Apostolic Tradition

Apostolic tradition is simply following the practices exemplified for us by the apostles and faithful men whom they taught.

Jesus criticized the Pharisees for following the traditions of men rather than the word of God:

Mr 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Therefore, we must never place man-made traditions ahead of the word of God. Apostolic tradition, however, is another matter. Jesus personally chose and trained the 12 apostles to be his personal representatives. Therefore, it makes sense that we should follow their example. The apostle Paul also taught us to follow the traditions and that he taught and exemplified: 

2Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

1 Cor 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. [NKJV]

1Co 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

Today, many have chosen to follow man-made traditions instead of the clear teachings and practices Jesus transmitted to the the apostles. We believe that this is a mistake that can potentially lead to confusion and heartache. As Jeremiah 6:16 says,

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.

This is why our fellowship seeks to follow apostolic practice in how we meet (we practice participatory meetings according to 1 Corinthians 14), where we meet (we meet in homes), and in our church governing structure (led by a church planter in the formative stages, who will ordain a plurality of elders and deacons with a city-wide ministry as the church grows).

 

For Further Reading:  Apostolic Tradition: Obsolete?  by Steve Atkerson  (Offsite Link)