Introduction to Apostolic Preachings and Their Credibility

The credibility of apostolic preachings, especially in the context of the teachings of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, is a subject often questioned by many. It is important to understand why the apostles' words are deemed credible, an inquiry that finds its answers in the Bible and divine inspiration.

The Role of the Bible in Establishing Credibility

The presence of apostolic teachings in the Bible alone is a sufficient indicator of their divine origin and legitimacy. As God is the one who both selects and inspires these preachers, the content they convey is directly from Him. This divine endorsement means that the words of the apostles are not mere human interpretation but the organic expression of God's will and commands.

Comments on the Gospels and Epistles

Many scholars and theologians have compared the Gospels with the Epistles, revealing a significant overlap where the Epistles often comment on the teachings found in the Gospels. For example, the Apostle Paul's letter to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians) frequently echoes the themes and teachings in Matthew's Gospel. This intertextuality underscores the apostles' role as authoritative interpreters of Jesus' words.

Divine Inspiration and Spiritual Instruction

The credibility of apostolic words is further strengthened by the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and instructing the apostles. Just as a person's thoughts are their own but their words are a combination of inner reflection and outward expression, so too did the apostles communicate the divine message through the Spirit. When Jesus spoke, it was the Father instructing him, and the apostles spoke the same divine truth as they received and heard from the Spirit.

Scripture Support

The Bible explicitly states that the apostles were inspired by the Spirit. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 2:13, it states, 'the Spirit searched the Scriptures to see what is the will of God and what pleases Him, and to bring to us the spiritual meaning of these passages.' This verse emphasizes the divine guidance behind the apostles' teachings.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

John 16:14 provides a clear indication of the role of the Holy Spirit: 'he will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.' This means the Spirit, through the apostles, would carry out Jesus' mission by teaching and revealing the deep truths of the gospel. The apostles' words, therefore, are not their own but the Spirit's, making them credible as divine revelations.

Conclusion: Revisiting the Credibility of Apostolic Teachings

The credibility of apostolic preachings is rooted in divine inspiration, the intertextuality among the Gospels and Epistles, and the direct communication of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Believers today are required to learn from and follow the teachings of the apostles because these words are not mere human ideas but the authentic and authoritative voices of God.

Key Takeaways

Apostolic teachings are credible due to divine inspiration and the Holy Spirit's guidance. The Gospels and Epistles support the apostles' role as faithful interpreters of Christ's teachings. The Holy Spirit's role in the apostles' preaching underscores the divine nature of their words.