Topical Encyclopedia The Apostles, a group of twelve men chosen by Jesus Christ, hold a foundational role in the Christian faith as primary witnesses to the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Their testimony and teachings form the bedrock of the New Testament and the early Church.Selection and Role The term "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." Jesus selected these men to be His closest followers and to carry forth His message. The original twelve apostles were Simon Peter, James and John (sons of Zebedee), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus (also known as Judas, son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who was later replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26). Witnesses of the Resurrection The resurrection of Jesus is a central tenet of Christian faith, and the apostles were chosen to be its primary witnesses. After His crucifixion, Jesus appeared to the apostles and others over a period of forty days, providing "many convincing proofs" of His resurrection (Acts 1:3). The apostle Paul later emphasizes the importance of their witness, stating, "He appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve" (1 Corinthians 15:5). The Gospel accounts detail various appearances of the risen Christ to the apostles. In John 20:19-20 , Jesus appears to the disciples, showing them His hands and side, and they rejoice at seeing the Lord. Thomas, initially doubting, later confesses, "My Lord and my God!" upon seeing Jesus (John 20:28). Witnesses of the Ascension The ascension of Jesus marks His return to the Father and the completion of His earthly ministry. The apostles were present at this pivotal event. In Acts 1:9-11 , it is recorded that as the apostles watched, Jesus "was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight." Two angels then assured them that Jesus would return in the same manner. The ascension underscores the apostles' mission to spread the Gospel. Jesus' final instructions to them, known as the Great Commission, are recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 : "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." Empowerment by the Holy Spirit Before His ascension, Jesus promised the apostles that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them, enabling them to speak in various tongues and boldly proclaim the Gospel (Acts 2:1-4). Legacy and Impact The apostles' witness to the resurrection and ascension of Christ laid the foundation for the spread of Christianity. Their teachings, preserved in the New Testament, continue to guide and inspire believers. The apostolic witness affirms the truth of the resurrection, the hope of eternal life, and the promise of Christ's return. Through their testimony, the apostles fulfilled their role as the chosen messengers of the risen Lord, establishing the Church and spreading the Gospel to the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 24:33-41,51And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 1:2-9 Acts 10:40,41 1 Corinthians 15:8 Library The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ... The Resurrection of Christ. How Christ Performed the Office of Redeemer in Procuring Our ... The Ascension of Christ The Ascension First and Second Appearances of the Risen Christ. The Resurrection ... Of the Resurrection of the Flesh, which Some Refuse to Believe ... On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension Dr. Philip Schaff on the Resurrection. On the Resurrection of Christ from the Dead. 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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