Errors of the First Church
1)
Peter preached the end of the world.
But
Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men
of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my
words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour
of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And
it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My
Spirit on all flesh your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men
shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams and on My menservants and on
My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall
prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth
beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into
darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome
day of the Lord." Acts 2:14-20.
Note:
Jesus Christ told the original apostles not to focus on eschatology.
Therefore,
when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at
this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It
is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own
authority." Acts 1:6-7.
2) Peter preached that baptism was necessary for salvation.
Now
when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the
rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then
Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift
of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:37-38.
Note:
Confession not baptism is necessary for salvation.
Then
one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are
the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him,
saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man
has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me
when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him,
“Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Luke 23:39-43.
3) Fear is not a Christian characteristic.
Then
fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the
apostles. Acts 2:43.
Note:
Love is a Christian characteristic.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but
of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
4)
Feeding the poor is good but socialism does not work in a sinful world.
Now
all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their
possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. Acts
2:44-45.
Note:
The first church ran out of resources as consumption outstripped supplies.
Now
concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the
churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each
one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no
collections when I come. And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters
I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. But if it is fitting that I go
also, they will go with me. 1 Corinthians 16:1-4.
5) Feeding the poor is good but socialism does not work in a sinful world.
Now
the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did
anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all
things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was
there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or
houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and
laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone
had need. Acts 4:32-35.
Note:
The first church ran out of resources as consumption outstripped supplies.
But
now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those
from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the
saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their
debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things,
their duty is also to minister to them in material things. Romans 15:25-27.
6) Judgment is not a characteristic of Christianity.
But
a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he
kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a
certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said,
“Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and
keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it
not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have
you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to
God.” Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last.
So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men
arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. Acts 5:1-6.
Note:
Forgiveness is a characteristic of Christianity.
“For
if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive
you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father
forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15.
7) Fear is not a Christian characteristic.
Now
it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had
happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for
so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” Then Peter said to
her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the
Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and
they will carry you out.” Then immediately she fell down at his feet and
breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying
her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and
upon all who heard these things. Acts 5:7-11.
Note:
Love is a Christian characteristic.
Love
has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of
judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love;
but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who
fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.
1 John 4:17-19.