Introduction

The disposition of the early Church sets the standard of the Church today. The work of the apostles was fruitful in developing a body of baptized believers.

1. THE PURPOSE OF CHRIST WAS ESTABLISHED! - The Word that the apostles taught was a manifestation of truth and it set the boundaries wherein the Body of Christ was established. The Faith was defined. Now man was able to comprehend the plan of God for their lives and know what was rightfully given to them at salvation.

2. THE MIND OF CHRIST WAS ESTABLISHED! - These men believed the Word; and so the principles of Christ were manifested in them. As a result of their obedience, the power of the anointing rested on their lives.

3. THE BLESSED HOPE WAS MAINTAINED! - They not only taught the mind of Christ, but were also examples of walking in the power of His Spirit. They were an example of a life that was governed and controlled by truth. This allowed them to recognize everything that was not of that same mind!

4. SIN WAS CONFRONTED! - No sin was able to come into Jesus’ presence without being addressed. He warned the disciples to be aware of the leaven or hypocrisy of the Pharisees. The apostles were also of this mind and confronted everyone who dared to lower the standard of righteousness.

Romans 3:3-4

3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?4 God forbid: In the Body of Christ, there will always be some who will not believe the Word! Nevertheless, the apostles continued to minister in the power of the Spirit and did not compromise simply because some did not believe. They continued with those who did trust in the Word of God and submitted to it. The apostles gave themselves over to the Word. They minded only those things pertaining to the Spirit. These men understood that in order to be rooted and grounded in the Word, they could not be distracted with the issues of the flesh. This was the price of ministry. There was accountability for all those who served in the Body. In fact, there was also accountability for all those who lived in the Body.