christ and the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom. Therefore, they sold their property and gave the proceeds to the apostles to distribute as needed, Acts 2:43-47.
Acts 2:43-47
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
In Acts Chapter 7 Stephen was stoned to death. Stephen’s death was a rejection of the gift of the Holy Spirit. God then commissioned Paul to preach the gospel of the grace of God (the gospel of the uncircumcision), to the Gentiles.
The Gospel Of The Kingdom
Their gospel of the kingdom required water baptism. Acts 2:38, Mark 16:15-16.
Their gospel required physical circumcision. John 7:22-23, Acts 7:8.
Their church was established in Jerusalem on Pentecost. Acts 2:40-47.
The Great Commission was given to the apostles. Matthew 28:18-20.
They were saved by believing in who Jesus Christ was – He was their Messiah, their High Priest, and their King. Acts 2:36, Acts 3:19-21, Hebrews 4:14,
The Gospel Of The Grace Of God
Our gospel of the grace of God is one of Spiritual baptism. I Corinthians 12:13, Colossians 2:12, Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3-5.
Our gospel is one of Spiritual circumcision. Colossians 2:11
Our church, the “body of Christ” was established by our Apostle Paul through his preaching of the gospel of the grace of God, and is a worldwide church. I Corinthians 11:1, Colossians 1:1, 5-6.
We who are saved by the belief of the gospel of the grace of God are called to be ambassadors of Christ, and we have been given the Ministry of Reconciliation to share with the world. II Corinthians 5:18-21.
We are saved by believing in what Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross –He died for our sins according to the scriptures, He was buried, and He rose from death three days later. I Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9-10.
Our Gospel
I Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.