15 Reasons Why the Body of Christ Could Not Have Begun in Acts 2

Notes by Bob Andersen

Below is the set of notes from this lesson. Its purpose is simply to enhance the teaching sessions that were presented in person and recorded. Please call (847) 894-2893 for information on how you can obtain a tape or CD.

“Traditional” teaching holds that the church, the Body of Christ, began in Acts 2. Does this hold up to scriptural scrutiny? The Greek word translated “church” is simply a generic word meaning “called out ones” and context must tell you who is being referred to. For example, Acts 7:38 speaks of the “church in the wilderness,” yet no one argues that this is referring to the Body of Christ. Thus, what saith the Lord? Study the following and see for yourself why the Body of Christ could not have begun in Acts chapter 2. We believe it began with the conversion of Paul in Acts 9.

1. The events of Acts 2/Pentecost are clearly prophesied, foretold “since the world began.” The Body of Christ was “kept secret since the world began” – these cannot be the same programs. Acts 2:16, 3:21,24; Ephesians 3:1-9; Romans 16:25

2. The “church” in Acts 2 was already in existence – it was not new. Peter and the 11 were preaching about the “last days” of kingdom church, which started in Matthew 3 with John’s preaching, not the “first days” of the Body of Christ. They were all together (already) in Acts 2:1 and they added members in Acts 2:41,47. Peter had the keys to this church and was enlightened – Matt 16:15-19, John 20:23 – so he knew what he was doing.

3. At Pentecost, Israel was not yet set aside and alienated, as it had to be before the Body of Christ could begin. Acts 2:14, 22,36; Romans 11:11-15,32; Eph 2:11-12

4. The “wall of partition” is clearly still up at Pentecost, and remains so until at least Acts 9. It is down after the formation of the Body – no difference between Jew/Greek. Acts 2:14,22,36; 3:12,13,25 cf I Cor 10:17; Gal 3:28; Eph 2:14

5. At Pentecost, there are still those “afar off” (scattered Jews, not Gentiles), whereas in The Body, those “far off” are now near. Jeremiah 46:27; Daniel 9:7; Acts 2:39; Eph 2:13-17.

6. Israel’s kingdom is offered to her for the first and only time in Acts 3:18-21 – this offer could not have been made if the Body had started.

7. At Pentecost, kingdom program believers were still under the law, and correctly continued to observe it late into the book of Acts. The church, the Body of Christ, is not under law. Acts 21:20-25, 22:12; cf Romans 6:14, Gal 3:23-25. Are you under law today?

8. At Pentecost, there was a different view of the cross – it was a negative for Israel – see Acts 2:23-24,36, 3:13-15. To us in the Body, the cross is a great thing! I Cor 1:18, 15:1-4; Gal 6:14 (Later, Hebrews teaches Israel the benefits of the cross to the nation)

9. At Pentecost, there was a different gospel – “repent and be baptized”, believing that Christ was the Son of God/the Messiah, whereas for the Body, it is “believe” only, in the substitutionary death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Mark 16:16, Acts 8:37, Acts 2:38; cf Acts 16:31, I Cor 15:1-4.

10. At Pentecost, there was a different economic order – they sold their possessions and gave alms as required. In the Body, we are to work for a living and lay up for our children. Luke 12:33, Acts 2:44-45, 4:32. cf I Thess 4:11-12, I Tim 5:8, II Cor 12:14. If you believe the Body began in Acts 2, have you sold your possessions and given alms?

11. At Pentecost, there was a different religious order - Pentecost was a regular Jewish feast day, part of the God ordained redemptive calendar in Israel. Also, they properly continued to worship in the temple. In the Body, there are no special days. Leviticus 23, Acts 2:1 cf Gal 4:9-11, Col 2:16-17.

12. At Pentecost, there was a different baptism – water baptism - central to Peter’s kingdom gospel. In Paul’s gospel for the Body, water baptism was not a part. Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; cf I Cor 1:17; This water baptism was not a public testimony (see Acts 8:27-40 – Philip baptized the eunuch alongside the road with no fanfare, no crowds).

13. Not only are the baptisms different, but there are two distinct baptisms in Acts 2 verses only one for the Body of Christ. Israel needed water baptism because they are a kingdom of priests and priests needed to be washed (water baptism) and anointed (Holy Spirit baptism). Matt 3:11, Acts 2:4, Acts 2:38; cf I Cor 12:12-13, Eph 4:5 (one means one; are there two Lords?)

14. There is absolutely no evidence that Peter and the 11 were ignorant, bigoted, uninformed or out of the will of God in Acts 2 when they ignored Gentiles, for they were filled with the Spirit of God and God worked mightily through them. They knew God’s program for them – kingdom! Luke 24:45, John 20:22, Acts 2:4, Gal 2:7-8 (here they learn Paul’s new revelation and agree to confine their ministry to the little flock)

15. The steward/head/prototype of the Body/Dispensation of Grace was not even saved until Acts 9! Acts 9:1-6, Gal 1:11-12, 2:6-9, Eph 3:1-8, Col 1:24-29, I Tim 1:11-16 (“chief” means prototype – the first, i.e., the first sinner to be saved in this new program)