The disciples believed that God led the OT prophets to foretell the suffering of Jesus. Paul believed that Jesus was foretold in the Law and the Prophets.
Peter and the other believers were witnesses to the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. He believed that God raised Jesus. Paul also believed that Jesus rose from the dead.
Gentile believers were given the Holy Spirit when they believed Jesus. Paul told the Philippian jailer that he would be saved if he believed Jesus. Paul remembered that John the Baptist had told them to believe Jesus. Paul preached repentance and faith in Jesus.
Peter believed that God raised Jesus from the dead and made Him the Lord. When preaching to Cornelius’ household, Peter proclaimed that Jesus was Lord of all.
It is clear from these Bible references that Jesus was a big part of the early church’s beliefs. They believed that He was the Christ, the Lord, the Savior, and the One who had died to save them.
How did their beliefs about Jesus affect their lives?
It is clear that the early disciples believed the truth about Jesus. This belief was not something that they kept to themselves. It radiated from them in a variety of ways.
Peter’s belief in Jesus affected his ministry to other people. He commanded a lame man to stand and walk in the name of Jesus. He believed that Jesus would heal the man, and He did.
Paul baptized some of John’s disciples in Ephesus. They had repented but had not yet believed in Jesus. After meeting with Paul, they believed and were baptized in Jesus’ name.
When friends tried to keep Paul from going to Jerusalem, he stated that he was willing to be bound and even killed for the name of Jesus.
They preached Jesus from the Old Testament (Acts 28:23).
While Paul was awaiting trial in Rome, he met with the Jewish leaders to tell them about Jesus. To do so, he pointed them to what the Law and the Prophets said about Jesus.
As you consider the beliefs and practices of the early Christians, it is apparent that they not only believed but also acted on their belief. Everywhere they went, their faith in Jesus affected their conversations and actions. Their example should lead us to respond in similar ways.
How should Jesus affect our lives?
We ought to know who Jesus is.
We are called Christians, but how well do we know the One whose name we claim to follow? If you were asked to tell who Jesus is, what would you say? Would you be able to go to the Bible and explain to someone who Jesus is? If not, dedicate some of your time to reading the Bible. Find out who Jesus is and what He has accomplished. Knowing who He is will strengthen your faith in Him.
We ought to proclaim who Jesus is.
Once you have a knowledge of who Jesus is, you should share Him with others. The disciples preached to crowds. While you may not have that opportunity or ability, you can talk to others about Jesus in your own way. That might mean mentioning Him in a conversation. That might mean addressing a situation with your knowledge of Him. It might also mean giving the gospel story to someone. When you know Him, you should share Him with others.
We ought to magnify Jesus’ name.
When you know Jesus and are telling others about Him, His name will be known by others. The more people hear about Him, the more His name will get notoriety. We can’t make people believe Him, but we can make Him look good by our speech and actions. So, make Jesus’ reputation good from your conversations and pray that He will be glorified in the lives of those who hear.