The first recorded preaching in the apostolic era is found in the book of Acts, chapters 2 until 15. The dominant messages preached are by the apostle Peter. His messages can be summarized as using Old Testament scriptures to point to Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Prince and Savior of Israel, who is sent of God to turn Israel from their sins, and enable those who obey God by believing in Jesus, to receive the Holy Spirit.
When Paul is recorded in Acts chapter 13 with his first sermon, in Antioch of Pisidia, Paul summarizes his message as Jesus Christ being the fulfillment of the Scriptures, as the One sent by God through Whom forgiveness of sins is preached. In addition, the apostle Paul then, instead of continuing to echo the gift of the Holy Spirit as part of the package of redemption to be found in Jesus Christ, highlights 'justification', in almost the same terms as the apostle Peter highlights the former.
As such, my own research is bringing me to a point where I am beginning to see the inextricability of the message of justification by grace through faith in Christ alone, and the giving of the Holy Spirit, all contained in the glorious message of redemption, all within the context of 'union with Christ!'
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