Bible Study: The Apostolic Church - The Mystery Revealed
Introduction:
• We begin by understanding that the term "church" comes from the Greek word "ekklesia," meaning "assembly" or "meeting."
• Our focus is on the "Church of Christ," a body of believers that transcends earthly boundaries.
• We'll explore the mystery of this Church, its composition, and its historical emergence.
I. The Mystery of the Church of Christ:
• What is the Church of Christ?
◦ It is a hidden mystery revealed in the New Testament (Ephesians 3).
◦ It is the bride of the Lamb, Jesus Christ (Revelation 21:9).
◦ It consists of people from every tribe, language, and nation (Revelation 5:9).
◦ It unites Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, into one body (Galatians 3:28).
• Before and After Christ:
◦ Before Christ: God worked primarily through the Jewish people, with a distinction between Jews and Gentiles.
◦ After Christ: The Church emerges as a new entity, incorporating both Jews and Gentiles into one body.
• God's Eternal Plan:
◦ God planned the Church before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).
◦ Hebrews 1:3 and 11:3 speak of God's planning of the ages and creation.
◦ Matthew 25:34 indicates the preparation of a kingdom.
◦ The Church is the central component of this kingdom.
• Foretold and Revealed:
◦ The Church was foreshadowed in the Old Testament through figures and symbols (Genesis 1:14-18, Genesis 2:18, John 2:1-11, Matt 11:28-31, John 14:1-3).
◦ Its full revelation came in the New Testament (Ephesians 3:8).
II. The Church as Light and Bride:
• Light to the World (Genesis 1):
◦ Just as God created lights to illuminate the earth, the Church is called to be a light in a dark world.
◦ The church is meant to point the world to the true light, Jesus.
• Bride of Christ (Genesis 2, Matthew 11, John 14):
◦ Genesis 2:18 illustrates God's desire for companionship, foreshadowing Christ's relationship with the Church.
◦ Matthew 11:28-30 portrays Jesus's invitation to those who are weary, a marriage proposal of sorts.
◦ John 14:1-3 depicts Jesus preparing a home for His bride in His Father's house, a promise of eternal union.
• Church Announcement (Matthew 16):
◦ Jesus declares, "On this rock (Petra) I will build my Church (Ekklesia)" (Matthew 16:18).
◦ Petros (Peter) signifies a small stone, while Petra signifies a massive rock, referring to the revelation of Jesus as the Christ.
◦ The Church is built on this foundational truth.
◦ Ekklesia means assembly of called out ones.
III. The Apostolic Period: Birth and Expansion:
• Bought with Blood:
◦ The Church was purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19).
◦ This act of redemption transformed humanity's destiny.
• The Promise: The Groom's Friend (Acts 1):
◦ Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5).
◦ The Holy Spirit empowers the Church for its mission.
• The Body of Christ (Acts 1):
◦ The Church becomes the physical representation of Christ on Earth.
◦ The disciples are called to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.
• Historical Context (Galatians 4:4):
◦ "When the fullness of time had come..." (Galatians 4:4) indicates God's perfect timing.
◦ Greek Contribution:
▪ Universal Greek language facilitated communication.
▪ Greek philosophy (logos) created a space for intellectual engagement.
▪ A spiritual vacuum created a hunger for truth.
◦ Roman Contribution:
▪ Roman peace and infrastructure enabled safe travel.
▪ Roman organizational structure provided a model for Church growth.
▪ A material and spiritual vacuum created a hunger for truth.
◦ Jewish Contribution:
▪ Synagogues spread monotheism and messianic hope.
▪ The Old Testament provided a historical and ethical foundation.
▪ The law showed the need for a savior.
• The Birth of the Church (Acts 2):
◦ The Holy Spirit descends on the 120 disciples on Pentecost.
◦ They begin speaking in other tongues, signifying the Church's universal reach.
◦ The first sermon is preached, and 3,000 are added to the church.
• Expansion (Acts 2):
◦ The gospel spreads to various regions, including Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and more.
◦ Conversions occur among Jews, Ethiopians, Romans, Samaritans, and Gentiles.
• Early Church Life (Acts 2):
◦ The first converts dedicated themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42).
◦ They shared their possessions and 1 cared for one another (Acts 2:44-45).
1. biblechat.ai
biblechat.ai
◦ They worshipped together in the temple and in homes, praising God and enjoying the favor of the people.
◦ God added to their numbers daily.
• The Name "Christian" (Acts 11):
◦ In Antioch, believers were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26).
IV. Application:
• How does the understanding of the Church as the bride of Christ impact our relationship with Him?
• How can we embody the light of Christ in our communities?
• How can we apply the early Church's example of fellowship and sharing in our own lives?
• How does the understanding of the church as the body of christ impact our view of other believers?
- Bible Study: The Prophetic Books - Who were the prophets
- Bible Study: The Prophet Amos - A Call to Justice
- Bible Study: The Prophet Hosea - God's Unconditional Love
Conclusion:
• The Apostolic Church serves as a model for us today.
• The mystery of the Church of Christ is a revelation of God's love and plan for humanity.
• We are called to be part of this body, living as light and reflecting the love of Christ to the world.
