Introduction to Doctrine 1 - Apostles' Doctrine

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42)

The word doctrine derives from the Latin term for teaching and refers to the content that was taught in the New Testament. The proper teaching of Scripture was called "the apostles' doctrine", meaning that which the apostles taught. This contrasted with erroneous teaching called "doctrines of devils" (1 Tim. 4:1), meaning that teaching whose source is not God but the messengers of Satan, whose desire is to subsitute false religion for Christianity (2 Cor. 11:13-15).
Illustration: The apostles' doctrine was true, not because an apostle taught it, but because it was consistent with the Scriptures. The Bereans examined the teaching of Paul in light of the Scriptures before accepting it (Acts 17:11). Also, the church at Ephesus examined some who called themselves apostles and found them liars (Rev. 2:2).
Application: A Christian should attempt to understand and believe true doctrine, while rejecting all that disagrees with the Word of God (1 John 4:1).