Topical Encyclopedia The authority of the apostles, as commissioned by Jesus Christ, is a foundational aspect of their role in the early Church. This authority is derived directly from Christ Himself, who appointed them to be His representatives on earth, tasked with spreading the Gospel and establishing the Church. The apostles' authority is evident in several key aspects of their commission.Divine Appointment and Empowerment The apostles were chosen by Jesus Christ, who endowed them with authority and power. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus calls the twelve apostles and grants them authority over unclean spirits: "He appointed twelve, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons" (Mark 3:14-15). This divine appointment underscores their unique role and the authority vested in them by Christ. Authority to Teach and Preach The apostles were entrusted with the authority to teach and preach the Gospel. In the Great Commission, Jesus commands them, "Go, therefore, 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" (Matthew 28:19-20). This commission highlights their responsibility to disseminate Christ's teachings and establish doctrinal foundations for the Church. Authority to Bind and Loose The apostles were given the authority to bind and loose, a phrase that signifies the power to make binding decisions on doctrinal and disciplinary matters. Jesus tells Peter, representing the apostles, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:19). This authority is further extended to the collective group of apostles in Matthew 18:18. Authority in Church Governance The apostles exercised authority in the governance and organization of the early Church. In Acts 6, they oversee the appointment of deacons to address practical needs, demonstrating their leadership role. The apostles also convened the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) to resolve doctrinal disputes, illustrating their authority in maintaining theological unity and order within the Church. Authority Confirmed by Signs and Wonders The apostles' authority was confirmed by signs and wonders, which served as divine validation of their commission. In Acts 2:43, it is recorded, "A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs" . These miraculous acts authenticated their message and demonstrated the power of the Holy Spirit working through them. Authority to Impart the Holy Spirit The apostles had the unique authority to impart the Holy Spirit, as seen in the account of Peter and John in Samaria. When they laid hands on the new believers, they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17). This act signifies their role in the spiritual empowerment and growth of the early Christian community. Authority in Apostolic Succession The concept of apostolic succession underscores the continuity of apostolic authority through the ordination of new leaders. While the original apostles held a unique and unrepeatable office, their authority was passed on to subsequent church leaders to ensure the preservation and propagation of apostolic teaching and governance. In summary, the authority of the apostles, as commissioned by Christ, was comprehensive and multifaceted, encompassing teaching, governance, spiritual empowerment, and the performance of signs and wonders. This authority was essential for the establishment and growth of the early Church and continues to be a foundational element in the understanding of ecclesiastical authority. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 16:19And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 18:18 Matthew 19:28 Library All the Apostles Urge the Observance of the Order of the Church. The Great Commission The Lord Seen by the Apostles. Acts XXVI Whether all Ecclesiastical Prelates are in the State of Perfection ... Inspiration and the Canon From Persecutor to Disciple Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth. The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ... Acts I 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 |
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