What was the apostolic age?

Answer

The apostolic age represents the initial formation, growth, and development stage of the early church, closely linked to the leadership of the twelve apostles. This era was distinguished by remarkable signs that confirmed the apostles’ message (Acts 2:43;Acts 6:8;Acts 8:6,13;14:8-10;15:12;20:7-12;28:3-6). This period commenced following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and concluded at the close of the first century AD, coinciding with the passing of the apostle John.

Some scholars identify the beginning of the apostolic age with the day of Pentecost, when the apostles were publicly empowered by the Holy Spirit: “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:1-4). On that day, about three thousand believers joined the church (verse 41).

Others argue that the apostolic age commenced when Peter acknowledged Jesus as the Christ, and Jesus responded, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” «And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. », (Matthew 16:18). While valid points can be made for each perspective, the issue holds little biblical significance.

What is most noteworthy aboutThe Apostolic Age marks the establishment of the foundations of the Christian church, as the church of Jesus Christ emerged and thrived. All subsequent generations of the church are rooted in this significant period in church history. It was during the Apostolic Age that the New Testament canon of Scripture was written. Guided by the apostles, fundamental principles were set to address the complex relationships among Jews, Gentiles, and Christians, as well as other contentious issues (Romans 14). The church learned to navigate external pressures and influences such as governments, slave masters, and other religions, and to tackle internal challenges like false teachers, disputes among believers, and church discipline.

One of the most significant developments in the Apostolic Age was the church’s establishment of core beliefs regarding the nature and importance of Christ and His resurrection. Other crucial teachings from the apostles focused on interpreting the Jewish Scriptures and the significance of essential worship practices like communion and baptism. The Apostolic Age brought forth the Gospels, which document Jesus’ words and actions, and the Epistles, which elaborate on the meaning and significance of His teachings and deeds.

The book of Acts offers a broad view of a substantial portion of the Apostolic Age, while the writings of the apostle Paul and other authors of the New Testament provide further insights into the transformations and trials of the church during that period. In the Apostolic Age, the initial group of believers expanded from a small, close-knit community in Jerusalem to a widespread network of Christians spreading out to all the major cities of the Mediterranean region and beyond. “Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.” (Acts 1:18). Dramatic changes occurred in the composition of the church, as it grew and adapted to new challenges and opportunities.The church followed the ministry of Paul and his missionary journeys. Both Paul “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:”, (Romans 11:13) and Peter (Acts 10) actively contributed to the development of mixed communities of believers composed of Jews and Gentiles.

The church, a distinct people from the Old Testament community of Israel, began meeting together regularly in the apostolic age for the purpose of discipleship, teaching, maintaining Christian fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper, encouraging one another, and prayer (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25). Leadership and pastoral ministries were established for tending to the practical needs of believers and for strengthening and nurturing the body of Christ (Acts 6:1-4; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9; James 5:14).

The apostolic age ended with the death of John, the last surviving apostle. While today some churches erroneously claim to be a part of a “new apostolic” age, the biblical truth is that, for the last 2,000 years, the church has been continually “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone” “and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone;”, (Ephesians 2:20). The foundation was laid during the apostolic age, and a new foundation is not needed.