Topical Encyclopedia The apostles, chosen by Jesus Christ, hold a significant place in Christian theology and ecclesiology. They were selected to be His closest followers and were entrusted with the mission of spreading the Gospel and establishing the early Church. The New Testament provides evidence that each apostle was endowed with equal authority, a principle that underscores the unity and collective responsibility of the apostolic ministry.Selection and Commissioning The selection of the apostles is recorded in the Gospels, where Jesus calls each one by name. 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 passage highlights the shared mission and authority given to all apostles, without distinction. Authority to Bind and Loose In Matthew 18:18 , Jesus extends the authority to "bind and loose" to all His disciples, a phrase understood to mean the power to make binding decisions in matters of doctrine and discipline: "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This authority was not limited to Peter alone, as some traditions suggest, but was a collective empowerment of the apostolic body. The Great Commission The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20 , further emphasizes the equal authority given to the apostles: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.'" Here, Jesus addresses all the apostles, charging them with the same mission and authority to teach and baptize. Pentecost and the Holy Spirit The events of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, demonstrate the equal empowerment of the apostles through the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:4 states, "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was not selective but was given to all apostles, equipping them equally for their ministry. Council of Jerusalem The Council of Jerusalem, recounted in Acts 15, provides a practical example of the apostles exercising their collective authority. The council was convened to address the issue of Gentile circumcision, and the decision reached was a result of joint deliberation and consensus among the apostles and elders. Acts 15:28 reflects this collective decision-making: "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements." Paul's Apostolic Authority The apostle Paul, though not one of the original twelve, was recognized as having equal authority. In Galatians 2:7-9 , Paul recounts how the other apostles acknowledged his ministry: "On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised... James, Cephas, and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship." This acknowledgment affirms the equal standing of Paul among the apostles. Conclusion The New Testament consistently portrays the apostles as having been granted equal authority by Christ. This equality is foundational to the unity and function of the early Church, ensuring that the Gospel message was faithfully and uniformly proclaimed across diverse regions and cultures. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 16:19And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 18:18 2 Corinthians 11:5 Library The Need of the New Testament Scripture. The Holy Spirit is Given by God Alone, yet not Wholly to Each ... Whether in the Church There Can be Anyone Above the Bishops? Why is it that the New Testament Also Contains Other Books Beside ... Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory. The Real Nature and Purpose of the Old Testament Prophecy was not Only from the Father and the Son but Also from ... After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles. The Formation of the Old Testament Canon Introductory Essay. 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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