Topical Encyclopedia The apostles, chosen by Jesus Christ, were initially sent to minister to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 10:6). This directive underscores the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises to Israel and highlights the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the Jewish people before extending to the Gentiles.Biblical Foundation The mission of the apostles to the house of Israel is rooted in the Abrahamic covenant, where God promised that through Abraham's offspring, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Jesus, as the Messiah, came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, and His ministry was primarily among the Jewish people. In Matthew 10:5-6 , Jesus explicitly instructs the twelve apostles: "Do not go on the road to the Gentiles, and do not enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Purpose and Significance The initial focus on Israel served several purposes. First, it affirmed God's faithfulness to His chosen people, fulfilling prophecies and promises made throughout the Old Testament. Second, it provided a foundation for the early church, which was predominantly Jewish, to understand and witness the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. Third, it set the stage for the eventual inclusion of the Gentiles, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the apostolic ministry in the Book of Acts. Apostolic Ministry The apostles' ministry to Israel involved preaching the gospel of the kingdom, healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing lepers, and casting out demons (Matthew 10:7-8). Their message was one of repentance and the imminent arrival of God's kingdom, echoing the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus Himself. Transition to the Gentiles While the apostles were initially sent to Israel, the scope of their mission expanded following Jesus' resurrection and ascension. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) commanded them to "make disciples of all nations," marking a pivotal shift in the early church's mission. This transition is further illustrated in Acts 1:8 , where Jesus tells the apostles, "You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The apostle Paul, though not one of the original twelve, played a significant role in this expansion. His ministry to the Gentiles was a direct fulfillment of God's plan to bring salvation to all people, as foretold by the prophets (Isaiah 49:6). Theological Implications The apostles' initial mission to Israel highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It underscores the priority of the Jewish people in salvation history while also pointing to the universal scope of the gospel. The transition from a focus on Israel to a global mission reflects the unfolding of God's plan to unite all people under the lordship of Christ, as articulated in Ephesians 2:11-22. Conclusion The apostles' mission to the house of Israel was a foundational phase in the early church's history, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises and setting the stage for the global proclamation of the gospel. Through their ministry, the apostles laid the groundwork for the church's expansion and the inclusion of all nations in God's redemptive plan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 10:5,6These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter you not: Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 24:47 Acts 13:46 Library Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth. Trial Mission of the Apostles in Galilee. (Luke, ix. ; Matt. , X. ... Whether Christ Should have Preached not Only to the Jews, but Also ... The Apostles Chosen That in the Books of the Old Testament, Where it is Said that God ... Doctrine of the Rest of the Apostles. The Millennium in Relation to Israel. Christ's Charge to his Heralds The First Evangelists The Syro-Phoenician Woman. (Matt. , xv. , 21; Mark, vii. , 24. ) ... 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) |
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