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 forth His teachings. These men were specially devoted to the office of the ministry, tasked with spreading the Gospel and establishing the early Church.Selection and Commissioning The selection of the apostles is a significant event in the Gospels. Jesus, after a night of prayer, chose twelve men from among His disciples to be His apostles (Luke 6:12-13). These men were Simon (whom He named Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Him (Luke 6:14-16). The apostles were given authority and power by Jesus to perform miracles, heal the sick, and cast out demons as a testament to the divine nature of their mission (Matthew 10:1). They were commissioned to preach the Gospel, initially to the lost sheep of Israel, and later to all nations (Matthew 10:5-7; Matthew 28:19-20). Role and Responsibilities The apostles held a unique and foundational role in the early Church. They were eyewitnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which qualified them to testify to His messianic identity and the truth of His teachings (Acts 1:21-22). Their primary responsibility was to preach the Gospel and establish churches, ensuring that the teachings of Christ were accurately transmitted and preserved. The apostolic ministry was marked by a deep commitment to prayer, teaching, and the breaking of bread, as seen in the early Christian community (Acts 2:42). The apostles also played a crucial role in resolving doctrinal disputes and providing guidance to the fledgling Church, as demonstrated in the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:6-29). Apostolic Authority and Succession The authority of the apostles was recognized by the early Church as divinely appointed. This authority was not only spiritual but also organizational, as they were responsible for appointing elders and deacons to oversee local congregations (Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1-13). The concept of apostolic succession, though interpreted differently across Christian traditions, is rooted in the belief that the authority and teachings of the apostles were to be passed down through subsequent generations of church leaders. Paul: The Apostle to the Gentiles While not one of the original twelve, Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, is recognized as an apostle due to his dramatic conversion and direct commissioning by the risen Christ (Acts 9:3-6; Galatians 1:1). Paul was uniquely called to be the apostle to the Gentiles, expanding the reach of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community (Romans 11:13). His missionary journeys and epistles form a significant portion of the New Testament, providing theological insights and practical guidance for the Church. Legacy and Impact The apostles laid the foundation for the Christian faith, their teachings and writings forming the core of the New Testament canon. Their unwavering dedication to the ministry, often at the cost of their lives, set a precedent for Christian witness and discipleship. The apostolic ministry continues to inspire and guide the Church, emphasizing the importance of faithful proclamation of the Gospel and adherence to the teachings of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 6:4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 20:27 Library Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ... The Spiritual Gifts. Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ... The General Conference of 1840 Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. The Birth of England's Foreign Missions Caesar Fell Down. Of Baptism. Resources Does the Bible record the death of the apostles? How did each of the apostles die? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the super-apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:5? | GotQuestions.org What are the Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles? | 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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