Topical Encyclopedia The term "apostle" is derived from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." In the New Testament, this title is primarily used to refer to the twelve disciples whom Jesus Christ personally selected and commissioned to spread His teachings and establish the early Church. The role of an apostle was foundational in the establishment of Christian doctrine and the spread of the Gospel.Selection and Commissioning The selection of the apostles is a significant event in the Gospels. According to the Berean Standard Bible, Jesus called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles (Luke 6:13). These men were chosen not only to be close companions of Jesus but also to be the primary witnesses of His life, death, and resurrection. The apostles were given authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons, as seen in Matthew 10:1: "Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness." The Twelve Apostles The names of the twelve apostles are listed in several passages, including Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, and Luke 6:14-16. They are: Simon Peter, James the son of Zebedee, John the brother of James, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (also known as Judas the son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus. Role and Authority The apostles were entrusted with the task of laying the foundation of the Church. Ephesians 2:20 describes the Church as "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." Their teachings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, became the basis for Christian doctrine and practice. The apostles were also responsible for the ordination of new leaders and the establishment of church order, as seen in Acts 6:3-6, where they appointed deacons to assist in the ministry. Witnesses of the Resurrection A key qualification for apostleship was being a witness to the resurrection of Jesus. In Acts 1:21-22, Peter emphasizes the necessity of choosing a replacement for Judas Iscariot from among those who had been with Jesus from the beginning and had witnessed His resurrection. This requirement underscores the apostles' role as primary witnesses to the central event of the Christian faith. Paul: An Apostle to the Gentiles While the original twelve apostles were primarily focused on the Jewish population, the apostle Paul was uniquely called to be the apostle to the Gentiles. Although not one of the original twelve, Paul’s apostleship is affirmed by his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6) and his subsequent commissioning by Jesus. Paul’s letters, which form a significant portion of the New Testament, reflect his authority and role as an apostle, as he often begins his epistles by asserting his apostleship (e.g., Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:1). Legacy and Succession The apostles' legacy is evident in the continued growth and expansion of the Church. Their teachings, preserved in the New Testament, continue to guide Christian belief and practice. The concept of apostolic succession, the belief that church authority is derived from the apostles through a continuous line of bishops, is a significant aspect of ecclesiology in many Christian traditions. In summary, the apostles were pivotal figures in the early Church, chosen by Christ to be His messengers and witnesses. Their unique role and authority were instrumental in the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of Christian communities throughout the ancient world. Nave's Topical Index Luke 6:13And when it was day, he called to him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Nave's Topical Index Library Humility. The Extension of the Church Throughout the World Appendix ii. Conflation and the So-Called Neutral Text. The Lame Man Cured by Peter and John. The Influences that Produced the New Testament Against Heresies Messiah's Innocence vindicated The Canon from Semler to the Present Time, with Reflections on Its ... On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ... Daniel's Band Resources Does the Bible record the death of the apostles? How did each of the apostles die? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the super-apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:5? | GotQuestions.org What are the Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Apostles: A Title Distinguishing the Twelve Disciples Apostles: Authority of Commission of, Above Apostles: Duties of Commission of, Above, Apostles: Fail to Comprehend the Nature and Mission of Jesus Apostles: Miraculous Power Given To Apostles: Moral State of, Before Pentecost Apostles: Slow to Receive Jesus, As Messiah The Apostles were Hated by the World The Apostles were not of the World The Apostles were Unlearned Men The Apostles: Called by Christ The Apostles: Called by The Holy Spirit The Apostles: Christ Always Present With The Apostles: Christ Pre-Eminently Called "The Apostle" The Apostles: Empowered to Work Miracles The Apostles: Equal Authority Given to Each of The Apostles: Guided by the Spirit Into all Truth The Apostles: Humility Urged Upon The Apostles: Instructed by the Spirit to Answer Adversaries The Apostles: Mutual Love Urged Upon The Apostles: Ordained by Christ The Apostles: Persecutions and Sufferings of The Apostles: Received Their Title from Christ The Apostles: Saw Christ in the Flesh The Apostles: Selected from Obscure Stations The Apostles: Self-Denial Urged Upon The Apostles: Sent First to the House of Israel The Apostles: Sent to Preach the Gospel to all Nations The Apostles: Specially Devoted to the office of the Ministry The Apostles: The Holy Spirit Given To The Apostles: Warned Against a Timid Profession of Christ The Apostles: Witnesses of the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ Related Terms |
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