Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Called: Apostles

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The term "apostle" originates from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." In the New Testament, apostles are primarily recognized as the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest followers and to carry forth His teachings. The role of an apostle is foundational in the establishment and spread of the early Christian Church.

Selection and Role of the Apostles

The selection of the apostles is a significant event in the Gospels. In the Gospel of Luke, it is recorded that Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before choosing the twelve from among His disciples: "When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles" (Luke 6:13). These twelve 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.

The apostles were entrusted with the mission to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus commissions them with these words: "As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give" (Matthew 10:7-8).

Authority and Foundation

The apostles held a unique authority in the early Church, serving as the primary witnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Their teachings and writings form the foundation of Christian doctrine. The Apostle Paul, though not one of the original twelve, is also recognized as an apostle due to his encounter with the risen Christ and his significant contributions to the New Testament. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul emphasizes the foundational role of the apostles: "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20).

Apostolic Succession and Legacy

The concept of apostolic succession is rooted in the belief that the authority given to the apostles by Christ has been passed down through successive generations of church leaders. This succession is seen as a means of preserving the integrity and continuity of the Church's teaching and sacramental life.

The legacy of the apostles is evident in the spread of Christianity throughout the world. The Acts of the Apostles details the early missionary journeys and the establishment of Christian communities. The apostles' unwavering commitment to their calling, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom, serves as a testament to their faith and dedication.

Apostolic Characteristics

Apostles are characterized by their direct calling from Christ, their witness to His resurrection, and their role in teaching and establishing the Church. The Apostle Paul, in defending his apostleship, writes: "Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?" (1 Corinthians 9:1). This personal encounter with Christ and the transformative impact of their ministry are hallmarks of apostolic identity.

In summary, the apostles were divinely appointed messengers, entrusted with the foundational task of spreading the Gospel and establishing the early Church. Their teachings and example continue to influence Christian faith and practice to this day.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 6:13
And when it was day, he called to him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
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Revelation 18:20
Rejoice over her, you heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets; for God has avenged you on her.
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Library

Disciples of Christ; Sometimes Called Campbellites, or Reformers.
... DISCIPLES OF CHRIST; SOMETIMES CALLED CAMPBELLITES, OR REFORMERS. ... Mr. M'Calla, a
Presbyterian minister of Kentucky ... But in his "Christian Baptist," which began ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/disciples of christ sometimes called.htm

Agrippa, who was Also Called Herod, Having Persecuted the Apostles ...
... against the apostles were not long deferred, but the avenging minister of divine ...
of Christian Biog ... Acts 12:23, and not that owl, which Josephus called an angel ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter x agrippa who was also.htm

The Second Epistle to Timothy
... this Epistle was the apostles presentiment of ... work entrusted to this youthful minister,
called for a ... portrait of the ideal Christian minister, busily engaged ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the second epistle to timothy.htm

The Catholic Apostolic Church (Called Irvingites. )
... this modern Montanism, and its most learned minister in Germany ... work of caring for
the whole Christian Church ... the three great creeds commonly called the Apostles ...
/.../ 113 the catholic apostolic.htm

Laymen Called to the Field of Missions.
... the sentiment, that lay members of the church in great numbers are called to go ... Why
should not the aid enjoyed by the minister in Christian lands, from ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter v laymen called to.htm

The Angels of the Seven Churches.
... Had bishops been originally called angels, they never would ... it would appear that
the Christian communities among ... This minister seems, indeed, to have now spent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the angels of.htm

The Teaching of the Apostles.
... the usual Syriac word is employed, meaning "minister" or "servant." From Riddle,
Christian Antiqq., p ... time considered part of what was called the New ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents the teaching 2.htm

The Twelve and the Seventy.
... He did not Himself refuse to minister either to ... The most ancient Christian Church,
that of the metropolis ... That they were called apostles as well as the Twelve ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the twelve and.htm

Christian Connection.
... furnish satisfactory testimonials of their Christian character ... makes choice of its
own minister, agrees on ... up by means of associations called conferences, each ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/christian connection.htm

The Worship of the Church. The Religion of the Primitive ...
... From the very days of the apostles the reading ... was committed to a new official, called
the Reader ... in the ordinary costume of a Christian minister to distinguish ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the worship of.htm