Topical Encyclopedia The term "apostle" originates from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." In the New Testament, the apostles are primarily the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest followers and to carry forth His mission after His ascension. The calling of the apostles is a significant event in the New Testament, highlighting the divine selection and commissioning of these individuals for the foundational work of the Church.Divine Selection and Calling The calling of the apostles is depicted in the Gospels as a deliberate and purposeful act by Jesus. In the Gospel of Mark, it is recorded, "He appointed twelve, whom He named apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons" (Mark 3:14-15). This passage underscores the dual purpose of their calling: to be with Jesus and to be sent out as His representatives. The Gospel of Luke provides further insight into the divine nature of their selection. Before choosing the twelve, Jesus spent an entire night in prayer, seeking the Father's guidance (Luke 6:12-13). This act of prayer emphasizes the spiritual significance and divine will involved in the appointment of the apostles. The Twelve Apostles The twelve apostles, as listed in the Gospels, are Simon Peter, James the son of Zebedee, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (also known as Judas the son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus (Matthew 10:2-4). Each of these men came from diverse backgrounds, yet they were united in their calling to follow Christ and spread His teachings. Apostolic Authority and Mission The apostles were endowed with authority by Jesus to perform miracles, heal the sick, and cast out demons, serving as a testament to the divine power at work within them. In Matthew 10:1, it is written, "Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness" . This authority was not of their own making but was granted by Christ to authenticate their message and mission. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, further defines the apostolic mission: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 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.'" This commission underscores the global and enduring nature of their task, extending beyond the confines of Israel to all nations. Paul: The Apostle to the Gentiles In addition to the original twelve, Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, is recognized as an apostle due to his unique calling and significant contribution to the early Church. His encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6) marks a pivotal moment in his life, transforming him from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle. Paul describes his apostleship as divinely appointed, stating, "Paul, an apostle—not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead" (Galatians 1:1). Paul's mission primarily focused on the Gentiles, and his epistles form a substantial portion of the New Testament, providing theological insights and practical guidance for the early Church. His apostleship, though distinct from the twelve, is equally rooted in divine calling and authority. The Legacy of the Apostles The apostles laid the foundation of the Christian Church, their teachings and writings forming the core of New Testament doctrine. Ephesians 2:20 describes the Church as "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone" . Their legacy continues to influence Christian faith and practice, as their lives and teachings bear witness to the transformative power of being called by God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 1:1Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 12:28 Galatians 1:1,15,16 Library Introductory the Apostle Paul Himself not the Preacher of a New ... A Statement in vindication of the Doctrine of the Apostles as ... And the Apostles, who Speak of God, in Establishing the Truth of ... The Corruption of Man, his Conversion to God, and the Manner ... Eldad and Medad Answer to an Objection, Arising from the Words of Christ (Matt. vi ... A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer How the Prophets and Holy Men of the Old Testament Knew the Things ... The Opinion of the Apostles on Veiling the Mysteries of the Faith. Stephen the First Christian Martyr Resources Does the Bible record the death of the apostles? How did each of the apostles die? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the super-apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:5? | GotQuestions.org What are the Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles? | 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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