Topical Encyclopedia The term "apostle" is derived from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." In the New Testament, the apostles are primarily the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest followers and to carry out His mission after His ascension. Their ordination by Christ is a pivotal event in the establishment of the early Church and the spread of the Gospel.Selection and Ordination The selection of the apostles is a significant moment in the Gospels. According to the Berean Standard Bible, Jesus, after a night of prayer, called His disciples to Him and chose twelve, whom He also named apostles (Luke 6:12-13). This act of choosing was not arbitrary but divinely guided, as Jesus sought those who would be foundational to His ministry and the future Church. The names of the twelve apostles are listed in several passages, including Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, and Luke 6:14-16. They include Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus. Role and Authority The apostles were given specific roles and authority by Christ. In Matthew 10:1, Jesus granted them power over unclean spirits and the ability to heal every disease and sickness. This empowerment was a testament to their divine commission and the authority they carried as representatives of Christ. Furthermore, Jesus instructed them to preach the message of the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing repentance and the coming of God's reign (Matthew 10:7). Their mission was to the "lost sheep of Israel" initially, but it would later expand to all nations, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The Great Commission Before His ascension, Jesus gave the apostles the Great Commission, a mandate to spread the Gospel to all nations. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus declared, "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." This commission underscored the global scope of their mission and the enduring nature of their teachings. The Apostolic Foundation The apostles are often referred to as the foundation of the Church, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone. Ephesians 2:20 states, "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." Their teachings, preserved in the New Testament, form the doctrinal basis for Christian faith and practice. The Replacement of Judas After the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot, the apostles sought to maintain their number at twelve, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. In Acts 1:21-26, Matthias was chosen by casting lots to replace Judas, ensuring the continuity of their divinely ordained mission. Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles While not one of the original twelve, Paul is recognized as an apostle due to his unique calling by Christ. In Acts 9, Paul, formerly Saul, encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, leading to his conversion and subsequent mission to the Gentiles. Paul’s apostleship is affirmed in his epistles, where he frequently refers to himself as "an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God" (Ephesians 1:1). Legacy and Impact The apostles, ordained by Christ, played a crucial role in the early Church's growth and the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. Their teachings, miracles, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel laid the groundwork for the Christian faith, influencing countless generations of believers. Through their witness and writings, the apostles continue to guide and inspire the Church today. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 3:14And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, Torrey's Topical Textbook John 15:16 Library Enumeration Ordained by Apostles. All the Apostles Urge the Observance of the Order of the Church. How the Priest Wighard was Sent from Britain to Rome, to be ... The Lambeth Quadrilateral. -- Christ's Word, Seek, and Ye Shall Find, no Warrant for Heretical ... "He Ordained Twelve" Two Stages in the Dependence of the Apostles Upon Christ. Christ and his Table-Companions "And when the Hour was Come, He ... Introductory the Apostle Paul Himself not the Preacher of a New ... Fragments from the Lost Writings of Iren??us 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) |