Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "accredited" refers to being officially recognized or authorized, often by God, as having a particular status or authority. This concept is significant in understanding how God validates His messengers, leaders, and the message of the Gospel.Divine Accreditation of Jesus Christ One of the most profound examples of accreditation in the Bible is the divine endorsement of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. In Acts 2:22, the Apostle Peter addresses the crowd at Pentecost, saying, "Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know" . Here, Peter emphasizes that Jesus' miraculous works served as divine accreditation, affirming His identity and mission. Accreditation of Apostles and Prophets The apostles and prophets were also accredited by God to carry out their ministries. In 2 Corinthians 12:12, Paul defends his apostleship by stating, "The true marks of an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance" . These supernatural acts served as evidence of God's endorsement of Paul's apostolic authority. Similarly, the Old Testament prophets were accredited by God through the fulfillment of their prophecies and the power of their messages. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 provides a test for a true prophet: "You may ask in your heart, 'How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?' When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken" . This passage underscores the importance of divine accreditation through fulfilled prophecy. Accreditation of Believers Believers, too, are accredited by God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which serves as a seal of their salvation and a mark of their identity in Christ. Ephesians 1:13-14 states, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory" . The Holy Spirit's presence in a believer's life is a form of divine accreditation, affirming their status as children of God. Accreditation in the Early Church In the early church, accreditation was also important for maintaining doctrinal purity and unity. The Jerusalem Council, as described in Acts 15, serves as an example of how the early church leaders sought to accredit the teachings and practices that aligned with the Gospel. The council's decision, guided by the Holy Spirit, was communicated to the Gentile believers, affirming their inclusion in the faith without the burden of adhering to the full Mosaic Law. Conclusion The concept of accreditation in the Bible highlights the importance of divine endorsement and validation. Whether through miracles, fulfilled prophecies, or the presence of the Holy Spirit, God's accreditation serves to affirm the authority and authenticity of His messengers and their message. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Accredit.Library Patience Both Antecedent and Subsequent to Faith. 1 John iii. 23 1 John v. 11, 12 Wesley Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved. The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... Acts i. 1, 2 Prefatory Note Introductory Note to the Martyrdom of Ignatius Dr. Tatlock's Address. Thesaurus Accredited (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Accredit. Multi-Version Concordance Accredited (1 Occurrence). Acts 2:22 "Listen, Israelites, to what I say. ... /a/accredited.htm - 6k Mediation Mediator (7 Occurrences) Israelites (468 Occurrences) Envoy (5 Occurrences) Dye (1 Occurrence) Dyeing Marvels (21 Occurrences) Preaching (116 Occurrences) Contribution (24 Occurrences) Resources Does God still perform miracles? | GotQuestions.orgIn what way was John the Baptist the greatest (Matthew 11:11)? | GotQuestions.org Are the miraculous gifts of the Spirit for today? | GotQuestions.org Accredited: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Accredited (1 Occurrence)Acts 2:22 Subtopics Related Terms |