Meaning: The quote by Martin Chemnitz, a prominent theologian of the 16th century, reflects on the transmission of Christian doctrine from the time of Christ and the apostles to the early church. Chemnitz emphasizes the oral delivery of this doctrine by the apostles before it was later recorded in writing as the Scriptures. This understanding sheds light on the process of how the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles were initially communicated and eventually documented in the form of the New Testament.

In the quote, Chemnitz refers to the doctrine of Christ and the apostles, which encompasses the core beliefs and teachings of Christianity as passed down from the early church. This doctrine forms the foundation of the faith of the primitive church, serving as the basis for Christian theology and practice. Chemnitz highlights the oral transmission of this doctrine by the apostles, indicating that in the early stages of the church, the teachings of Christ were primarily communicated verbally rather than through written texts.

The initial oral delivery of the doctrine by the apostles is a significant aspect of Christian history and tradition. It underscores the direct personal interaction between the apostles and the early Christian communities, where the teachings of Jesus Christ were shared through preaching, instruction, and dialogue. This oral tradition played a vital role in shaping the beliefs and practices of the early church, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding among believers.

As Chemnitz notes, the apostles later documented the doctrine in writing, not by human counsel but by the will of God. This reflects the belief that the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit were instrumental in the process of recording the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The Scriptures, which encompass the books of the New Testament, are regarded as the written record of this divine revelation, serving as the authoritative source of Christian doctrine and faith.

The transition from oral tradition to written documentation of the Christian doctrine is a pivotal development in the history of Christianity. It marks the shift from the immediate presence and teaching of the apostles to the preservation of their teachings in written form. The Scriptures, as mentioned by Chemnitz, represent the culmination of this process, providing a lasting and accessible record of the foundational beliefs and truths of the Christian faith.

Furthermore, the quote highlights the divine nature of the Scriptures, emphasizing that their transmission was not guided by human deliberation but by the will of God. This perspective aligns with the traditional Christian understanding of the Bible as the inspired word of God, infallible and authoritative in matters of faith and practice. The recognition of the Scriptures as the product of divine will underscores their significance as a sacred and timeless guide for believers.

In conclusion, Martin Chemnitz's quote illuminates the historical and theological significance of the transmission of Christian doctrine from the apostolic era to the early church. It underscores the initial oral delivery of the doctrine by the apostles, followed by its divine preservation in the Scriptures. This understanding contributes to the broader narrative of the development of Christian theology and the enduring impact of the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles on the faith and practice of the church.