And They Continued Steadfastly In the Apostles' Doctrine and Fellowship, And In Breaking of Bread, And In Prayers - Part 1340

"And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus ... that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." (I Timothy 1:14-15)

JESUS said that when the Spirit of truth is come, He shall lead and guide you into all truth. He shall bring all things to your remembrance. Paul's words to Timothy were, "If you shall put the brethren in  remembrance of these things, then you shall be a good minister of the Lord JESUS the Christ. The instructions were to appoint elders in every city so that those who were appointed should preach no other doctrine."

Acts 15 elaborates on this point. It is the first apostolic gathering with the elders and the people. There is a discussion on the error of Peter's ways. As we learn from reading the scriptures, he was advancing a position that stated the Gentiles must keep the law of Moses and be circumcised. Note that Paul admonished Peter face to face and the contention over this matter was brought to pass in this apostolic assembly.

The result of the meeting was telling. Simply put, Paul was right and Peter was wrong. Peter had attempted to straddle the fence in an endeavor to appease the Jews. Unfortunately, as we learn from the scriptures, his plan was not going to work. Indeed, Peter had attempted to make the new testament a continuation of the old covenant of law, commanding that the Gentiles keep the Law and be circumcised.

Notably four things were established here. These four points were then written in letters and personally delivered to the church assemblies, so that there could be no error. The letters read thus:

Inasmuch as some went out from us troubling you commanding that you keep the Law and be circumcised, TO WHOM WE GAVE NO SUCH COMMANDMENT, it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to lay upon you no greater burden other than these necessary things'  That is, to keep yourself from fornication - and from blood - and from things strangled -  and from idols - from which if you keep yourself you shall do well. Fare you well.

 It is recorded that the church assemblies upon reading and hearing the message contained within the letters, had great consolation! So should we. The teachings of the Holy Ghost were the teachings of JESUS. Remember, Acts 1:2-3? 

"Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." (Acts 1:2-3)

For it is written that JESUS -- after He ascended up into Heaven, He through His holy Spirit gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. They in turn delivered His Holy Ghost teachings to us so that there would be no division among us. For the Spirit and the Word - are one and the same  - for the Word is God - and God is the Word - God being one Spirit!

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5) 

God confirmed these apostolic teachings. Certainly, the Holy Ghost was given through the laying of  the hands of the apostles. In Acts chapter 8, Philip preached and mighty signs and wonders were performed. The Samaritans believed and were baptized in water into the Name of Jesus but they did not receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost until the apostles Peter and John arrived, who prayed for them that they might receive.

Simon saw that through the laying of  the apostles' hands that the Holy Ghost was given. Immediately, he offered them money that he might purchase the power of this gift. Peter told Simon that his money along with himself will perish if he thinks that the baptism of the Holy Ghost could be purchased with money. Yes, there are many spirits gone out into the world which is why we should test the spirits as to whether they are of God, or conversely, a lying spirit. 

For if they speak not according to this Word, then they are not of God. The believers continued steadfastly in the apostolic Holy Ghost teaching for these are the very foundation of the church which is the body of JESUS the Christ. 

Jesus is the Head of the church.  PEACE BE to all who are earnestly contending for the faith that was personally delivered by our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Stand in the offering plate.