5. Doctrines. The doctrinal aspects of Christianity at that early period were less prominent than its spirit. As yet there was no such theological system as arose later. Three great doctrines were held fervently: 1.) The resurrection of Jesus; that he had risen and was living. 2.) The Messiahship of Jesus; that he was the prince of the true spiritual kingdom of Israel. 3.) The return of Jesus as Christ; that he would soon come again to earth.
6. Worship and institutions. These were: 1.) The temple worship attended by the disciples of Christ as by all worshiping Jews (Acts 2. 46; 3. 1). 2.) The synagogue services, twice each week; held everywhere throughout the city; with Scripture reading, prayer and testimony. 3.) "The upper room" was for a time the headquarters of the church; but Solomon's porch in the temple soon took its place (Acts 5. 12). 4.) "Breaking bread," which was the Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper; at that time observed not in public assemblies but as a family ordinance, at home (Acts 2. 42, 46). 5.) The baptism of new members.
7. Government. Scarcely any government or discipline was needed in a church where the Spirit of God was recognized as dwelling in each member. The apostles were revered as leaders, but were not exactly rulers over the body of believers. "The Seven" (Acts 6. 3) were not officials or "deacons," but laymen charged with specific duties.
8. Literature. 1.) The Old Testament; familiar to all, read in the synagogue, was seen now in a new light and with new meaning. 2.) The teachings of Jesus, as yet unwritten, were in the memory of most of the members who had heard his words; and especially in the memory of the apostles; but no books of the New Testament were by this time in writing.
9. Leaders of the church. 1.) Throughout this period Peter stands at the front as the ruling spirit of the church, by his endowments of mind, and especially by his promptness in word and act. 2.) With him stands John (Acts 3. 1; 4. 19). 3.) Barnabas won notice by his liberality and gifts of preaching (Acts 4. 36, 37). His name means "the speaker" or "the preacher." 4.) At the end of the period Stephen comes into notice.
Blackboard Outline
| II. | Gen. Asp. Pen. Ch. |
| 1. | Loc. Jud. Jer. |
| 2. | Mem. Jews. 1.) Heb. 2.) Gre. Hel. 3.) Pros. |
| 3. | Qual. Mem. 1.) Rep. 2.) Fai. 3.) Bap. |
| 4. | Spir. 1.) Poss. H. S. 2.) Chr. fell. 3.) Lib. giv. |
| 5. | Doc. 1.) Res. Jes. 2.) Mess. Jes. 3.) Ret. Jes. |
| 6. | Worsh. and Inst. 1.) Tem. 2.) Syn. 3.) "Up. ro" 4.) "Bre. br." 5.) Bap. |
| 7. | Gov. Sp. Apos. Sev. |
| 8. | Lit. 1.) O. T. 2.) Tea. Jes. |
| 9. | Lead. 1.) Pet. 2.) Jo. 3.) Bar. 4.) Ste. |
Review Questions. Part Two
Where was the church located during the Pentecostal period? Were there churches or members in Galilee? To what race did all the members belong? What were the three classes in its membership? Who were Hebrews? Who were Grecians? By what other name were they called? Who were the "proselytes"? What were the requisites for membership in the church? What is said of the spirit of this church? How did this spirit lead the members to regard each other? What is said of their gifts to each other? Were doctrines made prominent in the church? What three doctrines were held by the members? What institutions of worship were maintained? What other institutions were observed? What is meant by "breaking bread"? Where was this service held? What is said as to the government of the church? What was the position of the apostles? What were "the seven"? What literature did the church possess at this time? What knowledge did they have of the teachings of Jesus? Who were the leaders of the church in this period?