What is an apostle?

An apostle is a person sent on a mission, typically with the authority to represent the sender. In the New Testament, the term is primarily used to refer to the disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to spread the gospel and establish the church. The word “apostle” comes from the Greek word “apostolos”, meaning “one who is sent” or “messenger.”

Key Characteristics of an Apostle

  1. Chosen and Sent by Jesus
    • Apostles are specifically called and commissioned by Jesus to represent Him and carry out His mission.
    • Mark 3:14-15 (NIV):
      “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
  2. Eyewitness of the Resurrected Christ
    • An apostle must have seen the risen Jesus, as this qualified them to testify about His resurrection.
    • Acts 1:21-22 (NIV):
      “Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us… For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
  3. Authority to Perform Signs and Miracles
    • Apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform signs, miracles, and wonders, affirming their divine commission.
    • 2 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV):
      “The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance.”
  4. Foundational Role in the Church
    • Apostles laid the foundation of the church by preaching the gospel and establishing communities of believers.
    • Ephesians 2:19-20 (NIV):
      “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”
  5. Faithful Messengers of Doctrine
    • Apostles were entrusted with delivering and defending the gospel message.
    • Galatians 1:11-12 (NIV):
      “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.”

The Original Apostles

  1. The Twelve Apostles
    • Jesus originally chose twelve men to be His apostles:
      • Matthew 10:2-4 (NIV):
        “These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.”
    • After Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and died, he was replaced by Matthias.
      • Acts 1:26 (NIV):
        “Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.”
  2. Paul as an Apostle
    • Although not one of the original twelve, Paul was specifically called by Jesus to be an apostle to the Gentiles.
    • 1 Corinthians 15:8-9 (NIV):
      “And last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”
    • Galatians 1:1 (NIV):
      “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.”

Other Apostles Mentioned in Scripture

  1. Barnabas
    • Barnabas is referred to as an apostle in his missionary work with Paul.
    • Acts 14:14 (NIV):
      “But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting.”
  2. James, the Lord’s Brother
    • James, the brother of Jesus, is often regarded as an apostle, playing a significant role in the early church.
    • Galatians 1:19 (NIV):
      “I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother.”

The Role of Apostles in the Church

  1. Proclaiming the Gospel
    • Apostles preached the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
    • Acts 5:42 (NIV):
      “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”
  2. Establishing Churches
    • Apostles were instrumental in planting churches and guiding them in sound doctrine.
    • 1 Corinthians 3:10 (NIV):
      “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.”
  3. Teaching and Writing Scripture
    • Many of the apostles contributed to the New Testament writings, ensuring the preservation of Christian doctrine.
    • 2 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV):
      “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.”
  4. Defending the Faith
    • Apostles confronted false teachings and defended the truth of the gospel.
    • Jude 1:3 (NIV):
      “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”

Are There Apostles Today?

  1. Historical Apostles
    • The original apostles held a unique, foundational role in the church that cannot be replicated. They were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection and directly commissioned by Him.
  2. Modern Apostles
    • Some Christian traditions believe the gift of apostleship continues today, referring to church leaders who pioneer new ministries or missionary work.
    • Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV):
      “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
  3. Debate Among Christians
    • Some denominations see apostleship as an ongoing role in the church, while others view it as limited to the first century.

Conclusion

An apostle is a person chosen and sent by Jesus with the authority to represent Him, spread the gospel, and establish the church. While the original apostles played a foundational role in Christianity, their example and teachings continue to shape the church today. Believers are called to follow their dedication to proclaiming Christ and living faithfully according to His mission.

  • Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV):
    “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 everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”