A brief exploration of this earliest description of Jesus’ disciples. Acts 9:2
INTRODUCTION
Today it is common to use terms referring to the people of God such as…
- The church of Christ, the church of God – Ro 16:16; 1Co 1:2
- The body of Christ, the kingdom of Christ – Ep 1:22,23; Col 1:13
- The temple of God, the bride of Christ – 1Co 3:16; Re 19:7-8
But in the early days of the church, they were also known as people of “The Way”…
- Saul of Tarsus persecuted those of the Way – Ac 9:2; 22:4
- Others spoke evil of the Way – Ac 19:9
- At Ephesus there was a riot about the Way – Ac 19:23
- Paul confessed to worship God according to the Way – Ac 24:14
- Felix the governor gained accurate knowledge about the Way – Ac 24:22
Today the expression “The Way” is rarely used, except by parachurch organizations, individual congregations, and even some cult groups.But what did it mean in the early days of the church…?]
THE MEANING OF THE WAY
PROBABLE ORIGIN…
Jesus taught about two ways – Mt 7:13-14
- The broad way that leads to destruction
- The narrow way that leads to life
Jesus claimed to be the way – Jn 14:6
- The way to truth and life
- The only way to the Father
It seems likely that Jesus’ statements led to the use of “The Way”, albeit there is an Old Testament dynamic we shall have to explore in a subsequent article.
THE WAY OF JESUS
THE WAY TO GOD…
- Jesus is the only way to God – Jn 14:6; Mt 11:27
- Through Jesus, both Jew and Gentile have access to the Father – Ep 2:18
THE WAY TO TRUTH…
- Jesus came to this world to bear witness to the truth – Jn 18:37
- He offers the truth that sets us free from the bondage of sin – Jn 8:32-36
- The truth that calls us to be renewed in righteousness and holiness – Ep 4:20-24
THE WAY TO LIFE…
- Jesus came that we might life more abundantly – Jn 10:10
- He offers a life with:
- Love, that passes knowledge – Jn 15:10; Ep 3:17-19
- Peace, that surpasses understanding – Jn 14:27; 16:13; Php 4:6-7
- Joy, that is inexpressible – Jn 15:11; 1Pe 1:8
- He offers life beyond this life – Jn 11:25; 1Th 4:13-18
THE WAY OF PRAYER…
- Jesus taught us how to pray, to pray diligently and humbly – Lk 11:1-13; 18:1-14
- He serves as High Priest, Intercessor, and Advocate as we pray – He 4:14-16; 7:25; 1Jn 2:1
THE WAY OF SERVICE..
- Jesus came to serve, and taught His disciples to do likewise – Mt 20:25-28; Jn 13:12-17
- Therefore His followers are to serve one another in love – Gal 5:13; 1Pe 4:9
THE WAY OF SUFFERING…
- Jesus had to suffer to enter His glory – Lk 24:25-26
- He calls us to follow in His steps – 1Pe 2:20-23
- Should suffering for Christ come our way, let us be ready! – 1Pe 3:14-17; 4:1-4,14-16
THE WAY TO GLORY…
- Jesus will one day be revealed in glory – 2Th 1:10
- We too shall be revealed in glory in Him! – 2Th 1:12; Col 3:4
CONCLUSION
We may or may not refer to ourselves as “People Of The Way”. There are other designations just as scriptural. But it is helpful to recognise that this was the first title of the Believers, the disciples of Jesus.
But we should never stop thinking of Jesus as the Way. The way to God and glory. The way to truth and life. The way of prayer, service, and suffering for righteousness’ sake
Indeed, for such things Jesus is and always will be the only Way! Have you accepted Him as your Way to salvation and eternal life…? – Mt 11:28-30; cf. Mk 16:15-16; Ac 2:38; 22:16; Re 2:10
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