Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, the term "apostle" is primarily used to describe the twelve disciples whom Jesus Christ personally selected to be His closest followers and to carry forth His teachings. However, the title "The Apostle" is pre-eminently ascribed to Jesus Christ Himself, highlighting His unique role and divine mission as the ultimate messenger and representative of God the Father.Biblical Foundation The concept of Jesus as "The Apostle" is explicitly mentioned in the Book of Hebrews: "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, set your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess" (Hebrews 3:1). This passage underscores the dual role of Christ as both the divine messenger (apostle) and the mediator (high priest) between God and humanity. Christ's Apostolic Mission Jesus' apostolic mission is rooted in His divine commission to reveal God's will and to accomplish the work of salvation. As the sent one, He embodies the perfect fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. In John 20:21, Jesus affirms His sent nature: "As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you" . This statement not only confirms His own apostolic authority but also establishes the foundation for the apostolic mission of His disciples. Characteristics of Christ as "The Apostle" 1. Divine Authority: Jesus' authority as "The Apostle" is derived from His unique relationship with the Father. He declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me" (Matthew 28:18). His teachings and actions are a direct reflection of the Father's will. 2. Perfect Obedience: Unlike any other apostle, Jesus exemplifies perfect obedience to the Father. In John 6:38, He states, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" . His life and ministry are marked by unwavering submission to God's purpose. 3. Ultimate Sacrifice: As "The Apostle," Jesus' mission culminates in His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection. His atoning work on the cross is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, providing the means for reconciliation between God and humanity. 4. Eternal Priesthood: In His role as high priest, Jesus intercedes for believers, offering a new and living way to approach God. Hebrews 4:14-16 emphasizes His empathetic and eternal priesthood, inviting believers to draw near with confidence. Implications for Believers Understanding Jesus as "The Apostle" has profound implications for Christian faith and practice. It calls believers to recognize His supreme authority and to emulate His obedience and commitment to God's mission. Furthermore, it underscores the continuity between Christ's apostolic mission and the ongoing work of the Church, as believers are sent into the world to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). In conclusion, Jesus Christ as "The Apostle" represents the ultimate expression of God's love and purpose for humanity. His life, death, and resurrection form the foundation of the Christian faith, and His example serves as the model for all who are called to follow Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 3:1Why, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Choice of the Apostles. --Of Judas Iscariot. On the Resurrection of Christ from the Dead. Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists. Absurdity of Marcion's Docetic Opinions; Reality of Christ's ... The Circumstances Related of Polycarp, a Friend of the Apostles. On the Roman Pontiff, and the Principal Titles which Are The Extraordinary Teachers of the Apostolic Church; and Its ... Christ Bringing a Sword. The Gospel of Mark The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament... Resources Does the Bible record the death of the apostles? How did each of the apostles die? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the super-apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:5? | GotQuestions.org What are the Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles? | 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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