New Instructions Received
The phrase "new instructions received" does not appear as a technical theological term in Christian doctrine, but the concept of receiving divine instruction runs throughout Scripture and tradition. The biblical witness presents instruction as both a gift from God and a human responsibility, mediated through various channels across redemptive history.
Biblical Foundation
Scripture uses multiple terms for receiving instruction. The Hebrew Scriptures speak of observing and receiving instruction through attentive reflection: "I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction" [2]. Job describes revelation coming through whispered communication: "Now a thing was secretly brought to me. My ear received a whisper of it" [3]. In the New Testament, Jesus frames his commandments as explicitly new: "A newe commandement giue I vnto you, that ye loue one another: as I haue loued you" [1]. This newness does not abolish prior instruction but fulfills and intensifies it.
Modes of Reception
Christian tradition identifies distinct dispensations through which instruction comes. Aquinas distinguishes the Old Law's pedagogical structure—where "the reception of knowledge or understanding, is by means of teaching and learning, and both are prescribed in the Law" [8]—from the New Law's sacramental economy. Under the new covenant, Christ "of Himself instituted the sacraments whereby we obtain grace: viz. Baptism, Eucharist, Orders of the ministers of the New Law" [4]. The apostolic promise of the Spirit ensured infallible transmission: Christ "promised them the Holy Spirit, who should bring all things to their remembrance, and render them infallible in teaching" [6].
Transmission and Response
The early church understood instruction as something received and then communicated. The Epistle of Barnabas opens with thanksgiving for "the engrafted spiritual gift" that believers "have with such effect received" [5]. This pattern of reception-and-transmission appears in catechetical contexts where converts testify: "I have been instructed as I wished and desired... I have drunk in with all my heart what you have spoken" [7]. The emphasis falls not merely on intellectual assent but on heart-level appropriation that transforms conduct and preserves orthodoxy across generations.
Sources
- John “John 13:34 (Geneva1599) — A newe commandement giue I vnto you, that ye loue one another: as I haue loued you, that ye also loue one another.”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 24:32 (BSB) — I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction:”
- Job ““Now a thing was secretly brought to me. My ear received a whisper of it. -- Job 4:12”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, First Part of the Second Part (Prima Secundae), Of Those Things That Are Contained in the New Law, Art. 2: Article: Whether the New Law made sufficient ordinations about external acts? I answer that, as stated above (Article [1]), the New Law had to make such prescriptions or prohibitions alone as are essential for the reception or right use of grace. And since we cannot of ourselves obtain grace, but through Christ alone, hence Christ of Himself instituted the sacraments whereby we obtain grace: viz. Baptism, Eucharist, Orders of the ministers of the New Law, by th”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 1: Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas, Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus — CHAP. I.--AFTER THE SALUTATION, THE WRITER DECLARES THAT HE WOULD COMMUNICATE TO HIS BRETHREN SOMETHING OF THAT WHICH HE HAD HIMSELF RECEIVED.: All hail, ye sons and daughters, in the name of our Lord(1) Jesus Christ, who loved us in peace. Seeing that the divine fruits(3) of righteousness abound among you, I rejoice exceedingly and above measure in your happy and honoured spirits, because ye have with such effect received the engrafted(4) spiritual gift. Wherefore also I inwardly rejoice the more, hoping to be”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 1, section 41: those writings which were penned under the dispensation of the Spirit. Besides, the inspiration of the Apostles is proved, (1.) From the fact that Christ promised them the Holy Spirit, who should bring all things to their remembrance, and render them infallible in teaching. It is not you, He said, that speak, but the Spirit of my Father speaketh in you. He that heareth you heareth me. He forbade them to enter upon their office as teachers until they were endued with power from on high. (2) This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecos”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 8: Twelve Patriarchs, Excerpts, Epistles, Apocrypha, Decretals — CHAP. XVIII.--HIS PROFITING BY PETER'S INSTRUCTION.: To this I answered: "I give thanks to God Almighty, because I have been instructed as I wished and desired. At all events, you may depend upon me so far, that I can never come to doubt of those things which I have learned of you; so that even if you yourself should at any time wish to transfer my faith from the true Prophet, you should not be able, because I have drunk in with all my heart what you have spoken. And that you may not think that I am promising you a great ”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part (Secunda Secundae), Of the Precepts of Faith, Knowledge, and Understanding, Art. 2: Article: Whether the precepts referring to knowledge and understanding were fittingly set down in the Old Law? I answer that, Three things may be considered in relation to knowledge and understanding: first, the reception thereof; secondly, the use; and thirdly, their preservation. Now the reception of knowledge or understanding, is by means of teaching and learning, and both are prescribed in the Law. For it is written (Dt. 6:6): "These words which I co”