Topical Encyclopedia The term "apostle" originates from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." In the New Testament, the apostles are primarily the twelve men chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest followers and to carry forth His mission after His ascension. These individuals were selected to be the foundational leaders of the early Church, tasked with spreading the Gospel and establishing Christian communities.The Calling of the Apostles The calling of the apostles is a significant event in the Gospels, highlighting Jesus' intentional selection of those who would be entrusted with His teachings. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls His first disciples by the Sea of Galilee: "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.' And at once they left their nets and followed Him" (Matthew 4:18-20). Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus appoints the Twelve: "He appointed twelve whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons" (Mark 3:14-15). This passage underscores the dual purpose of their calling: to be with Jesus and to be sent out with His authority. The Twelve Apostles The names of the twelve apostles are consistently listed in the Synoptic Gospels and the Book of Acts, though with slight variations in order and naming. They are: Simon Peter, Andrew, James the son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Thomas, Matthew (also known as Levi), James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (also known as Judas, son of James, or Lebbaeus), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus. Characteristics and Roles The apostles were diverse in background and personality, ranging from fishermen like Peter, James, and John, to a tax collector like Matthew. Despite their differences, they were united by their faith in Christ and their mission to proclaim His message. Jesus invested in them through teaching, parables, and personal example, preparing them for leadership in the nascent Church. The apostles were witnesses to Jesus' miracles, His death, and His resurrection. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to them and gave them the Great Commission: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). This commission was further empowered by the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2, enabling them to speak in various tongues and perform miracles in Jesus' name. The Apostolic Ministry The apostles played a crucial role in the early Church, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. They were instrumental in spreading the Gospel beyond Jewish communities to Gentile regions, fulfilling Jesus' command to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Their ministry included preaching, teaching, healing, and establishing churches. The apostolic authority was recognized by the early Christian communities, and their teachings formed the foundation of Christian doctrine. The letters of apostles like Peter, John, and Paul (who, though not one of the original Twelve, was called by Christ as an apostle to the Gentiles) are integral parts of the New Testament, providing theological insights and practical guidance for believers. Legacy and Succession The apostles' legacy is evident in the continued growth and spread of Christianity throughout the centuries. Their teachings, preserved in the New Testament, remain central to Christian faith and practice. The concept of apostolic succession, the belief that church authority is derived from the apostles through a continuous line of bishops, is a key tenet in many Christian traditions, underscoring the enduring impact of the apostles' ministry. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 10:1And when he had called to him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 3:13 Acts 20:24 Romans 1:5 Library Introductory the Apostle Paul Himself not the Preacher of a New ... The Catholic Apostolic Church (Called Irvingites. ) Apostles To-Day? Doctrine of the Rest of the Apostles. The Apostles Teach that it was Neither Christ nor the Saviour, but ... That Christ Also is Called a Stone. In what Sense Christ is [Called] Jacob, and Israel, and Son of Man ... Of the Subject to whom the Key of Authority is Committed. Of the Calling of the Apostles as they were Fishing. Christ's Resurrection is Foretold in the Conclusion of the Psalm. 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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