Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, the concept of justice is intricately woven into the teachings and actions of the apostles. Justice, as understood in the biblical context, is rooted in the character of God and His righteous standards. The apostles, as the primary messengers of the Gospel, were tasked with upholding and disseminating these divine principles of justice.Apostolic Teaching on Justice The apostles consistently emphasized justice as a fundamental aspect of Christian living. In the Book of Acts, the early church is depicted as a community committed to justice and equity. Acts 4:34-35 states, "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This passage highlights the apostles' role in ensuring that resources were distributed fairly, reflecting God's justice in the community. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently addressed issues of justice. In Romans 13:1-7 , Paul discusses the role of governing authorities, asserting that they are "God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." Here, Paul acknowledges the importance of civil justice while reminding believers that ultimate justice is administered by God. Justice in Apostolic Actions The apostles not only taught about justice but also demonstrated it through their actions. In Acts 6:1-7 , the apostles addressed a complaint from the Hellenistic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles responded by appointing seven men, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to ensure fair distribution. This decision reflects their commitment to justice and equity within the church. Peter, in his interactions, also exemplified justice. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision that leads him to understand that God shows no partiality. This revelation prompts him to visit Cornelius, a Gentile, and share the Gospel, breaking down ethnic barriers and promoting justice and equality in the early church. Justice and Apostolic Authority The apostles were endowed with authority to establish and maintain justice within the church. In 1 Corinthians 5:3-5 , Paul exercises his apostolic authority to address immorality in the Corinthian church, instructing them to expel the wrongdoer to preserve the community's purity and justice. This action underscores the apostles' responsibility to uphold God's standards of justice within the church. Justice and the Apostolic Message The message of the apostles was inherently tied to the justice of God. The Gospel itself is a proclamation of divine justice, where God's righteousness is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. In Romans 3:21-26 , Paul articulates that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights the justice of God in providing a means of salvation that is both just and merciful. The apostles, through their teachings and actions, consistently pointed to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's justice. In 1 Peter 2:24 , Peter writes, "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness." This sacrificial act of Christ is the cornerstone of apostolic teaching on justice, demonstrating God's perfect justice and love. In summary, the apostles played a crucial role in articulating and exemplifying the biblical concept of justice. Through their teachings, actions, and the authority given to them by Christ, they laid the foundation for a just and equitable community that reflects the righteousness of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Thessalonians 2:10You are witnesses, and God also, how piously and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you that believe: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Glory of the Doctors and Confessors. He Leadeth Me in the Paths of Justice for his Name's Sake. The Teaching of the Apostles. Here is the Sum of My Examination Before Justice Keelin, Justice ... Erroneous Opinions Imputed to the Apostles. After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles. For There were Even in the Apostles' Times Some who Preached the ... The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache Introductory Notice to Constitutions of the Holy Apostles. The Glory of the Martyrs. Resources What does it mean that God is just? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is ultimate reconciliation? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about injustice? | GotQuestions.org Justice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Justice: Brings Its own Reward Justice: Christ, an Example of Justice: General Scriptures Concerning Justice: God: Displeased With the Want of Justice: God: Gives Wisdom to Execute Justice: God: Sets the Highest Value On Justice: Saints should Always Do Justice: Saints should Pray for Wisdom to Execute Justice: Saints should Receive Instruction In Justice: Saints should Study the Principles of Justice: Saints should Take Pleasure in Doing Justice: Saints should Teach Others to Do Justice: Specially Required in Rulers Justice: The Wicked: Afflict Those Who Act With Justice: The Wicked: Call not For Justice: The Wicked: Pass Over Justice: To be Done in Buying and Selling Justice: To be Done in Executing Judgment Justice: To be Done: To Servants Justice: To be Done: To the Fatherless and Widows Justice: To be Done: To the Poor The Justice of God is a Part of his Character The Justice of God: Acknowledge The Justice of God: Declared to be without Respect of Persons The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Impartial The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Incomparable The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Incorruptible The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Plenteous The Justice of God: Declared to Be: The Habitation of his Throne The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Undeviating The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Unfailing The Justice of God: Denied by the Ungodly The Justice of God: Exhibited in all his Ways The Justice of God: Exhibited in Forgiving Sins The Justice of God: Exhibited in His Government The Justice of God: Exhibited in His Judgments The Justice of God: Exhibited in Redemption The Justice of God: Exhibited in The Final Judgment The Justice of God: Not to be Sinned Against Related Terms |
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