Victor Ekpott Ministries, Lagos (2026)

25/05/2026

You Were Created With Purpose

You are not an accident. Your life did not begin by chance, and your existence is not a mistake. Before people knew your name, before your family understood your future, and before the world saw your potential, God already knew you and had a purpose for your life.

In Jeremiah 1:5, God said, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…” This means that your purpose did not begin when people started recognizing you. It began in the heart of God. He formed you intentionally, placed gifts inside you, and assigned meaning to your life.

Sometimes, life’s challenges, delays, mistakes, or the opinions of people may make you feel ordinary or forgotten. But God does not create anything without reason. Every gift, every experience, every season, and even every battle can be used by God to shape you for His purpose.

Walking in purpose begins with understanding that your life belongs to God. You were created to know Him, serve Him, reflect His glory, and become a blessing to others. So do not live carelessly or compare your journey with another person’s journey. God has a unique assignment for you.

Today, walk with confidence. Your life carries divine meaning. You are known by God, loved by God, and created for His purpose.

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee…” — Jeremiah 1:5

Prayer:
Lord, help me discover and walk in Your purpose for my life. Open my eyes to what You have placed inside me, and give me the grace to live for Your glory. Amen.

19/05/2026

The Order of Knowing Him
Main Text: Philippians 3:7–11
John 17:3; Galatians 2:20

Paul’s cry in Philippians 3:10 was not casual. He said, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings…” This shows us that there is a divine order in the believer’s walk with Christ. The first desire is not power. The first desire is not manifestation. The first desire is not even ministry. The first and greatest desire is to know Him.

Many people want the power of His resurrection, but they do not want the process of intimacy. They want victory, breakthrough, spiritual authority, anointing, and visible results, but they have not first settled down to know the Person of Christ. Paul did not say, “That I may have power.” He said, “That I may know Him.” The power comes after the knowing. The deeper the relationship, the purer the flow of power.
To know Christ is more than knowing Bible stories about Him. It is more than knowing doctrines, church language, or spiritual activities. It is a personal, living, daily acquaintance with the Lord Jesus. Jesus Himself said in John 17:3, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Eternal life is not merely endless existence; it is the life of knowing God.

This means Christianity is first a relationship before it is a responsibility. We serve because we know Him. We obey because we love Him. We endure because we have found Him worthy. Any spiritual activity that is not flowing from relationship will eventually become empty, dry, or prideful.

Paul also said in Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” This is the secret of true Christian power. The power of God is not something we manipulate. It is not a force we control. It is the life of Christ working in a surrendered vessel. When Christ lives in a man, His courage, purity, wisdom, love, patience, and strength begin to show through that man.

This is why the order matters. First, we know Him. Then we experience the power of His resurrection. Then we are able to enter the fellowship of His sufferings. Without knowing Him, suffering will look like punishment. But when we know Him, even suffering becomes a place of deeper fellowship. We begin to understand His heart, His sacrifice, His obedience, and His love.

Many believers desire resurrection without death, glory without surrender, victory without intimacy, and authority without brokenness. But Paul understood that the way of Christ cannot be divided. To know the risen Christ is also to know the crucified Christ. The same Jesus who rose in power first humbled Himself unto death.

So the question is not only, “Do I want God to use me?” The deeper question is, “Do I want to know Him?” Not just His hand. Not just His gifts. Not just His power. Not just His blessings. Him.

When knowing Him becomes our highest pursuit, our desires become purified. We stop chasing power for recognition. We stop seeking gifts for personal importance. We stop measuring God’s love only by visible results. Instead, we begin to desire what pleases Him.

His life shapes our character, His Word governs our choices, His Spirit strengthens our courage, and His presence sustains our endurance.

Reflection Question:
Have I desired the power of God more than the Person of God?

18/05/2026

From Transaction to Relationship

Main Text: Philippians 3:10
Supporting Texts: Matthew 6:33; Psalm 27:8

Many believers approach God mainly for what He can do: answers, provision, protection, open doors, healing, and deliverance. While God cares about our needs, the highest call of the believer is not merely to receive from Him but to know Him personally.

Paul had achievements, status, and spiritual credentials, yet his deepest desire was, “That I may know Him.” This teaches us that the Christian life must move from using God to loving God, from seeking His hand to seeking His face.

Prayer should not only be a request desk. Worship should not only be a method to get answers. Scripture should not only be opened to claim promises. God wants fellowship, not mere transaction.

Reflection Question:
Do I seek God more when I need something than when I simply want to be with Him?

Prayer:
Lord, deliver my heart from a transactional relationship with You. Teach me to seek You for who You are, not only for what You can give. Amen.

Practical Step:
Spend 10–20 minutes today with God without asking for anything. Just worship, thank Him, and sit before Him.

15/05/2026

True Loyalty Is Costly
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 23:13–17

Key Lesson: True loyalty is proven by sacrifice, not words alone.

David was in the stronghold while the Philistines had occupied Bethlehem. In a moment of deep longing, David said, “Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” He was not giving a command;

he was expressing a desire from his heart. Yet three of his mighty men heard him and took his longing seriously.
These men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. This was not a simple errand. It was dangerous, risky, and costly. They put their lives on the line because of their love, honor, and loyalty to David. Their action showed that true loyalty does not only speak; it acts.

But when David received the water, he did not drink it. Instead, he poured it out before the Lord. To an ordinary person, this may look wasteful, but spiritually it was an act of worship. David recognized that the water represented the blood, sacrifice, and devotion of those men. It was too sacred to be treated like ordinary water. So he gave it to the Lord.

This teaches us that genuine service must be handled with reverence. When people sacrifice for God’s work, for ministry, for family, or for others, it should not be taken lightly. Sacrifice is precious before God. Every act of sincere devotion carries weight in heaven.

True loyalty is costly. It will cost time, comfort, convenience, pride, energy, and sometimes personal preference. Many people claim loyalty when things are easy, but real loyalty is revealed when there is pressure, danger, or inconvenience. These mighty men did not serve David only when it was comfortable; they served him when it required courage.

In the same way, our loyalty to God must go beyond words. We cannot claim to love the Lord and only serve Him when it is easy. Love that never sacrifices is still immature. There are times when prayer will cost sleep, service will cost convenience, giving will cost comfort, forgiveness will cost pride, and obedience will cost popularity.

The cross shows us the highest picture of costly love. Christ did not love us from a distance; He gave Himself for us. Therefore, those who follow Him must also learn the way of sacrificial love. We serve not to be praised by men, but because God is worthy.
This devotion also reminds us to honor those who stand with us.

David did not abuse the loyalty of his men. He recognized their sacrifice and turned it into worship. Leaders, families, ministries, and friendships become stronger when sacrifice is valued, not exploited.

May our loyalty be more than emotion. May it become obedience. May our love become service. May our sacrifice become worship before the Lord.

Reflection:
Is my service to God based only on convenience, or am I willing to sacrifice because I truly love Him?

Prayer:
Lord, give me a heart that serves with love, humility, and sacrifice. Teach me to honor You with my time, strength, gifts, and obedience. Help me not to offer You only what is easy, but what is sincere and costly. Amen.

14/05/2026

Defend What God Has Given You
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 23:11–12

Key Lesson: What God has entrusted to you is worth guarding.

Shammah, the son of Agee, was one of David’s mighty men. His act of courage was not performed in a palace, on a throne, or in a place that looked important before men. He stood in a field of lentils. To many people, it may have looked like an ordinary farm. But to Shammah, that field was worth defending.

The Bible says the Philistines gathered together into a troop, and the people fled from them. Fear caused many to abandon the field. But Shammah stood in the middle of it, defended it, and struck down the Philistines. Then Scripture gives the true source of the victory: “the Lord brought about a great victory.”

This teaches us that God values faithfulness in small places. A lentil field may not look like much, but it represented provision, inheritance, labor, and responsibility. If the enemy could take the field, he could attack the people’s food, future, and confidence. Shammah understood that what God had given must not be surrendered cheaply.

In life, God also gives us fields to protect. Your field may be your family, your marriage, your children, your ministry, your calling, your integrity, your prayer life, your work, your assignment, or your relationship with God. It may not always look impressive to others, but if God placed it in your hands, it carries value.

Many people run when responsibility becomes difficult. They abandon prayer when it feels dry. They leave service when it becomes inconvenient. They compromise character when pressure increases. But mighty men and women of God do not only fight for public victories; they also defend private assignments.

The enemy often attacks what looks small because he knows small things can carry great destiny. A neglected prayer life can open the door to weakness. A neglected family can create lasting wounds. A neglected calling can delay divine purpose. A neglected character can destroy years of labor.

Shammah reminds us that faithfulness means standing where God has planted us. We must not despise the field because it looks ordinary. Sometimes the place that looks small is the very place where God wants to reveal His power.
Notice that Shammah stood, but the Lord brought the victory. This means our responsibility is obedience; God’s responsibility is the outcome. When we defend what He has entrusted to us, we are not standing alone. Heaven backs faithful obedience.

Do not abandon your field because others have fled. Do not surrender your assignment because it is not celebrated. Do not despise the little place of service. Guard your heart. Guard your home. Guard your calling. Guard your walk with God. What God has given you is precious, and by His strength, it can become the place of great victory.

Reflection:
What “field” has God placed in my hands, and am I guarding it faithfully?

Prayer:
Lord, help me not to despise small assignments. Open my eyes to see the value of what You have entrusted to me. Give me courage to stand when others flee, wisdom to protect my portion, and grace to remain faithful until victory comes. Amen.

12/05/2026

Stand When Others Run

Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 23:9–10
Key Lesson: True courage is standing firm when others withdraw.

Eleazar, the son of Dodo, was one of David’s mighty men. His story is short, but powerful. The Bible records that he stood with David against the Philistines at a time when the men of Israel had retreated. While others stepped back in fear, Eleazar remained in the place of battle. He refused to abandon the fight, and he refused to leave David standing alone.

This teaches us that courage is not the absence of fear; courage is obedience in spite of fear. Eleazar did not wait until the situation became easy. He did not stand because everyone else was standing. He stood because the battle was necessary, and because loyalty demanded it.

The Bible says he fought until his hand became weary and clung to the sword. This picture is very important. His hand holding the sword represents endurance, discipline, and commitment. In the same way, believers must hold tightly to the Word of God when life becomes difficult. There are seasons when prayer feels hard, faith feels tested, and encouragement seems far away. Yet, we must keep holding on.

Eleazar’s victory was not credited to his strength alone. Scripture says, “the Lord brought about a great victory that day.” This means that while Eleazar fought, God was the One who gave the victory. Human faithfulness and divine power worked together. Eleazar stood, but the Lord conquered.

There will be moments in life when others may withdraw. Friends may become discouraged. Support may reduce. People may misunderstand your stand. But if God has assigned you to that place, you must not run because others are running. Stand in truth. Stand in prayer. Stand in righteousness. Stand in your calling. Stand for your family. Stand for the gospel. Stand even when it is not popular.

The kingdom of God needs men and women who will not abandon their spiritual responsibilities because the battle becomes intense. Many victories are lost not because God is weak, but because men leave the field too early. Eleazar reminds us that one faithful person, strengthened by God, can become an instrument of great victory.

Do not drop your sword. Do not leave your place. Do not allow weariness to make you surrender what God has placed in your hands. The Lord still gives victory to those who stand firm in faith.

Reflection:
Where is God asking you to stand firm instead of running away?

Prayer:
Father, strengthen my hands for the battles You have assigned to me. Help me hold firmly to Your Word, even when I am tired or standing alone. Give me courage, endurance, and faith to remain faithful until victory comes. Amen.

11/05/2026

DAVID'S MIGHTY MEN

David’s mighty men were not ordinary soldiers. They were men who stood with David in difficult seasons, fought dangerous battles, and helped establish the kingdom God had promised him. Their lives teach us courage, loyalty, sacrifice, discipline, and faithfulness in the service of God.

God Can Raise Mighty Men from Broken Places

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 22:1–2
David’s first followers were not perfect men. Many were distressed, in debt, and discontented. Yet, under God’s hand and David’s leadership, these men became mighty warriors. This shows that God does not always begin with people who look qualified. He takes the weak, wounded, and rejected, then shapes them for His purpose.

Your present condition does not cancel your future usefulness. The cave may look like a place of hiding, but in God’s plan, it can become a place of training.

Reflection: What area of my life is God using to prepare me?

Prayer: Lord, shape me through every hidden season and make me useful for Your kingdom. Amen.

07/05/2026

Lift Up Your Eyes
Main Text: John 4:35
“Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.”

A greater harvest requires greater vision. We must stop seeing only problems, barriers, weaknesses, and impossibilities, and begin to see people the way Christ sees them. Until our eyes are lifted, our hearts may remain closed to the harvest God has already prepared.

When Jesus said, “Lift up your eyes,” He was not only talking about physical sight. He was speaking about spiritual perception. The disciples were looking at ordinary circumstances, but Jesus was seeing a divine opportunity.

In John 4, Jesus had just ministered to the Samaritan woman at the well. To many Jews of that time, Samaritans were people to be avoided. There was a long history of religious, cultural, and social division between Jews and Samaritans. Yet Jesus did not allow human prejudice to stop divine assignment.
While the disciples were concerned about food, Jesus was concerned about a soul. While others may have seen a woman with a broken past, Jesus saw a vessel who could carry testimony to a whole city.

This is the meaning of greater harvest: seeing beyond what is obvious and recognizing what God is preparing beneath the surface.

1. Jesus Saw Beyond Culture and Barriers
In John 4, Jesus crossed boundaries that many people of His day would not cross. He spoke with a Samaritan. He spoke with a woman publicly. He spoke with someone whose life carried moral brokenness. Yet He did not approach her with condemnation; He approached her with truth, mercy, and purpose.
John 4:7 says:
“A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink.’”
That simple conversation opened the door to a life-changing encounter.
Jesus was showing us that the harvest is often hidden behind barriers. Sometimes those barriers are cultural. Sometimes they are religious. Sometimes they are social. Sometimes they are emotional. Sometimes they are created by the person’s past. But where men see barriers, Christ sees souls.
The church must be careful not to reject the very people God is preparing to save.

2. The Harvest May Be Closer Than We Think
Jesus told His disciples to look at the fields because the harvest was already white. In other words, the opportunity was not far away. It was right before them.
Sometimes we think harvest only means traveling to distant nations or preaching to large crowds. Those things matter, but many times the harvest begins with the people around us.

The Samaritan woman became an evangelistic voice to her city after one encounter with Jesus.
John 4:28–29 says:
“The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, ‘Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?’”
One transformed life became a doorway for many others.
This teaches us that we should never underestimate one person. One person reached by Christ can become a channel through which many others are reached.

3. God Sees Possibility Where Men See Impossibility
Human beings often judge by present condition, but God sees what grace can make out of a life. We see weakness; God sees a witness. We see failure; God sees restoration. We see dry bones; God sees an army.
In Ezekiel 37, the prophet was brought into a valley full of dry bones. Naturally, the situation looked hopeless. The bones were not only dead; they were very dry.
Ezekiel 37:3 says:
“And He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ So I answered, ‘O Lord God, You know.’”
That was a wise answer. Ezekiel knew that with man, the situation was impossible, but with God, possibility still remained.
Then God told him to prophesy to the bones.
Ezekiel 37:4 says:
“Again He said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!’”
When the word of the Lord came, the bones began to come together. Breath entered them, and they stood as an exceeding great army.
This is what happens when God speaks into dead places.
Luke 1:37 says:
“For with God nothing will be impossible.”
So we must not conclude on people too quickly. The person you have written off may be the person God is preparing for a mighty testimony.

4. The Church Must See With Spiritual Eyes
A greater harvest requires the church to see beyond the natural. Natural eyes see behavior, background, appearance, mistakes, and limitations. Spiritual eyes see what God can do through His Word, His Spirit, and His grace.
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:16:
“Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh…”
This is a powerful instruction. We must stop seeing people only by their flesh, their past, their tribe, their weakness, their financial level, their current lifestyle, or their present condition. We must learn to see them as souls.
2 Corinthians 4:6 says:
“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts…”
The same God who brings light out of darkness can bring purpose out of brokenness.

5. Lifted Eyes Produce Compassion and Action
When our eyes are lifted, our hearts become burdened. We cannot truly see the harvest and remain careless. Spiritual vision produces compassion, prayer, witness, and obedience.
In Matthew 9:36, Jesus saw the multitude and was moved with compassion. Vision affected His heart.
Matthew 9:36 says:
“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

The church must ask God for this kind of sight. Not judgmental eyes. Not proud eyes. Not distracted eyes. Not fearful eyes. But the eyes of Christ.
When we see with His eyes, we will pray differently.
We will speak differently.
We will serve differently.
We will evangelize differently.
We will treat people differently.
Greater harvest begins with lifted eyes.

06/05/2026

Lift Up Your Eyes — The Harvest Is Ready The Lord of the Harvest
Matthew 9:37–38

“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

The harvest belongs to God. Souls are not gathered by human strength alone, but by the Lord who owns the field, prepares hearts, opens doors, convicts sinners, empowers witnesses, and sends laborers into His work.

When Jesus looked at the multitudes, He did not only see people moving from place to place. He saw souls. He saw pain, confusion, bo***ge, emptiness, spiritual hunger, and divine possibility. The crowd may have looked ordinary to others, but to Jesus, they were a harvest field.

Before Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plentiful,” the Bible says He was moved with compassion because the people were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.
Matthew 9:36 says:
“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

This means the harvest begins with the heart of Christ. We cannot truly enter into the harvest until we begin to see people the way Jesus sees them. The world may see sinners, failures, addicts, rebels, unbelievers, or difficult people, but Jesus sees souls who can be saved, restored, healed, and brought into the kingdom of God.
The harvest is not first about programs, crusades, church attendance, or numbers. It is about people returning to God through Jesus Christ.

1. God Is the Owner of the Harvest
Jesus called God “the Lord of the harvest.” That means the harvest belongs to Him.
Psalm 24:1 says:
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.”

Every soul belongs to God by creation. Every life is accountable to Him. Every nation, tribe, language, family, and community is under His authority. The harvest field is not owned by pastors, churches, denominations, ministries, or evangelists. The field belongs to God.

This truth removes pride from ministry. We do not own the people. We do not save the people. We do not manipulate the people. We are servants in another Man’s field.
Paul understood this when he said:
1 Corinthians 3:6–7

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.”
One person may preach. Another may pray. Another may disciple. Another may encourage. Another may invite. But God is the One who gives the increase.
So, in the work of harvest, we must remain humble. We labor faithfully, but we depend completely on God.
2. The Harvest Is Plentiful
Jesus did not say the harvest is small. He said, “The harvest truly is plentiful.”

That means there are people who are ready to be reached. There are hearts God is already preparing. There are people who may look hardened outwardly but are secretly hungry inwardly. There are people carrying questions, pain, guilt, fear, emptiness, and burdens that only Christ can answer.
In John 4:35, Jesus said:
“Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.”

Sometimes the church’s problem is not that there is no harvest. The problem is that our eyes are not lifted. We are often looking at our limitations, our small strength, our lack of resources, or the hardness of society. But Jesus says, “Lift up your eyes.”
The harvest may be in your family.
The harvest may be in your workplace.

The harvest may be among your friends.
The harvest may be in your choir, your school, your neighborhood, or your city.
The harvest may be among people you have already concluded cannot change.
But no life is too broken for Christ to restore.
Luke 19:10 says:
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Jesus is still seeking. Jesus is still saving. Jesus is still calling men and women out of darkness into His marvelous light.

3. The Need Is Laborers
Jesus identified the problem clearly:
“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”
The problem is not that God is unwilling to save. The problem is not that the gospel has lost power. The problem is not that the blood of Jesus is insufficient. The problem is that many believers are unavailable for the work.
There are many spectators, but few laborers.

Many critics, but few intercessors.
Many churchgoers, but few witnesses.
Many who want blessing, but few who carry burden.
Many who want harvest, but few who are willing to enter the field.
A laborer is not just someone with a title. A laborer is someone available to God.

You may not be a pastor, but you can witness.
You may not hold a microphone, but you can pray.
You may not travel to nations, but you can support missions.
You may not preach to thousands, but you can speak to one soul.
You may not know everything in Scripture, but you can tell someone what Christ has done for you.
Isaiah 6:8 says:

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”
The Lord is still looking for available men and women. The harvest does not only need talented people; it needs surrendered people.

4. Prayer Is the First Response
It is very important to notice what Jesus said first. He did not first say, “Go and organize.” He did not first say, “Go and strategize.” He said:
“Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest…”

Prayer is the first response because the harvest is spiritual before it is visible. Souls are not gathered by human wisdom alone. Hearts must be opened. Strongholds must be broken. Laborers must be stirred. Doors must be opened. The Word must be empowered. The Spirit of God must move.

Zechariah 4:6 says:
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
A true harvest movement must be born in prayer. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s heart. Prayer gives us compassion. Prayer removes fear. Prayer prepares the field. Prayer releases boldness. Prayer makes the church sensitive to divine direction.
Before Pentecost, the disciples prayed. Then the Holy Spirit came, Peter preached, and about three thousand souls were saved.
Acts 2:41 says:
“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.”
That is what happens when prayer, the Word, and the power of God meet prepared hearts.

5. We Must Pray to Be Sent, Not Just Blessed
Many times, our prayers are centered only on personal needs:
“Lord, bless me.”
“Lord, help me.”
“Lord, provide for me.”
“Lord, open doors for me.”

These prayers are not wrong. God cares for His children. But the mature believer must also pray:
“Lord, use me.”
“Lord, send me.”
“Lord, make me a vessel.”
“Lord, give me burden for souls.”
“Lord, make my life fruitful for Your kingdom.”

The harvest is not only something we pray to receive; it is something we pray to participate in.
Jesus said we should ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers. And sometimes, when we pray that prayer sincerely, God begins by sending us.

Reflection
Am I only asking God for blessings, or am I also asking Him to use me as a laborer in His field?
Do I see people with the compassion of Christ, or have I become careless toward the lost?
Am I available to pray, witness, invite, disciple, give, and serve?

The harvest belongs to God.
The field is ready.
The need is urgent.
The Lord is calling.
The church must arise.
Do not be a spectator in the season of harvest. Be a laborer. Let your heart be touched, your eyes be opened, your knees be strengthened in prayer, and your hands made ready for service.

01/05/2026

Different Perspectives on Doctrine — Jews, Pharisees, and the Apostles

Key Scriptures
Acts 2:36–41, Acts 4:1–12, Acts 5:27–32, Acts 15:1–11, Acts 23:6–8, John 3:1–7, Matthew 15:1–9

After the resurrection, doctrine became a serious matter because people had to answer one major question: Who is Jesus? The Jewish leaders, the Pharisees, and the apostles all had different responses to this question.

1. The Jewish Perspective
The first believers were Jews. Jesus was Jewish. The apostles were Jewish. The church began in Jerusalem among Jewish people. So Christianity did not begin as a foreign religion against the Jews. It began as the fulfillment of what God had promised through the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms.
Peter preached to Jews in Acts 2 and said:

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Acts 2:36

Many Jews believed. About three thousand were added to the church that day.

However, many Jewish leaders rejected the message because they could not accept that Jesus, who was crucified, was truly the Messiah. To them, the Messiah was expected to bring national deliverance, political strength, and visible victory. The cross looked like weakness and shame.

Paul explained this tension:
“We preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block…”
1 Corinthians 1:23

The apostles taught that the cross was not failure. It was God’s plan for redemption. Jesus did not come first to overthrow Rome; He came to overthrow sin, death, and the works of darkness.

2. The Pharisees’ Perspective
The Pharisees were a strict religious group within Judaism. They believed in the Law, resurrection, angels, and spirits. In this way, they were different from the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection.
Acts 23:8 says:

“For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.”
Paul himself had been a Pharisee:
“I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged.”
Acts 23:6

But many Pharisees resisted Jesus because He exposed the emptiness of outward religion without inward transformation. They valued tradition, public righteousness, and strict religious observance, but Jesus confronted the condition of the heart.
He said:

“These people draw near to Me with their mouth… but their heart is far from Me.”
Matthew 15:8

Yet not all Pharisees rejected Christ completely. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, came to Jesus in John 3. Jesus told him:
“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3
This shows that the issue was not simply religious knowledge. A person could know the Law and still need spiritual rebirth.

3. The Apostolic Perspective
The apostles preached that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Scriptures. They did not reject the Old Testament. They showed that Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms pointed to Christ.
Jesus Himself said:

“All things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”
Luke 24:44

The apostles’ doctrine centered on these truths:
Jesus is the promised Messiah.
Jesus died for sins.
Jesus rose bodily from the dead.
Jesus is exalted as Lord.
Salvation comes through repentance and faith in Him.
The Holy Spirit empowers the church for witness.
Jesus will return in glory.
Peter declared:

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12

4. The Early Doctrinal Conflict
As the church grew, doctrinal questions arose. One major issue was whether Gentile believers must keep the Law of Moses to be saved.
In Acts 15, some taught:

“Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
Acts 15:1

The apostles gathered to address the matter. Peter made it clear that salvation is by grace:

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved…”
Acts 15:11

This shows that doctrine mattered from the beginning. The early church had to protect the gospel from confusion.

The difference between the apostles and many religious leaders was not that the apostles had no respect for Scripture. Rather, the apostles saw Christ as the fulfillment of Scripture. They preached not religion without life, but salvation through the crucified and risen Lord.

Reflection
Do I know doctrine only as religious information, or has truth transformed my heart?
Am I holding to Scripture above tradition and personal opinion?
Do I see Jesus as the center of all biblical truth?

Prayer
Father, open my understanding to Your Word. Deliver me from empty religion, pride, and tradition without truth. Let Christ be formed in me, and let my life bear witness to the gospel with clarity, grace, and power. Amen.

Victor Ekpott Ministries

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