Topical Bible: Communion of Saints: Apostles

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The concept of the "Communion of Saints" is a foundational tenet in Christian theology, referring to the spiritual solidarity among the faithful, both living and deceased, who are united in Christ. Within this communion, the Apostles hold a distinctive and revered position as the original messengers and witnesses of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Their role in the early Church was pivotal, as they were entrusted with the Great Commission to spread the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

Biblical Foundation

The Apostles were chosen by Jesus Himself, as recorded in the Gospels. In Mark 3:14-15 , it is written, "He appointed twelve, whom He named apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons." This selection underscores their unique calling and authority within the early Church. The Apostles were not only witnesses to Christ's ministry but also recipients of His teachings and the Holy Spirit, which empowered them to fulfill their mission (Acts 1:8).

Role and Authority

The Apostles' authority is evident in their leadership roles in the early Church. In Acts 2:42 , the early believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This passage highlights the centrality of the Apostles' doctrine in the life of the early Christian community. Their teachings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, laid the foundation for Christian doctrine and practice.

The Apostle Paul, though not one of the original twelve, is often included in discussions of apostolic authority due to his significant contributions to the New Testament and his encounter with the risen Christ (Acts 9:3-6). In 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 , Paul acknowledges his apostleship, stating, "For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect."

Apostolic Succession

The concept of apostolic succession is rooted in the belief that the authority and mission of the Apostles have been passed down through successive generations of church leaders. This continuity is seen as essential for maintaining the integrity and unity of the Church. In 2 Timothy 2:2 , Paul instructs Timothy, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."

Communion with the Apostles

The Communion of Saints includes a spiritual connection with the Apostles, who are considered part of the "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1). This communion is not only a fellowship with those who have gone before but also an encouragement to live faithfully in the present. The Apostles' lives and teachings continue to inspire and guide believers, serving as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Legacy and Influence

The legacy of the Apostles is evident in the New Testament writings, which form the core of Christian Scripture. Their epistles and accounts of Jesus' life and teachings provide a foundation for Christian belief and practice. The Apostles' unwavering commitment to their mission, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom, serves as a powerful example of faith and dedication.

In summary, the Apostles occupy a central role in the Communion of Saints, serving as the original heralds of the Christian faith. Their teachings and witness continue to shape the Church and inspire believers to live out the Gospel message in their own lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 1:14
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Communion of Goods.
... Originally communion of saints was taken in the absolute sense of including communion
of earthly ... common treasury, which was in the hands of the apostles. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvi the communion of goods.htm

The Communion of Saints.
... The meaning of "The Communion of Saints" becomes clearer ... with great clearness about
this Communion or Fellowship. ... by himself and the other Apostles about the ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter x the communion of.htm

The Apostles' Creed.
... of prayers, the Decalogue the Law of laws, so the Apostles' Creed is ... professes to
believe 'the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the remission ...
/.../ 7 the apostles creed.htm

The Communion of Saints.
... in an obscure hamlet faith in the communion of saints ... the sacred knowledge that all
the saints of the ... cloud of witnesses, together with apostles, prophets, and ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the communion of saints.htm

Argument. In the Former Books an Exposition Has Been Given of the ...
... an exposition has been given of the three parts of the Apostles' Creed concerning ...
treat, in this last Book, of the Church and the Communion of Saints, or of ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/argument in the former books.htm

Apostles' Creed
... Prayer is the Prayer of prayers, the Decalogue is the Law of laws, so the Apostles'
Creed is the ... I believe a holy catholic church; the communion of saints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the apostles creed /apostles creed.htm

General Index
... 242 Communion of saints . . . . . The Apostles' Creed Commandments of God . . . . . ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/general index.htm

The First Commandment --On the Honor and Invocation of Saints
... following benefits are derived from the communion of saints ... of those who lived before
the Apostles wrote the ... of superstition for keeping the relics of saints. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 31 the first commandmenton.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... Was it not the art of the false apostles of old to say thus? ... tell not your left hand
of it; we are talking now of communion of saints, church communion, and ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

Grace
... This was what the apostles taught the heathen, and their words were true ... died, and
cut us off, as long as we give way to them, from the communion of saints. ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xx grace.htm