The apostles hold a foundational role in the establishment and spread of early Christianity, as depicted in the New Testament. The term "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." This designation underscores their mission as messengers and representatives of Jesus Christ, tasked with spreading His teachings and establishing the Church.

Selection and Commissioning

The selection of the apostles is a significant event in the Gospels. Jesus chose twelve men from among His disciples to be His apostles, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark: "He appointed twelve, whom He named apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons" (Mark 3:14-15). This selection was not arbitrary but a deliberate act of Jesus, often seen as symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating a new covenant community.

Witnesses of the Resurrection

A primary role of the apostles was to be witnesses of Jesus' resurrection. In Acts 1:22, Peter emphasizes the necessity of choosing a replacement for Judas Iscariot, stating that the new apostle must be "a witness with us of His resurrection" . This eyewitness testimony was crucial for the credibility and authority of their message, as they proclaimed the risen Christ to the world.

Teaching and Doctrine

The apostles were entrusted with the teaching and preservation of Jesus' doctrine. Acts 2:42 describes the early Christian community as devoted to "the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" . Their teachings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, formed the foundation of Christian doctrine and were later recorded in the New Testament writings.

Miracles and Signs

The apostles were endowed with the power to perform miracles and signs, authenticating their divine commission. Acts 5:12 states, "The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people" . These miraculous acts served to confirm the truth of their message and demonstrate the power of God working through them.

Church Leadership and Governance

The apostles played a crucial role in the leadership and governance of the early Church. They were responsible for appointing leaders, resolving doctrinal disputes, and providing guidance to the fledgling Christian communities. In Acts 6:2-4, the apostles addressed the issue of food distribution by appointing deacons, allowing them to focus on "prayer and the ministry of the word" .

Missionary Work and Evangelism

The apostles were instrumental in the missionary expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish communities. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, charged them to "go and make disciples of all nations" . The Book of Acts chronicles their missionary journeys, particularly those of Paul, who, though not one of the original twelve, was called an apostle due to his encounter with the risen Christ and his significant contributions to the spread of the Gospel.

Guardians of the Faith

The apostles were also guardians of the faith, defending it against false teachings and heresies. In Galatians 1:8-9, Paul warns against any gospel contrary to what the apostles preached, underscoring their role in maintaining doctrinal purity. Their writings and teachings continue to serve as a benchmark for orthodoxy within the Christian faith.

Legacy and Succession

The legacy of the apostles is evident in the continued existence and growth of the Christian Church. Their teachings, preserved in the New Testament, remain central to Christian belief and practice. The concept of apostolic succession, though interpreted differently across Christian traditions, reflects the enduring influence of the apostles in ensuring the continuity and fidelity of the Church's mission and message.