The Eleven Apostles hold a significant place in Christian theology and history as the faithful ministers who continued the work of Jesus Christ after His ascension. These men, chosen by Jesus Himself, were instrumental in the establishment and spread of the early Church. Their faithfulness is a testament to their commitment to the teachings and mission of Christ.

Selection and Commissioning

The Eleven Apostles were originally part of the Twelve, chosen by Jesus during His earthly ministry. The Gospel of Luke records this selection: "When day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles" (Luke 6:13). These men were called to be with Jesus, to learn from Him, and to be sent out to preach and perform miracles in His name.

Faithfulness in Ministry

Despite their initial shortcomings and moments of doubt, the Eleven Apostles demonstrated remarkable faithfulness after the resurrection of Jesus. They witnessed the risen Christ, which solidified their belief and commitment. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives them the Great Commission: "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, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This command became the foundation of their ministry.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit

The faithfulness of the Eleven Apostles was further empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. As recorded in the Book of Acts, "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them" (Acts 2:4). This event marked the beginning of their bold and effective ministry, as they preached the Gospel with power and conviction.

Perseverance Amidst Persecution

The Apostles faced significant persecution and hardship as they spread the message of Christ. Yet, they remained steadfast in their mission. The Book of Acts details numerous instances of their perseverance, such as when Peter and John were arrested and commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus. Their response was resolute: "We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20).

Legacy and Impact

The faithfulness of the Eleven Apostles laid the groundwork for the growth of the early Church. Their teachings, preserved in the New Testament, continue to guide and inspire Christians today. The Apostle Paul, though not one of the original Twelve, acknowledged their foundational role, stating, "You are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20).

Conclusion

The Eleven Apostles exemplify the qualities of faithful ministers, dedicated to the mission of Christ despite challenges and opposition. Their legacy endures as a testament to their unwavering commitment to the Gospel and their pivotal role in the history of Christianity.Matthew 28:16-19
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Preface
... Paul's, and York, and Lincoln, and all the stately ministers of our own land ... In short,
the whole company of the eleven faithful Apostles was assembled in that ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/preface.htm

The Holy Catholic Church.
... of the newly-ordained deacons; and the faithful "were scattered ... To the first order
of Ministers"the Apostles ... For to "the eleven Disciples" the commission was ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ix the holy catholic.htm

Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence.
... need of constant care and faithful instruction, and ... Eleven of the twelve, who had
become in ... clashes irreconcilably with the present distribution of ministers. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vi claim of missions.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 2, Etc. , About the ...
... this, all the rest of the eleven Apostles heard it. ... Brethren, seek for those among
the faithful who have ... their orders, he issues his commands to his ministers. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xl on the words.htm

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ...
... ELECTION AND REPROBATION PROMISCUOUSLY HANDLED, IN ELEVEN CHAPTERS ... Doubtless God
was fair and faithful to his creature ... He saith not to his ministers, Go preach ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/reprobation asserted or the doctrine.htm

The Law, and the Prophecy.
... sport with man; he is the truthful faithful, and merciful ... From the time of Samuel,
some eleven centuries before ... of the ancient covenant, the ministers of the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 10 the law and.htm

Colonization.
... and taught them to be very faithful and industrious. ... stepping out of their work as
ministers, interfering with ... For nearly eleven years the Bishops were put down ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxxiii colonization.htm

Jacob and Doubting Souls --A Parallel
... Not only did the eleven apostles see him many times, but ... is evidence enough,"the
witness of faithful men, and ... And why does God send ministers to preach his ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/jacob and doubting soulsa parallel.htm

On Attending the Church Service
... children of Israel went to hell for eleven or twelve ... no grace is conveyed by wicked
Ministers; namely, that a ... Let us bear a faithful testimony, in our several ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 104 on attending the.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... Peaceable as was the demeanour of his ministers, and benevolent ... charge of their duty,
the eleven were forewarned by ... a wise as well as a faithful preacher; and ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

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