Who were the apostles in Acts 2:42 and how much did they know?
The apostles in Acts 2:42 were the twelve. Their knowledge was limited: they knew not much more than that Christ had come and had fulfilled all the Old Testament promises. The passage gives no indication they yet believed the Gospel Paul later defines as Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.
Les explains that Acts 2:42 refers to continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, and the apostles in view are the twelve. He asks what these twelve men knew, and says it was not much more than that Christ had come and fulfilled all the Old Testament promises. Les points out there is nothing yet indicating these people were believing what we call the Gospel—1 Corinthians 15:1-4, where Paul says Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. Rather, the message was, "You killed Him," and they were added to this group of believers.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
More Questions
What does 'apostles' doctrine' mean in Acts 2:42?
The 'apostles' doctrine' in Acts 2:42 refers to the teaching of the twelve apostles, which was the teachings of Jesus in His earthly ministry.
What did the apostles' doctrine refer to in Acts 2:42?
Les teaches that the apostles' doctrine in Acts 2:42 refers to the teachings of Jesus given through the twelve during His earthly ministry.