As one reads through the pages of the New Testament, there is no doubt that the preaching of first-century Christians is something that deserves our careful inspection and emulation. Their preaching was (1) successful, as individuals from all walks of life and all backgrounds were being converted (Acts 2:5-40; 8:5-13; 9:1-18; 10:1-48; 16:11-40; Phil. 1:13; 4:22). Their preaching was (2) wide-spread, as they literally preached the gospel “in all the world…to every creature under heaven” (Col. 1:6, 23). Their preaching was (3) effective, as it was causing some hardened and staunch unbelievers to persecute faithful Christians (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2) and even put them to death (Rev. 6:9; 20:4; Acts 22:20). Their preaching was (4) pleasing to God, as He worked miraculous powers through their hands to confirm their message (Mark 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4), encouraged them in their endeavors (Acts 23:11), stood by their side when no one else did (2 Tim. 4:16-18), and promised them a home in heaven with Him (Rev. 2:10; 14:1-5; 2 Tim. 4:6-8).
What was it about their preaching that made it so successful, wide-spread, effective and pleasing to God? There are many aspects of their efforts that would prove to be beneficial to us in a careful study, but let us consider just one facet: the content of their message. What did they preach?
When, because of intense persecution, Christians were fleeing Jerusalem and Judea, Acts 8 gives us a rather comprehensive description of the content of their preaching. We know that their task was to “preach the gospel,” but what did that entail?
They preached “the word” (8:4). Preaching “the word” involved preaching “the words” given to them by the Lord (John 16:13-15; 17:8), without adding to “the words” or taking away from “the words” (Rev. 22:18-19).
They preached “Christ” (8:5). Preaching “Christ” involved preaching Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy (Acts 3:13-18), His sacrificial death for the sins of mankind (1 Cor. 15:1-3), His resurrection (1 Cor. 15:4) and His expectations for all (Acts 8:35-36).
They preached “the kingdom of God” (8:12). Preaching “the kingdom” involved preaching the establishment of the Lord’s church (Matt. 16:18-19; Acts 2), the price that was paid for it (Acts 20:28), the means of entrance into it (Acts 2:37-47) and the essentiality of it (1 Cor. 15:24).
They preached “the name of Jesus Christ” (8:12). Preaching His “name” involved preaching by His authority (Acts 4:7-10), that He has all authority (Matt. 28:18), that He is the only means of salvation (Acts 4:12), that He is “Lord of all” (Acts 10:36) and will be “the Judge” of all (Acts 10:42).
Do we preach like first-century Christians preached?