The term "Apostles of Jesus Christ" refers to the select group of individuals chosen and commissioned by Jesus to be His primary messengers and representatives. The word "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." In the New Testament, the apostles hold a foundational role in the establishment and spread of the early Christian Church.

Selection and Commissioning

The original twelve apostles were personally chosen by Jesus during His earthly ministry. This group included Simon Peter, James and John (the sons of Zebedee), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (the son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who was later replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26). The selection of the apostles is recorded in the Gospels, such as in Mark 3:14-15 : "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."

Role and Authority

The apostles were entrusted with the authority to preach the Gospel, perform miracles, and establish churches. They were eyewitnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which qualified them uniquely to testify to His work and teachings. In Matthew 28:19-20 , Jesus gives the Great Commission to His apostles: "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."

Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

Although not one of the original twelve, Paul is recognized as an apostle due to his dramatic conversion and direct commissioning by the risen Christ (Acts 9:15). Paul refers to himself as an apostle in several of his epistles, emphasizing his role in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. In Galatians 1:1 , Paul asserts his apostleship: "Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead."

Apostolic Authority and Teaching

The apostles' teachings form the foundation of Christian doctrine, as they were guided by the Holy Spirit to convey the truths of the faith. Acts 2:42 highlights the early church's devotion to apostolic teaching: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." The New Testament writings, many of which were authored by apostles or their close associates, continue to serve as authoritative Scripture for the Church.

Legacy and Succession

The apostles' legacy is seen in the establishment of the Church and the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. While the original apostolic office is unique and unrepeatable, the Church continues to recognize the importance of apostolic succession in maintaining doctrinal continuity and ecclesiastical authority. Ephesians 2:20 describes the Church as "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone."

The apostles of Jesus Christ remain central figures in Christian theology and history, revered for their faithfulness and dedication to the mission entrusted to them by the Lord.Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
Nave's Topical Index

Disciples of Christ; Sometimes Called Campbellites, or Reformers.
... DISCIPLES OF CHRIST; SOMETIMES CALLED CAMPBELLITES, OR REFORMERS ... with Mr. M'Calla,
a Presbyterian minister of Kentucky ... a complete standard of Christian faith and ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/disciples of christ sometimes called.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 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

A Faithful Undershepherd
... in the heart, the work of the Christian minister is a ... ignorance: but as He which
hath called you is ... The apostles exhorted the believers to study the Scriptures ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 51 a faithful undershepherd.htm

Think that You Cannot Fail to Understand this Too...
... is given to me of God, that I should be the minister of Jesus ... and deed." [1787]
"I am the last of all the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/34 i think that you.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

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

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 Ministry and Prayer
... They advance more rapidly and in Christian living are most like ... first thing in the
equipment of a minister is prayer ... also must be those whom He has called to be ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/vii the ministry and prayer.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

What is the Universal Life Church? | GotQuestions.org

Who was John Owen? | GotQuestions.org

What is Christian ministry? | GotQuestions.org

Minister: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus