Topical Encyclopedia The Apostles, a term derived from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent," were chosen by Jesus Christ to be His primary messengers and witnesses to the world. Their mission was to spread the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission given by Christ Himself.The Calling and Commissioning of the Apostles The selection of the Apostles is a pivotal moment in the New Testament narrative. Jesus called twelve men from various walks of life to follow Him closely, learn from His teachings, and witness His miracles. These men were Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who was later replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26). The commissioning of the Apostles is most clearly articulated in the Great Commission, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew: "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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20). This command underscores the universal scope of their mission and the divine authority under which they operated. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit The Apostles were empowered for their mission by the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus before His ascension. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells them, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" . This empowerment occurred at Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them, enabling them to speak in various tongues and boldly proclaim the Gospel. The Apostolic Ministry and Expansion of the Church The Apostles played a crucial role in the establishment and expansion of the early Church. They preached the Gospel, performed miracles, and provided leadership and guidance to the burgeoning Christian communities. The Book of Acts details their missionary journeys and the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and beyond. Peter, often considered the leader of the Apostles, was instrumental in the early Church's growth, delivering the first sermon at Pentecost and opening the door to the Gentiles through his encounter with Cornelius (Acts 10). Paul, though not one of the original twelve, was called an Apostle due to his dramatic conversion and extensive missionary work, which took the Gospel to Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. The Apostolic Authority and Teachings The Apostles were entrusted with the authority to teach and uphold the doctrines of the Christian faith. Their teachings, as recorded in the New Testament, form the foundation of Christian doctrine and practice. They addressed theological issues, provided pastoral care, and established church order through their epistles and instructions. The Apostolic authority was recognized by the early Church, as seen in the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15), where the Apostles and elders gathered to resolve doctrinal disputes. Their decisions and teachings were considered binding and authoritative for all believers. Legacy and Succession The legacy of the Apostles is evident in the continued spread of Christianity and the establishment of the Church worldwide. Their writings, preserved in the New Testament, continue to guide and instruct believers. The concept of apostolic succession, the belief that the authority of the Apostles is passed down through the generations of church leaders, remains a significant aspect of many Christian traditions. The Apostles' mission to preach the Gospel to all nations laid the foundation for the global Church, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a kingdom that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, united in the worship of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 28:19,20Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 16:15 2 Timothy 1:11 Library Letter ix. To Dioscorus, Bishop of Alexandria. Heralds of the Gospel The Wisdom of God in the Means Used to Propagate the Gospel. Rom. I. 1, 2 Of the Mission of the Holy Ghost Fifty Days after Christ's ... The Gospel of the Kingdom. God Willing that all Men Should be Saved. The Wisdom of God in the Means Used to Propagating the Gospel. Conclusions Jesus as the Christ of the Creator Proved from the ... On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles 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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