I am a Jesus pusher!!! The early Christians continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42). This is the first item on the agenda of their activities. At first you might think they simply had classes on theology taught by the apostles. However, the role of the apostles is specifically stated for us. In selecting an individual to replace Judas as an apostle, the early church established criteria. It was determined that the replacement must have accompanied them all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us (Acts 1:21-22). The criteria was for the purpose of becoming a witness with us of His resurrection (Acts 1:22). It was not enough to experience the resurrection appearances of Jesus; they must know those appearances in the context of His life. A person could not correctly testify of His resurrection unless they experienced His crucifixion. No one understands His crucifixion unless they see the style of the cross in His daily living.
Therefore, the entire doctrine of the apostles focused on the person of Jesus! These Jews had crucified Him. Now they spent their time in the unfolding revelation of His person. “Who Jesus is” bombards them daily through the teaching of the apostles. It would be safe to state that they were saturating in the Person of Jesus. He was their curriculum. They were students after Him! Paul cried out, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,” (Philippians 3:10). I am a Jesus pusher!!!