Topical Encyclopedia The selection of the apostles is a significant event in the New Testament, marking the establishment of the foundational leaders of the early Christian Church. The term "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." The apostles were chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest followers and to carry out His mission on earth.Selection by Jesus Christ The selection of the apostles is primarily recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In the Gospel of Luke, the process is described with particular detail. Before choosing the apostles, Jesus spent the night in prayer, seeking divine guidance. Luke 6:12-13 states, "In those days, Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles." This passage highlights the importance of prayer and divine direction in the selection process. Jesus did not make this decision lightly; instead, He sought the will of the Father, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the apostles' role. The Twelve Apostles The twelve apostles chosen by Jesus were Simon (whom He named Peter), Andrew (Peter's brother), James the son of Zebedee, John (James's brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus (Luke 6:14-16). Each of these men came from diverse backgrounds, yet they were united in their calling to follow Christ and spread His teachings. Peter, James, and John formed an inner circle, often witnessing events that the other apostles did not, such as the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-3). Criteria and Characteristics The selection of the apostles was not based on human standards of wisdom or social status. Instead, Jesus chose individuals who were willing to leave everything behind to follow Him. The apostles were ordinary men, including fishermen and a tax collector, demonstrating that God often chooses the humble and the lowly to fulfill His purposes (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). The apostles were given authority by Jesus to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Mark 3:14-15). This authority was a testament to their divine commissioning and the power of the Holy Spirit working through them. Replacement of Judas Iscariot After the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot, the apostles sought to maintain the number twelve, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. In Acts 1:21-26 , Peter outlines the criteria for Judas's replacement: the new apostle must have been with Jesus throughout His ministry, from His baptism by John until His ascension. Matthias was chosen by casting lots, a method used to discern God's will, and he was added to the eleven apostles. Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles Although not one of the original twelve, Paul is often referred to as an apostle due to his significant role in the early Church and his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6). Paul describes himself as "an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father" (Galatians 1:1). His apostleship was recognized by the other apostles, and he became a pivotal figure in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. The selection of the apostles was a divinely orchestrated event, laying the groundwork for the spread of Christianity and the establishment of the Church. Through their witness and teachings, the apostles played a crucial role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 4:18-22And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 9:9,10 Matthew 10:2-4 Mark 3:13-19 Luke 6:13-16 John 1:43 Library Philip the Evangelist The Acts of the Apostles. Of Luke's Gospel, and Specially of the Harmony Between Its ... Selection Selection of the Twelve. After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles. Introductory the Apostle Paul Himself not the Preacher of a New ... On the Morrow of the Transfiguration The Silence of Scripture Christ's Connection with the Creator Shown Many Quotations Out of ... Resources What are false apostles? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the twelve (12) disciples / apostles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org What is the Apostles' Creed? | 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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