(A) – FOUNDATIONAL

​​

Baptism of repentance in the name of Jesus – Following Jesus’ stressing the need for sinners to repent and His example of being personally baptised, Peter confirmed that both repentance and baptism are essential in his address to the crowds after Pentecost – Acts 2:38.  As well, there is the example of those converted by Phillip in Samaria – 8:12–13 – Paul immediately following his conversion–9:17–18 – the household of Cornelius after hearing Peter’s testimony – 10:47–48 – Crispus the synagogue ruler, his household and many other Corinthians after Paul’s teaching – 18:8 – and the believers at Ephesus –19:4–5.

​

Receipt of the Holy Spirit – As asserted by Peter to the crowds at Pentecost – Acts 2:17–18, 32–33 , 38–39 – and as confirmed by Peter and John’s insistence and laying hands on believers in Samaria – Acts 8:15–17 – Paul’s ‘filling’ with the Holy Spirit through Ananias – 9:17–18 – and the ‘filling’ of Cornelius’ household – 10:44–45, 11:15–17.  Later, the necessity of the Spirit’s impartation is also supported by the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Ephesian believers – 19:6 and Cretan believers’ “filling” resulting in spiritual ‘rebirth’ and ‘renewal’ – Titus 3:4–6.

​

Devotion to the Gospel – As taught by the apostles. This was not only Jesus’ revelation and commands, but embraced who He was, His life and ministry, all that He did and suffered and the redemption that He bought for mankind – Acts 2:42, 2 Thess 2:15, 2 Tim 1:11, 3 John 3–4.

​

Commitment to evangelism – Initially by the apostles as they addressed the crowds after Pentecost – Acts 2:14–41 – and later as they and other believers reached out wherever they went with the message of the Gospel – Acts 5:12–14 – refer also SECTION (D).

​

Devotion to close fellowship – As demonstrated in their being ‘together’ in close–knit ‘community’ – Acts 2:42b, 44a, 46a.

​

Devotion to mutual support, caring and love for each other – Reflecting their commitment as a ‘true family’ – Acts 2:44–45, 4:34–35, Heb 13:16 – grounded foremost in sincere love – Rom 13:8–10, 1 Cor 13, 1 John 3:11–24, 2 John 5–6.

​

Devotion to fellowship meals / communion – As they met in homes and shared meals regularly together, with “glad and sincere hearts” – Acts 2:42b, 46, 1 Cor 11:20–33.

​

Devotion to communal prayer and thanksgiving – Acts 2:42b, Rom 15:30–32, 1 Tim 2:1–3,8 – and praising God – Acts 2:47 – also 4:24–31, Heb 13:15, 18–19.  Paul stresses that prayer is to be ‘continual’ and thanks to the Lord given “in all circumstances” – 1 Thess 5:17–18.

​

Various offices and ‘spiritual gifts’ operating – 1 Cor 12:27–28 – in order “to prepare God’s people for works of service.” This, Paul affirms, is to be undertaken in an orderly way, “for the strengthening of the church“ – so that “everyone may be instructed and encouraged” – 1 Cor 14:26–33 – there is “unity in the faith” and believers attain maturity and “fullness” in Christ – Eph 4:11–13, Rom 12:5–8.  In agreeing, Peter stresses “that in all things God may be praised” – 1 Peter 4:10–11.