What is an Apostle According to the Bible?
The apostles were a select group of disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to carry out his teachings. They were appointed by Jesus himself, and their main purpose was to spread the gospel to the rest of the world. The word “apostle” occurs over 70 times in the New Testament, with most of these references in the Gospels and the book of Acts.
In the Bible, apostles were seen as the highest-ranking officers in the early Christian church. They were known for their distinct roles, responsibilities, and authority that came from their direct connection to Jesus Christ. Their teachings and writings were considered authoritative, and their words were believed to be inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The apostles were also known for their many miracles, which helped to confirm their messages and establish the new Christian faith. These miracles included healings, exorcisms, and even the raising of the dead.
The apostles were instrumental in the growth and development of the early Christian church. They were responsible for establishing many of the key doctrines and practices of the faith, and their influence can still be seen in the church today. Their teachings and writings have been preserved in the New Testament, which is regarded as the primary authority for Christian belief and practice.
While the term “apostle” is often used in a general sense to refer to any Christian who is actively spreading the gospel, the biblical definition is much more specific. According to the Bible, apostles are those who were directly appointed by Jesus Christ and given his authority to teach and preach the gospel to the world.
Today, the role of the apostle is still an important one in the Christian church. While there are no longer any apostles who were directly appointed by Jesus Christ, many Christians believe that apostolic ministry is still necessary for the growth and development of the church. These modern-day apostles are seen as having a special calling and authority to spread the gospel and establish new churches around the world.
Overall, the term “apostle” is one that carries a great deal of prestige and authority in the Christian faith. Whether referring to the original apostles appointed by Jesus Christ or the modern-day apostles of today, the role of the apostle is one that is crucial to the ongoing growth and development of the Christian church.
Jesus Chose 12 Apostles
Jesus chose his 12 apostles to carry out His teachings, share the good news of the gospel, and eventually establish the foundation of Christianity. These 12 men were among the many who followed Jesus, but He called upon them specifically to be His closest companions.
Jesus didn’t choose the most educated or wealthy individuals, but instead chose men who were humble and open to learning. The apostles were a diverse group, including fishermen, tax collectors, and Mary Magdalene. By choosing this diverse group of individuals, Jesus demonstrated that His message was meant for everyone.
The apostles were witnesses to the miracles that Jesus performed, including turning water into wine, calming the stormy sea, and healing the blind and sick. They were also witnesses to Jesus’ ultimate miracle – His resurrection. This experience was a defining moment for the apostles, as it solidified their understanding and faith in Jesus’ teachings.
After Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles were sent out to preach and teach the gospel to others. They traveled far and wide, spreading Jesus’ message of love and salvation. The 12 apostles are known for their unwavering faith and dedication to Jesus, even in the face of persecution and death.
The apostles were instrumental in the development and establishment of the early Christian church. They played a key role in spreading the gospel, baptizing believers, and establishing churches in various parts of the world. Their teachings and writings are still studied and revered today, and their legacy continues to impact Christianity.
In conclusion, the 12 apostles chosen by Jesus were not just His closest followers, but also His chosen messengers to spread the message of salvation to the world. Their unwavering faith and dedication to Jesus serve as a model for all Christians to emulate today.
The Role of Apostles in the Early Church
The term “apostle” comes from the Greek word “apostolos,” which means “one who is sent out” or “messenger.” In the Bible, apostles were a group of chosen men who were given the responsibility to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. The 12 apostles included Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the apostles were tasked with spreading His message and establishing the earliest Christian communities.
As leaders of the early church, the apostles were responsible for guiding new believers, establishing new congregations, and resolving disputes within the church. They were trusted individuals who had a deep understanding of Christ’s teachings and were often called upon to make important decisions on behalf of the Christian community. In the book of Acts, we see the apostles performing miraculous acts such as healing the sick and raising the dead, which served as powerful demonstrations of God’s grace and love. They preached with power and conviction, drawing many people to the Christian faith.
The Qualifications of Apostles
Just because someone claimed to be an apostle did not automatically make it so. The Bible provides clear guidelines for the qualifications of apostleship, which included being a witness to the resurrected Christ, being chosen and ordained by God, and having a deep understanding of His teachings. In Acts 1:21-26, we see the selection of a new apostle to replace Judas. The qualifications for this new apostle included having accompanied Jesus during His ministry and being a witness to His resurrection. This shows that the role of apostle was not something that could simply be claimed by anyone, but was something that required divine guidance and selection.
Another important qualification for apostleship was the ability to perform miraculous signs and wonders, which were evidence of God’s power working through them. We see throughout the Bible how the apostles performed miraculous acts such as healing the sick and casting out demons, which served as powerful demonstrations of God’s power and love. These miraculous acts were not just for show, but were a way to confirm the truth of their message and to demonstrate that they truly were messengers sent by God.
The Legacy of the Apostles
The legacy of the apostles lives on today in the Christian church. Their teachings and writings have been preserved and passed down through the centuries, and continue to be a source of guidance and inspiration for believers around the world. The apostles laid the foundation for the Christian church and their role in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ has had a profound impact on the world. Without their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to the truth, Christianity as we know it today may never have existed.
In conclusion, the role of apostles was critical in the establishment and growth of the early church. They were trusted leaders who were chosen by God to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Their teachings and writings have left a lasting legacy that continues to impact the world today. As Christians, we should be grateful for their service and dedication, and strive to honor their memory by following in their footsteps and spreading the message of Christ to those around us.
Criteria for Being an Apostle
The word ‘apostle’ comes from the Greek word ‘apostolos,’ which means ‘one who is sent out.’ In the Bible, an apostle refers to a person who is considered to be a messenger or a representative of Jesus Christ. The apostles were chosen by Jesus himself to spread the gospel and to lay the foundation of the church. According to the New Testament, there were several criteria for being an apostle. Let’s take a closer look at these criteria:
Being a Witness to Jesus’ Ministry
The first and foremost criteria for being an apostle was to be a witness to Jesus’ ministry. Acts 1:21-22 says, “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” The apostles were chosen based on their first-hand experiences with Jesus, including his teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. They were chosen to bear witness to these events and to proclaim the gospel to the world.
Calling by God
The second criteria for being an apostle was a calling by God. Jesus personally chose his apostles, and they were not selected by any human authority. In John 15:16, Jesus says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” The apostles were called by Jesus to fulfill a specific role in his plan for salvation and were given the authority to preach and teach in his name.
Performing Signs and Wonders
The third criteria for being an apostle was the ability to perform signs and wonders. Mark 16:17-18 says, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” The apostles were given supernatural abilities to confirm the truth of their message and to demonstrate the power of God.
Commissioned to be an Apostle
The fourth criteria for being an apostle was the commissioning to be an apostle or the sealing of the office by God. Paul in particular was commissioned to be an apostle after Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Galatians 1:1, Paul says, “Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.” Even though he wasn’t one of the original apostles, Paul was chosen by God to be an apostle and was given the authority to teach and preach in Jesus’ name.
In conclusion, the criteria for being an apostle in the Bible was being a witness to Jesus’ ministry, calling by God, performing signs and wonders and the commissioning or sealing of the office by God. These criteria were used to verify the authenticity of the apostles and to ensure that they were truly sent by Jesus to spread the gospel. The apostles played a critical role in the establishment of the early church and continue to inspire and guide believers to this day.
Apostles Today
When we think of apostles, our minds may go straight to the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus in the New Testament. However, some Christian denominations believe in the ongoing role of apostles today. They view apostleship as a position that can continue beyond just the early church.
These modern-day apostles are considered to be individuals who have been called by God to spread the Gospel, establish churches, and lead others in faith. They are seen as spiritual leaders, with a unique role and authority within the church.
Some denominations, such as the Pentecostal and Apostolic churches, strongly believe in the role of modern-day apostles. They may use phrases such as “apostolic covering” to describe the authority that these apostles hold over their congregations.
However, there are also many within the Christian community who do not accept the idea of modern-day apostles. They argue that the early apostles were chosen directly by Jesus and had unique experiences that cannot be replicated today.
Instead, these individuals may view the apostleship as a historical position that was limited to the early church. They may also argue that the Bible provides all the necessary teachings and guidance needed for modern-day Christians.
Ultimately, the role of apostles today is a topic of debate within the Christian community. While some denominations firmly believe in the continued role of apostleship, others do not see it as a necessary component of modern-day Christianity.
Distinguishing Apostles from Other Church Leaders
When we read the New Testament, we find the word “apostle” mentioned quite frequently. The Greek word for “apostle” is “apostolos” which means “one who is sent out”. According to the Bible, an apostle is commissioned by Jesus Christ himself to preach the gospel and build the church (Ephesians 2:20).
While the modern-day church has various leadership positions like pastors, preachers, evangelists, and teachers, it’s essential to distinguish between the biblical office of apostle and other leadership positions in the church. Here are some key ways to identify apostles from other church leaders:
1. Apostles were personally commissioned by Jesus Christ
The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ chose twelve men as His apostles during His earthly ministry. They were eyewitnesses of His resurrection (Acts 1:22) and received a direct commission from Him (Matthew 28:18-20).
While modern-day church leaders are appointed by others, apostles were appointed directly by Jesus Christ. This unique commissioning distinguished them from other church leaders and gave them a unique authority in the early church.
2. Apostles were given supernatural signs and wonders
The New Testament records that apostles were given the power to perform miraculous signs and wonders (2 Corinthians 12:12). They could heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, and speak in tongues, which were all supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
While some modern-day church leaders may have gifts of healing or other charismatic gifts, the apostles were specially empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles that authenticated their message and ministry.
3. Apostles were given a unique role in the early church
During the early days of the church, the apostles played a critical role in preaching the gospel, establishing churches, and training other leaders (Ephesians 2:20). They also had the authority to settle disputes and make decisions concerning church governance (Acts 15:6-29).
While modern-day church leaders have varying roles and responsibilities in the church, the authority of the apostles was unique and instrumental in the formation of the early church.
4. The office of apostle was limited in scope and time
The New Testament indicates that the office of apostle was limited in scope and time. For example, the twelve apostles were chosen to represent the twelve tribes of Israel and their unique commission ended with their death. Paul was called as an apostle to the Gentiles but his unique authority also ended with the completion of the New Testament scriptures.
While the church today may have leaders who function in apostolic-like roles, it’s essential to distinguish between those who are appointed by men and those who were commissioned directly by Jesus Christ Himself as apostles.
Conclusion
The office of apostle is a unique and essential part of the early church. While modern-day church leaders may have apostolic-like qualities, it’s essential to understand the biblical distinctions between the office of apostle and other leadership positions in the church.
As we read the New Testament and study the lives of the apostles, we can gain a greater appreciation for their unique role in the formation and establishment of the early church, and we can learn valuable insights that can help us in our own leadership roles as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission.
The Importance of Apostolic Doctrine
The Bible defines an apostle as a “sent one” or a special messenger. In the time of Jesus Christ, the Twelve Apostles were handpicked by Him to serve as His closest disciples. After His death and resurrection, these chosen men continued to spread the Gospel message, establishing churches and teaching the faith.
The teachings of the apostles were central to the early church and served as the foundation of Christian doctrine. Their writing, recorded in the New Testament, has been considered authoritative guidance for believers and has provided guidance for theological interpretation and development. The preservation and study of the apostolic doctrine are essential for the continued growth and development of Christians today.
The importance of apostolic doctrine goes far beyond theological teaching in an academic sense. The teachings of the apostles provide a framework for believers to understand God’s plan for salvation and develop an authentic relationship with Him. The teachings help readers grasp the nature of God’s love and divine intervention in our world and how we ought to strive for personal righteousness.
Furthermore, the apostolic doctrine serves as a bulwark against false teaching and heresies, which can lead believers astray. By studying the teachings of the apostles, believers can identify and reject false teachings that deviate from the principles of the Gospel and remain true to their faith. The apostolic doctrine is a shield that offers protection to believers against false teachings.
In conclusion, the importance of apostolic doctrine cannot be overstated. The teachings of the apostles were instrumental in establishing the church and have provided guidance for believers throughout the generations. By studying apostolic doctrine, believers can deepen their relationship with God and stay true to their faith in the midst of challenging circumstances.
