Topical Encyclopedia The term "apostle" originates from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." In the New Testament, apostles are primarily recognized as the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest followers and messengers. Their commission is a foundational element of the early Christian Church, as they were entrusted with spreading the Gospel and establishing the Church's teachings.Commission by Jesus Christ The apostles were directly commissioned by Jesus Christ, who endowed them with authority and responsibility. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives the Great Commission to His apostles, instructing them to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This commission underscores their primary duty to evangelize and teach. Authority to Preach and Heal The apostles were granted authority not only to preach but also to perform miracles as a testament to their divine commission. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus sends out the Twelve, giving them "authority over unclean spirits" (Mark 6:7). This authority was a sign of their divine backing and served to authenticate their message. Witnesses of the Resurrection A critical duty of the apostles was to bear witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Acts 1:22, Peter emphasizes the necessity of choosing a new apostle to replace Judas, stating that the new apostle must be "a witness with us of His resurrection" . The resurrection was central to the apostolic message, serving as the cornerstone of Christian faith. Guardians of Doctrine The apostles were also tasked with safeguarding the doctrine of the early Church. In Acts 2:42, the early believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching" , indicating the apostles' role in establishing and maintaining sound doctrine. Their teachings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, formed the basis of New Testament writings and Christian orthodoxy. Role in Church Leadership The apostles held a unique leadership role within the early Church. They were responsible for appointing leaders, resolving doctrinal disputes, and guiding the Church's growth. In Acts 6:2-4, the apostles address the issue of food distribution by appointing deacons, allowing them to focus on "prayer and the ministry of the word" . This demonstrates their priority in spiritual leadership and governance. Endurance of Persecution The apostles were called to endure persecution for the sake of the Gospel. Jesus forewarned them of the trials they would face, stating, "You will be hated by everyone on account of My name" (Matthew 10:22). Despite facing imprisonment, beatings, and martyrdom, the apostles remained steadfast in their mission, exemplifying the cost of discipleship. Conclusion The duties of the apostles, as commissioned by Jesus Christ, were multifaceted and foundational to the establishment and spread of early Christianity. Their roles as preachers, healers, witnesses, teachers, leaders, and sufferers for the faith were integral to the growth and doctrinal integrity of the Church. Through their faithful execution of these duties, the apostles laid the groundwork for the Christian faith that continues to this day. Nave's Topical Index Luke 24:48And you are witnesses of these things. Nave's Topical Index John 15:27 Acts 1:8,21,22 Acts 2:32 Acts 3:15 Acts 4:33 Acts 5:32 Acts 10:39-41 Acts 13:31 2 Peter 1:16,18 1 John 1:1-3 Library Things Pertaining to the Kingdom. "And this is his Commandment, that we Should Believe on the Name ... Episcopalians. Inspiration and the Canon The Holy Catholic Church. Article xxviii: of Ecclesiastical Power. The Women of the Apostolic Age The Contents. Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. Laboring under Difficulties 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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