Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the inspiration of the apostles is foundational to understanding the authority and authenticity of the New Testament writings. The apostles, chosen by Jesus Christ, were endowed with the Holy Spirit to teach, preach, and write with divine authority. This inspiration ensured that their teachings and writings were not merely human opinions but were guided by God Himself.Divine Commissioning and Authority The apostles were directly commissioned by Jesus Christ, who endowed them with authority to carry out His mission. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells His disciples, "As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you" (John 20:21). This commissioning was accompanied by the promise of the Holy Spirit, who would guide them into all truth. Jesus assured them, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you" (John 14:26). Inspiration by the Holy Spirit The role of the Holy Spirit in inspiring the apostles is crucial. The Book of Acts records the fulfillment of Jesus' promise when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles at Pentecost, empowering them to speak with authority and boldness (Acts 2:1-4). This event marked the beginning of their inspired ministry, as they proclaimed the gospel and laid the foundation of the early Church. The apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently emphasizes the divine origin of his message. In his letter to the Galatians, he asserts, "I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:12). This underscores the belief that the apostles' teachings were not derived from human wisdom but were divinely revealed. Scriptural Authority The writings of the apostles, as part of the New Testament canon, are considered inspired Scripture. The apostle Peter acknowledges the writings of Paul as Scripture, equating them with the other sacred texts: "He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16). This recognition of apostolic writings as Scripture affirms their divine inspiration and authority. Role in the Early Church The apostles' inspired teachings were foundational for the doctrine and practice of the early Church. Acts 2:42 notes that the early believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." The apostles' teachings, preserved in their writings, continue to serve as the doctrinal basis for Christian faith and practice. Conclusion The inspiration of the apostles is a testament to the divine guidance and authority bestowed upon them by Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. Their teachings and writings, as part of the New Testament, are considered authoritative Scripture, providing the foundation for Christian doctrine and life. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 10:27What I tell you in darkness, that speak you in light: and what you hear in the ear, that preach you on the housetops. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 16:17-19 Luke 24:45 Acts 1:2 Acts 13:9 Library Apostolic Inspiration. Inspiration and the Canon Inspiration. The Acts of the Apostles A Refutation of those who Allege that the Prophets Uttered Some ... Refutation of Basilides, and of the Opinion that the Prophets ... The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prophets and Apostles. Christ Appears to Peter; and to the Rest of the Apostles, Except ... Unity of Apostolic Teaching. The Character of the New Testament Scripture. Resources What is an apostle? | GotQuestions.orgIs apostolic succession biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is apostolic doctrine? | 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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