1. Question
What does the phrase “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42) mean, and what are its implications for Christian belief and practice today?
2. Scriptural Text and Context
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
— Acts 2:42 (KJV)
This verse appears immediately after the Pentecost event (Acts 2:1–41), where 3,000 people believed in Jesus Christ, were baptised, and joined the first Christian community. Verse 42 describes the core features of their communal life.
3. Meaning of “Apostles’ Doctrine”
3.1 Definition
The Greek word translated doctrine is διδαχή (didachē), meaning “teaching” or “instruction.” Thus, the “apostles’ doctrine” refers to:
The authoritative teaching of the apostles about Jesus Christ, His identity, works, commands, and redemptive significance.
3.2 Apostolic Teaching Content
The “doctrine” included:
| Core Theme | Biblical Basis |
|---|---|
| The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus | Acts 2:23–24, 32 |
| Jesus as Messiah and Lord | Acts 2:36 |
| Call to repentance and baptism | Acts 2:38 |
| The gift of the Holy Spirit | Acts 2:39 |
| Fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy | Acts 2:17–21, 25–28 |
| Ethical instruction and kingdom living | Acts 3–5; later epistles |
4. Theological and Historical Importance
4.1 Doctrinal Authority
The apostles’ teaching was normative and foundational for Christian doctrine. Jesus had earlier promised:
“The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26).
Thus, the apostles’ words were Spirit-inspired, not merely human opinion.
4.2 Basis for the New Testament Canon
- The apostles’ doctrine was later preserved in the writings of the New Testament.
- Churches evaluated teachings by their faithfulness to apostolic instruction (cf. Galatians 1:6–9; 2 Thessalonians 2:15).
4.3 Early Church Unity
The shared commitment to the apostles’ doctrine served as the theological backbone of the early Church’s identity and unity (cf. Ephesians 4:4–6).
5. Modern Implications
5.1 Continuity of Doctrine
To “continue in the apostles’ doctrine” today means to:
- Remain rooted in New Testament Scripture as the final authority for faith and practice.
- Guard against false teachings and innovations not rooted in apostolic truth (cf. Jude 3).
5.2 Discipleship and Church Life
The phrase implies more than intellectual assent—it involves:
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Teaching | Regular instruction in apostolic truths (e.g. creeds, preaching) |
| Fellowship | Doctrinal unity shapes shared life and mission |
| Worship | Sound doctrine informs right worship and sacramental practice |
| Ethical living | Apostolic teaching includes moral guidance (cf. Romans 12; 1 Peter) |
5.3 Reformation Principle: Sola Scriptura
- The Reformation highlighted a return to apostolic doctrine as preserved in Scripture alone.
- This guards against church tradition overriding biblical truth.
6. Denominational Perspectives
| Tradition | View of Apostolic Doctrine |
|---|---|
| Catholic/Orthodox | Apostolic doctrine includes Scripture and Sacred Tradition under Church authority |
| Protestant/Reformed | Apostolic doctrine is found exclusively in the New Testament canon |
| Pentecostal/Charismatic | Emphasis on apostolic experience (e.g. Acts 2:4) as well as doctrinal teaching |
| Apostolic/Oneness | Heavy focus on Acts 2:38 as a doctrinal model of salvation and Church formation |
7. Summary Table: Components of Apostolic Doctrine in Acts 2
| Component | Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Christology | Jesus is Lord and Messiah | Acts 2:36 |
| Soteriology | Repentance, baptism, Spirit-gift | Acts 2:38–39 |
| Ecclesiology | Church as a new community | Acts 2:41–47 |
| Scripture | Fulfilment of Old Testament | Acts 2:17–31 |
| Missiology | Gospel proclamation | Acts 2:40 |
8. Conclusion
“Continuing in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42) means remaining committed to the authoritative, Spirit-inspired teaching of the apostles as preserved in the New Testament. It reflects an early Church that was doctrinally grounded, ethically transformed, and missionally focused. For the modern Church, it remains a call to biblical fidelity, theological clarity, and communal discipleship.
9. References
- Bruce, F. F. (1988). The Book of the Acts. NICNT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
- Stott, J. R. W. (1990). The Spirit, the Church, and the World: The Message of Acts. Leicester: IVP.
- Marshall, I. H. (1980). Acts. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Leicester: IVP.
- Wright, N. T. (2013). Acts for Everyone. London: SPCK.
- Köstenberger, A. J., & Kruger, M. J. (2010). The Heresy of Orthodoxy. Crossway.