Topical Encyclopedia The Apostles, a term derived from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out," were chosen by Jesus Christ to be His primary messengers and witnesses to the world. Their calling and mission were not only a result of Christ's direct selection but also a profound work of the Holy Spirit, who empowered and guided them in their ministry.Selection and Calling The initial calling of the Apostles is recorded in the Gospels, where Jesus personally selected twelve men to follow Him closely. In the Gospel of Mark, 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" (Mark 3:14-15). This selection was a divine appointment, as Jesus spent the night in prayer before choosing them (Luke 6:12-13). Empowerment by the Holy Spirit The role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the Apostles is most prominently displayed at Pentecost. Before His ascension, Jesus instructed the Apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the "promise of the Father" (Acts 1:4), which was the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit descended upon them, filling them with power and enabling them to speak in various tongues, thus equipping them for their mission to spread the Gospel to all nations. The Holy Spirit's empowerment was not a one-time event but a continual presence in their ministry. The Apostle Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed the Gospel, leading to the conversion of thousands (Acts 2:41). Similarly, the Apostle Paul, though not one of the original twelve, was called by Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit to become a pivotal figure in the spread of Christianity (Acts 9:17-20). Guidance and Direction The Holy Spirit also provided guidance and direction to the Apostles in their missionary journeys. In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit instructed the church at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which He had called them. This divine guidance was crucial in the expansion of the early Church and the establishment of Christian communities across the Roman Empire. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit played a vital role in resolving doctrinal disputes and maintaining the unity of the Church. In Acts 15, during the Council of Jerusalem, the Apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, reached a consensus on the issue of Gentile circumcision, stating, "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us..." (Acts 15:28). Witness and Martyrdom The Apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, became bold witnesses of Christ's resurrection, often facing persecution and martyrdom. Jesus had foretold this, saying, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Their unwavering testimony, even unto death, was a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Legacy The Apostles laid the foundation of the Christian Church, their teachings and writings forming a significant portion of the New Testament. The Holy Spirit's work in their lives continues to inspire and guide believers today, as the Church remains committed to the apostolic mission of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 1:5 Library The Holy Spirit in Relation to Prophecy. ... Apostles To-Day? The Apostles Teach that it was Neither Christ nor the Saviour, but ... Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists. The Work of the Holy Spirit The Christian Ministry, and Its Relation to the Christian ... The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Apostolic Inspiration. The Acts of the Apostles. The Catholic Apostolic Church (Called Irvingites. ) 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 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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