From our earliest days, humans struggle with authority, yet we eagerly seek guidance when we trust the source. The early Christians devoted themselves to apostolic teaching because the apostles had credibility, relevancy, and accessibility. Specifically authorized by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the apostles weren't seeking glory but serving as vessels for God's message. Their teachings remain authoritative on church participation, relationships, generosity, ethnic reconciliation, and loving enemies. Our loyalty to Jesus is expressed through listening to and living out these teachings with humility.

Humans naturally resist authority, yet we willingly seek instruction when we trust the source has credibility, relevance to our lives, and communicates in an accessible way. The early church in Acts 2 devoted themselves to apostolic teaching because they recognized the apostles had been specifically authorized by Jesus himself to teach what it means to follow him faithfully.The apostles described themselves as 'jars of clay' - ordinary vessels carrying an extraordinary message. They weren't seeking personal glory but serving others by imparting 'a secret and hidden wisdom of God' revealed through the Spirit. Though they've been dead for 2,000 years, their writings continue to serve us today. Their teachings remain authoritative on crucial areas including participation in church life, relationships and marriages, generosity and hospitality, ethnic reconciliation, and loving everyone including enemies. These distinctive teachings set Christianity apart throughout history.Our loyalty to Jesus is expressed through humbly listening to and living out the apostles' teachings. Before we can fulfill the Great Commission to make disciples, we must first be disciples ourselves who submit to apostolic instruction. This requires examining areas where we might resist their teaching and approaching Scripture with genuine humility rather than selectively following what appeals to us.