Topical Encyclopedia The presence of Christ with His apostles is a central theme in the New Testament, underscoring the divine guidance and empowerment that characterized their ministry. This presence is both a source of comfort and a mandate for mission, as the apostles are called to continue the work of Christ on earth.The Great Commission In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus assures His apostles of His perpetual presence as He commissions them to make disciples of all nations. He declares, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). This promise is foundational for the apostles, as it affirms that their mission is not carried out in isolation but under the constant guidance and support of Christ Himself. The Sending of the Holy Spirit The presence of Christ with the apostles is also manifested through the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises the coming of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will teach and remind the apostles of all that He has said to them (John 14:26). This indwelling presence of the Spirit is a continuation of Christ's presence, enabling the apostles to preach, teach, and perform miracles in His name. Empowerment for Ministry The Acts of the Apostles provides numerous accounts of Christ's presence empowering the apostles for ministry. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells them, "But 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" . This empowerment is evident as the apostles perform signs and wonders, boldly proclaim the gospel, and establish the early church. Assurance in Persecution The presence of Christ is a source of strength and assurance for the apostles, especially in times of persecution. In Acts 18:9-10, the Lord speaks to Paul in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city" . This divine reassurance emboldens the apostles to persevere in their mission despite opposition. Unity with Christ The apostles' unity with Christ is further emphasized in their writings. The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of being "in Christ," a phrase that denotes a profound spiritual union. In Galatians 2:20, Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" . This indwelling presence of Christ is the source of the apostles' strength and the foundation of their identity and mission. Conclusion The presence of Christ with the apostles is a multifaceted reality that encompasses His promises, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, empowerment for ministry, assurance in persecution, and spiritual unity. This presence is not only a source of comfort and strength but also a divine mandate that propels the apostles to fulfill their calling as witnesses to the ends of the earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Apostles Referred to the Redeemer's Return in the Language of ... Those Persons Prove Themselves Senseless who Exaggerate the Mercy ... Schleiermacher -- Christ's Resurrection an Image of Our New Life With and Like Christ On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ... The Prescription Against Heretics Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ... Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken? Judas Exposed. The Absent Present Christ 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) |