Part 2 of 12 / The Apostolic Church: How The Early Believers Lived And Witnessed The Gospel Of Christ

The Objective

To study the life, practices, and witness of the first-century Apostolic Church, to understand how their obedience to Christ and Scripture shaped the True Chruch, and apply these principles to modern Faith communities.

Introduction: Following The Apostolic Example

The early Apostolic Church provides a clear blueprint for what a Christ-centered Church looks like in practice. Unlike many modern institutions that emphasize buildings, hierarchy, or social programs, the Apostolic Church was defined by devotion to Christ, adherence to Scripture, unity within fellwoship, sacrifical love, and bold evangelism. Acts 2:42-47 offers a first glimpse portrait of this kind of community, showing a church that is built on teaching, fellowship, prayer, sacraments, and mission. These believers were not perfect, but their hearts were committed to Christ, and the Holy Spirit empowered them to live out God's purpose in transformative ways.

Acts 2:42-47, "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Understanding the Apostolic Church is essential because it allows modern believers to recognize deviations that have crept into the church life over centuries, and it provides a scriptural model for restoring Christ-centered Faith in the twenty-first century. As Paul exhorted Timothy in

2 Timothy 3:16-17 which says, "All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work." Paul is explaining that Scripture equips the Church for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness, guiding believers to live every aspect of their lives according to God's truth.

The Spiritual Life Of The Apostolic Church

The Apostolic Church was deeply spiritual, grounded in daily devotion and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:31, "And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness."

Prayer and Spirit-filled worship were not optional practices, they were the source of where the Disciples boldness, guidance, and unity originated in. Unlike some modern churches that focus on entertainment, programs, or administrative efficiency, the Apostolic Church was primarily concerned with cultivating a vibrant relationship with God through the Spirit.

Scripture also emphasizes discipleship and personal growth. Colossians 2:6-7 instructs believers to, "Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude."

The Apostolic Church lived this principle: every member was expected to grow spiritually, be accountable to fellowship, and contribute to the life of the Church.

Community And Fellowship

Fellowship was central to the Apostolic Church.

Acts 2:44-45 says, "And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need."

This radical sharing reflected a deep commitment to the body of Christ, demonstrating that the Church was more than a spiritual institution, it was a family marked by love, unity, and mutual care.

This unity is further emphasized in Romans 12:4-5 which says, "For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another."

The Apostolic Church exemplified this principle through practical service, shared resources, and a relational approach that allowed every believer to participate in the life of the Church. Modern deviations, such as hierarchical control or passive membership, often obscure this principle and diminish the spiritual vitality of the community.

Teaching, Scripture, And Obedience

The Apostolic Church was rooted in Scripture and Apostolic teaching. Acts 2:42 says, "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." What this is saying is that the Disciples of Christ devoted themselves to the Apostle's teaching, which included both the life and teachings of Christ and the Hebrew Scriptures interpreted through His lens. This careful adherence to God's Word ensured doctrinal purity, prevented error, and equipped believers to discern false teachings.

Paul also emphasized the importance of obedience to God's Word. James 1:22-25 tells us, "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does."

The Apostolic Church was not simply a body of only hearers; they were doers of the Word, integrating Biblical Truth into their daily life, community conduct, and mission.

Evangelism And Witness

A hallmark of the Apostolic Church was bold evangelism. In Acts 4:20 it says, "for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” The early Christians were fearless in proclaiming Christ, even in teh face of persecution and imprisonment. Evangelism was not optional or secondary; it was the very heartbeat of the Church.

The principle is reinforced in Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The Apostolic Church understood that obedience to Christ included both personal holiness and active outreach, a combination that sustained the Church's growth despite immense opposition.

Challenges And Lessons For Modern Believers

While the Apostolic Church thrived, it was not without challenges. False teachers, internal disputes, and cultural pressures tested their Faith. Galatians 1:6-9 says, "I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!"

Modern believers must learn from this example: discernment is vital, obedience is not optional, and boldness for Christ are essential to maintain Christ-centered Faith.

Application & Reflection

This week, reflect on the weyas your church community aligns with the Apostolic Church of the New Testament. Does your church align with the New Testament Church today? Are your practices Christ-centered, Spirit-led, and Scripture-based? Does fellowship, service, and evangelism reflect the love and unity of the early church believers?

Practical Steps

• Commit To Daily Scripture Study And Prayer.

• Engage Actively In Fellowship And Service.

• Seek To Participate In Evangelism, Whether Through Personal Witness, Prayer, Or Community Outreach.

• Evaluate Your Churches Practices So That They Are Aligned With Scripture And Encourage Christ-centered Reform Where Needed.

Discussion Questions

• How did the Apostolic Church model Christ-centered living and teaching?

• What role did fellowship and shared resources play in their community?

• How did the early Church prioritize Scripture and obedience over tradition or culture?

• What lessons can modern churches learn from the Apostolic Church in your Faith and service?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of the Apostolic Church and for the model they provided in Scripture. Help us to live faithfully, devoted to Your Word, united in love, and bold in witness. Empower us by Your Spirit to uphold the truth of the Gospel, resist error, and cultivate Christ-centered communities. May our churches reflect the love, unity, and obedience of the early believers, and may our lives bear fruit of Your glory. In Your Name, Amen.

Week 2 Preview | Next Monday: January 12, 2026

Next week, we will study the Corruption and Departure from Truth in Church History, exploring how human ambition, tradition, and compromise can lead to deviations from Christ-centered Faith, and how believers can discern and correct these errors in their own church contexts.