The Apostles, a group of twelve men chosen by Jesus Christ, hold a foundational role in the establishment and spread of early Christianity. Their mission, as recorded in the New Testament, was to bear witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and to spread His teachings to all nations. Central to their ministry was the guidance and empowerment they received from the Holy Spirit, which enabled them to fulfill their divine commission.

Selection and Commissioning

The selection of the Apostles is detailed in the Gospels, where Jesus calls each one to follow Him. 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 calling was not merely a human decision but a divine appointment, as Jesus Himself declared in John 15:16 , "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain."

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit

The Apostles' ability to carry out their mission was intrinsically linked to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Before His ascension, Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would guide them into all truth. In John 16:13 , Jesus assured them, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come."

This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2:1-4 , when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, enabling them to speak in various tongues and boldly proclaim the Gospel. This event marked the beginning of their public ministry and the rapid expansion of the early Church.

Role in the Early Church

The Apostles played a crucial role in the formation and governance of the early Christian community. They were responsible for teaching doctrine, performing miracles, and establishing church order. Acts 2:42 describes the early believers as devoted "to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

Their authority was recognized and respected within the Church, as seen in Acts 15, where the Apostles and elders convened the Council of Jerusalem to address doctrinal disputes. Their decisions, guided by the Holy Spirit, were instrumental in maintaining the unity and purity of the faith.

Apostolic Teaching and Writings

The Apostles' teachings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, form the foundation of Christian doctrine. Their writings, which include the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation, are considered divinely inspired Scripture. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16 , "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

These writings not only provide theological instruction but also offer practical guidance for living a life that honors God. The Apostles' teachings emphasize the centrality of Christ, the necessity of faith, and the call to holiness.

Legacy and Succession

The legacy of the Apostles is evident in the continued existence and growth of the Christian Church. Their teachings have been preserved and passed down through generations, forming the bedrock of Christian orthodoxy. The concept of apostolic succession, the belief that church authority is derived from the original Apostles through a continuous line of bishops, underscores the enduring impact of their ministry.

In summary, the Apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit into all truth, were instrumental in the establishment and spread of Christianity. Their divinely inspired teachings continue to shape the faith and practice of believers worldwide, testifying to the enduring power and presence of the Holy Spirit in the Church.John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 16:13
However, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Guide into all Truth
... of the other promises of the Spirit, which I ... the inspiration and authority of the
Apostles as teachers ... They were guided 'into all the truth,' and so our task ...
/.../the guide into all truth.htm

Witnessing in Power.
... Here were men who surrounded the Apostles, full of prejudice, full of malice ... darkness,
because they have not been willing to be guided by the Spirit of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/witnessing in power.htm

Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... she will never be deserted by Christ her spouse, but be guided by his Spirit into
all truth. ... For although the Lord spake to the twelve apostles, when he said ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm

Rise of the Apostolic Literature.
... Hence seven and twenty books by apostles and apostolic men, written under ... early church;
and in performing it she was likewise guided by the Spirit of God ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 75 rise of the.htm

The Spirit Christ's Witness.
... The third conviction by which the Apostles were to prevail in ... will find, when truth
shines in their spirit, that they ... His life to be in anything guided by him. ...
/.../xiv the spirit christs witness.htm

Acts X
... [231]. This fact in the mental state of the apostles shows that they were not guided
by the Holy Spirit into all truth at once, but their knowledge was extended ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts x.htm

The Ministration of the Spirit and Prayer
... as it is found, not only in the apostles, but in ... secret of true Church extension,
that is guided from heaven ... God still delights to give the Holy Spirit to them ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ii the ministration of.htm

Introduction
... He guided the mind in the selection of what to ... in the history of patriarchs, prophets,
and apostles, of martyrs ... and by the illumination of His Spirit, we may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/introduction.htm

Introduction.
... He guided the mind in the selection of what to ... in the history of patriarchs, prophets,
and apostles, of martyrs ... and by the illumination of His Spirit, we may ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /introduction.htm

Quotations from the Old Testament in the New.
... the fulfilment of this promise, Peter and the other apostles expounded to ... and the
glory that should follow," the same "Spirit of Christ" guided them to a ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxix quotations from the.htm

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