The Authority of the New Testament

Exploring the Apostolic Foundation of Christianity

Step 1: Jesus' Real Teachings

  • Jesus spoke with authority and claimed to speak the words of God
  • His teachings are at the center of Christianity
  • Secular and biblical sources confirm his existence and teachings

Step 2: Authority Passed to the Apostles

  • Jesus commissioned the apostles to carry his teachings to the world
  • They became the authoritative spokesmen for Christ and established the rule of Christianity
  • Their teachings were on par with the prophets of the Old Testament

Step 3: Apostles' Writings Carry the Same Authority

  • Written words of the apostles couldn't be less authoritative than their spoken words
  • Their writings combat heresy, provide a permanent record, and are the basis for Christian belief
  • The apostles' writings are considered scripture and carry the same weight as their spoken teachings