Topical Bible: Diligence: Apostles

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Diligence, as demonstrated by the apostles, is a key theme in the New Testament, reflecting their unwavering commitment to the mission and teachings of Jesus Christ. The apostles, chosen by Jesus, exemplified diligence through their tireless efforts in spreading the Gospel, establishing the early Church, and nurturing the faith of new believers.

Peter and John
Peter and John, two of the most prominent apostles, displayed remarkable diligence in their ministry. In Acts 3:1-10, Peter and John heal a lame man at the temple gate, demonstrating their commitment to both physical and spiritual healing. Their diligence is further highlighted in Acts 4:13, where their boldness and dedication to preaching the Gospel astonish the Sanhedrin, despite their lack of formal education: "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus" .

Paul
The Apostle Paul is perhaps the most exemplary figure of diligence among the apostles. His missionary journeys, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, showcase his relentless pursuit of spreading the Gospel across the Roman Empire. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul recounts the hardships he endured for the sake of the Gospel, including imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks, underscoring his unwavering diligence: "Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death" .

Paul's diligence is also evident in his epistles, where he frequently encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, he exhorts the church in Corinth: "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" .

James
James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, also exemplified diligence. His epistle emphasizes the importance of perseverance and active faith. In James 1:22-25, he urges believers to be doers of the word, not merely hearers, highlighting the necessity of diligent action in the Christian life: "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves" .

Diligence in Apostolic Teaching
The apostles' teachings consistently emphasize the importance of diligence in the Christian life. In 2 Peter 1:5-10, Peter encourages believers to make every effort to add to their faith virtues such as goodness, knowledge, and perseverance, culminating in love. This passage underscores the necessity of diligence in spiritual growth: "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge" .

The apostolic example of diligence serves as a model for all Christians, demonstrating the importance of steadfastness, perseverance, and active engagement in the work of the Lord. Through their lives and teachings, the apostles provide a blueprint for living a life of diligent faithfulness to Christ.

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Acts 5:42
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
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Library

The Tradition of the Apostles Secured by Other Excellent ...
... the books of the four evangelists, which had been written by the apostles, or at ...
This was done with so much diligence, that when Pant??nus, a man of great ...
/.../sect vi the tradition of.htm

But Perhaps You Say, "Why did not the Apostles Enjoin These Things ...
... But perhaps you say, "Why did not the Apostles enjoin these things on virgins?"
Because ... be loved and dwelt in by God, array it with all diligence, and adorn it ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xiii but perhaps you.htm

If Paul had Known any Mysteries Unrevealed to the Other Apostles ...
... of his course with Paul he recounts, indicating with all diligence both places ... not
merely a follower, but also a fellow-labourer of the apostles, but especially ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xiv if paul had known.htm

The Teaching of the Apostles.
... Luke, moreover, the evangelist had such diligence that he wrote the exploits of
the Acts of the Apostles, and the ordinances and laws of the ministry of their ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents the teaching 2.htm

That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ...
... That evil comes of sloth, and virtue from diligence, and that neither wicked men,
nor the devil himself, are able to do the wary ... There were twelve Apostles. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii that evil comes.htm

Whom to Obey, --Annas or Angel?
... He bears unconscious testimony to the Apostles' diligence, and to the popular
inclination to them, by charging them with having filled the city with what he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/whom to obeyannas or angel.htm

Refutation of the Ebionites, who Disparaged the Authority of St. ...
... the election of God, and separate themselves from the company of the apostles. ... Luke
guilty of falsehood, when he proclaims the truth to us with all diligence. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xv refutation of the ebionites.htm

The Truth is to be Found Nowhere Else but in the Catholic Church ...
... choice of the thing pertaining to the Church with the utmost diligence, and to ... have
recourse to the most ancient Churches with which the apostles held constant ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/irenaeus/against heresies/chapter iv the truth is to.htm

The Letter of Pope Coelestine to the Synod of Ephesus.
... us should perform that office, which he thus entrusted in common to all the Apostles. ...
And we shew forth our diligence in preaching the same doctrines that they ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the letter of pope coelestine.htm

That New Chrism Should be Made Every Year, and the Old be Burnt.
... Presiding over these churches, the apostles taught these things, and ordained that
the old ... the Lord with this object, that we should prove the diligence of our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/i that new chrism should.htm