Topical Bible: Early Rising: Apostles

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Topical Encyclopedia

The practice of early rising among the apostles is a noteworthy aspect of their dedication and commitment to their mission. This habit is reflective of their desire to seek God, engage in prayer, and fulfill their responsibilities as leaders of the early Church. The apostles, following the example of Jesus Christ, often rose early to pray and prepare for the day's work.

Biblical Instances and Context

1. Jesus as the Model: The apostles were directly influenced by Jesus, who frequently rose early to pray. Mark 1:35 states, "Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray." This practice of Jesus set a precedent for the apostles, emphasizing the importance of starting the day with communion with God.

2. Peter and John: In Acts 3:1 , we see Peter and John going to the temple at the hour of prayer, which was the ninth hour. While this specific instance does not mention early rising, it reflects their disciplined approach to prayer and worship, which likely included early morning devotions.

3. Paul's Example: The Apostle Paul is another figure who exemplified diligence and discipline. Although specific instances of early rising are not explicitly mentioned, his tireless work ethic and commitment to prayer and teaching suggest a lifestyle that included early rising. In Acts 20:7-11 , Paul is described as speaking until midnight and then continuing his journey at daybreak, indicating a readiness to work at all hours.

Theological Implications

The practice of early rising among the apostles can be seen as a reflection of their spiritual priorities. Rising early allowed them to dedicate the first part of their day to God, aligning their hearts and minds with His will. This discipline is consistent with the biblical principle of seeking God first, as seen in Matthew 6:33 : "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."

Practical Application

For believers today, the example of the apostles encourages the practice of early rising as a means of prioritizing spiritual disciplines. By dedicating the early hours to prayer, meditation, and study of Scripture, Christians can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and prepare themselves for the challenges of the day. This practice serves as a reminder of the importance of starting each day with a focus on God's presence and guidance.

Conclusion

The apostles' commitment to early rising underscores their dedication to their mission and their desire to follow the example set by Jesus. This practice remains a valuable discipline for believers seeking to grow in their faith and devotion to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 5:21
And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The First Easter Sunrise
... and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these
things unto the apostles.11. ... That early rising has no setting to follow. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the first easter sunrise.htm

The Rising Storm.
... CHAPTER I THE RISING STORM ... The seeds of future strife were early sown ... Catholic Church,
and desired to revive the simple Christianity of Christ and the Apostles. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter i the rising storm.htm

The Tradition of the Apostles Secured by Other Excellent ...
... and uniform was the relation of the apostles, that those ... and provinces that are visited
by the rising or the ... tradition of the churches in those early times of ...
/.../sect vi the tradition of.htm

A Bird's-Eye view of the Early Church
... A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE EARLY CHURCH. ... part of this Book of the Acts of the Apostles
there are a ... We have brought before us the picture of the rising of some ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a birds-eye view of the.htm

On Redeeming the Time
... which was not only the spirit of Christ and his Apostles, and the ... unfaithfulness,
but,) in order to recover your health and strength, resume your early rising. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 93 on redeeming the.htm

That Diamond had Fallen Fast Asleep is Very Evident from the ...
... He was a great scholar, and was in the habit of rising early. ... How do you come to
be up so early?". "Because the sham Apostles talked such nonsense, they ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 8 that diamond had.htm

Whether it was Fitting that the Disciples Should See Him Rise ...
... Resurrection, according to Acts 4:33: "With great power did the apostles give testimony ...
the contrary, It is written (Mk.16:9): The Lord "rising early the first ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was fitting that 12.htm

The Liturgy of the Blessed Apostles.
... EARLY LITURGIES. ... Make remembrance of prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, bishops,
doctors, priests, deacons, and all the sons of ... He bows, and rising, says ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/the liturgy of the blessed.htm

St. Ignatius (Ad 116)
... that during the forty days between His rising from the ... to the highest order, and
when the Apostles were dead ... One of the most famous among the early bishops was ...
/.../chapter ii st ignatius ad.htm

Christ and his Table-Companions "And when the Hour was Come, He ...
... the believer with Christ, and his rising with his ... household of God, all saints, whether
apostles, pastors, teachers ... the Lord wrought in the early saints cannot ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/christ and his table-companions and.htm