The Church’s Mission – Preach, Teach, and Exhort
Acts 11:1-3
Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, "You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them."
In the early days of the Christian church, news traveled fast among the believers scattered throughout Judea. And much of the conversation and controversy of that time was focused on how many were troubled by the fellowship with gentile believers. So much so that there were some who banded together as "the circumcision party", a group of Jewish Christians who zealously upheld Mosaic laws like circumcision and dietary restrictions. It wasn't so much that they objected to the preaching of the Way to these gentile people, but mainly Peter’s act of fellowship, specifically, eating with them, which they viewed as a violation of Jewish purity laws and a threat to their cultural and religious identity. Peter, as a key apostle, could have dismissed these critics with authority, but instead, he chose to explain his actions in detail with preaching (Acts 11:4-18), recounting how the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles without requiring them to first adopt Jewish customs. And so now we begin to see how the doctrines of our faith are developing. The guiding principle always comes down to the work of the Holy Spirit. And Peter points this out as he explains the situation to those who were concerned.
Acts 11:16-17
"And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?"
So there's the logic, reasoning with the help of the Holy Spirit. If we observe verifiable evidence of Holy Spirit workings we can make certain conclusions about that thing, whatever it might be. And we're going to see that going forward in the book of Acts there will be many other examples of how the first church people discerned and established a canon of belief and practices.
On that point I want to jump ahead a little. Because of the persecution of the church many were scattered around the regions, "as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews" (Acts 11:19). The church at Jerusalem sent a representative, Barnabas, to Antioch to report on the happenings there. And I want you to make note of what Barnabas did.
Acts 11:23-24
"When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord."
He exhorted them, not because he was angry or disappointed, but to ensure their faithfulness.
Now look at this...
Acts 11:25-26
"So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians."
What did they do?
They taught; they were teaching the people about following the Way.
So we see three dynamic actions that the church much take. Preaching (Peter preached his sermon to the church), Exhortation (Barnabas exhorted the new believers), and Saul (Paul) and Barnabas were Teachers (for a whole year).
As I see it, and as its shown here in today's focus scriptures, the function of the church is to Preach the gospel, Teach the gospel, and Exhort the people about remaining faithful to the gospel. This is the ultimate purpose of the church, along with the fellowship of the believers. If it's a school, it's a school focused on the gospel. If it's a cultural community center, it's a center established to expose the people to the gospel. And if it's mainly a temple for sacramental practices meant to distribute the graces, it's imperative that it incorporates these three pillars, Preaching, Teaching and Exhortation.
Now, I am pointing this out as a type of exhortation, and teaching. For I believe we've made far too much of Preaching, and far too little of Exhortation, and we're not careful enough about what we Teach. And as a result of these misapplications of our Holy Spirit focus, we've invited error to take hold which ultimately became entrenched traditions of error and idolatry.
When we look at these acts of the early church, we can see the Holy Spirit’s guidance shapes our doctrines and practices, overriding our tendency toward human traditions when God acts sovereignly. And that's the key, God acting sovereignly. Preaching is wonderful for convincing the people, Teaching is right for guiding the people in understanding, but absent Exhortation the people will inevitably wander off the Way and into self-interests.
Reflect on your church or personal ministry: Is there an imbalance in preaching, teaching, and exhortation?
These three are the pillars of the church. Preaching draws people in, teaching builds depth, and exhortation sustains commitment, all essential for a vibrant community. All of these must be functioning within the framework of our churches. And notice, Teaching was the longest lasting form to be employed. Peter’s preaching defended the inclusion of Gentiles, appealing to the Spirit’s outpouring as irrefutable evidence that God overrides human traditions. Barnabas’s exhortation encouraged steadfastness, fostering joy and growth, while his recruitment of Saul (Paul) led to a year of intensive teaching, solidifying the believers’ foundation and birthing the term "Christians."
Again, it can't be said enough, the key lies in the Holy Spirit’s guidance, when God acts sovereignly, as in the Gentiles’ baptism, it reshapes our doctrine beyond our biases. And we need to be very disciplined in our examination of this aspect of the situation as well. For claims of Holy Spirit baptism and prophetic authority are not immune to error or deception. And in fact, going forward in The Book of Acts we'll see how some (who are questionable) will come into the church claiming to be Prophets.
In your personal walk or church community, cultivate discernment by immersing yourself in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship, testing claims of spiritual experiences against God’s Word.
The concept of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a profound and often debated topic in Christian theology, rooted in Scripture and interpreted variably across the different denominations. At its core, it refers to an encounter with the Holy Spirit that empowers believers, but discerning its authenticity requires careful biblical examination to avoid deception. For instance, false manifestations might involve emotionalism without transformation or the development of doctrines and traditions contradicting the Bible.
2 Corinthians 11:14
"And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."
The Bible presents the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a divine act of empowerment and inclusion into Christ’s body. Differences arise from emphases on experience vs. sacrament, but all stress the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding interpretation (John 16:13), with divergences often attributed to incomplete reliance on Him. Scripture provides a clear criteria for distinguishing true Holy Spirit baptism from false or deceptive experiences. These tests guard against counterfeit spirits, emotional hype, or demonic influences.
1. Confession of Jesus as Lord (Doctrinal Test):
1 John 4:2-3 states,
"By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God."
True experiences exalt Christ as incarnate God and Savior, not self or other entities. The Holy Spirit is not going to draw our attention to idolatry or the worship of self. God's sovereign will is the focus, Christ's kingdom, his heart and mind, is the focus.
2. Alignment with Scripture (Truth Test):
Deuteronomy 13:1-3 warns against following signs if they lead away from God’s commands. Any claimed baptism must not contradict the Bible; for example, it should promote holiness, not sin...
Romans 8:13
"For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."
3. Fruit and Moral Character (Lifestyle Test):
Matthew 7:15-20 teaches to know false prophets "by their fruits." Genuine Spirit baptism produces love, joy, peace, etc. and transforms lives toward righteousness, not deceit or immorality.
Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
4. Edification and Unity (Purpose Test):
True empowerment builds the church and witnesses to Christ (Acts 1:8), not causing division or self-glorification. False claims often lead to spiritual weakness or confusion.
1 Corinthians 14:12
"So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church."
5. Prophetic Accuracy and Signs (Verification Test):
For accompanying gifts, Deuteronomy 18:22 requires fulfilled prophecies. Signs like tongues should be orderly and interpretable, not chaotic and confusing. There shouldn't be a babble.
Carefully read 1 Corinthians 14.
These tests emphasize prayerful reliance on the Spirit Himself for wisdom, community accountability, and humility to avoid presumption.
And if you're not sure still?
James 1:5
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
Prayer and fasting. Being silent and listening for God's Spirit will help. Discerning the Holy Spirit’s baptism means pursuing it biblically, seeking empowerment through prayer and obedience, while testing experiences rigorously. Verify their fruit. Personally, journal spiritual encounters, compare them to Scripture, and seek wise counsel. Avoid the extremes, neither quenching the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) nor chasing after unverified sensations.
But more importantly than being skeptical of ecstatic experiences, look at the day-to-day mundane expressions that have replaced the work of The Holy Spirit. Beware the gradual replacement of the Holy Spirit’s dynamic work with everyday, mundane expressions; routines, human efforts, traditions, or self-reliant practices that lack divine vitality. Aka "lukewarm" churches. This is a critical issue in Christian living, as it can lead to a form of godliness without power.
2 Timothy 3:5
"having the appearance of godliness but denying its power. Avoid such people."
Scripture warns against relying on fleshly efforts or empty traditions that sideline the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Over-reliance on church programs and routines, self-help and human wisdom over prayer, and underestimating the work of The Holy Spirit in the ordinary. To counteract this, cultivate discernment through; scripture tests, daily surrender, accountability, and inviting the Spirit in all these mundane matters.
For Further Personal Study:
Galatians 3:3
Matthew 15:3-9
Romans 8:5-6
Acts 7:51
Mark 7
Psalm 51:10
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, forgive us for replacing Your vital work with mundane habits and human efforts. Renew a right spirit within us, transforming our ordinary days into paths of grace. "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Guide us to live by Your power, not our own, glorifying Christ in all things.
In the Holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.