Overview
The Bible is filled with stories that are taken from religious records and text. One of the topics discussed throughout the Bible is the apostles. The apostles were a group of people who were chosen by Jesus to become his closest companions and aides. According to the Bible, Jesus chose twelve men to be part of the twelve apostles. These Twelve Apostles were not necessarily members of the same religious sect or order, but they were all devoted to Jesus and his teachings. They were his go-to people and helped him share his message and teachings with others. The apostles had the honor of witnessing Jesus’ ministry and some of them even witnessed his death. This article will explore how many apostles were in the Bible, provide background information on the Bible, the apostles, and related topics.
Apostles in the Bible
The Bible, primarily the New Testament, mentions the twelve apostles as close to Jesus. They were all chosen for different reasons and for different purposes. In the Bible, Jesus chose these twelve men to be his closest companions and to help him spread his teachings and ministry. Matthew 10:2-4 states “The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him”. Thus, the Bible mentions twelve apostles by name. These apostles were also called “the Twelve” and were considered to be a special group of people who had an important role in Jesus’ ministry and teachings.
Call of the Apostles
The call of the apostles is also mentioned in the Bible. According to the New Testament, Jesus called these men to be part of his special group. In Luke 6:12-16, it states: “When it was day, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor”.
Through this call, Jesus wanted men who were devoted to him and his teachings to become close to him and help him spread his message. As a result, the apostles became his closest companions and shared in his experiences.
Purpose of the Apostles
The Bible states that the journey of the apostles was not just about the Twelve. Instead, it was about those who believed in Jesus and sought to share his gospel and teachings throughout the world. In Matthew 10:7-8, it states: “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” The Bible shows that the purpose of the apostles was to preach and spread the message of Jesus. They were his messengers and representatives, and the success of his mission was in their hands.
Impact of the Apostles
The Twelve were instrumental in spreading the Gospel of Jesus and his teachings to the masses. They traveled throughout the world, bringing the story of Jesus to many people. They were able to perform miracles and prove the veracity of Jesus’ teachings. This allowed them to earn the trust of people and draw them closer to Christianity. The apostles also spread the message of peace and love, making the world a better place for the people in the early days of the church.
Relationship between the Apostles and Jesus
The impact of the Twelve is also evident in Jesus’ admonishment in Matthew 25:45 – “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Jesus made it clear that the Twelve should extend their charity and care to every living being, including the most neglected and impoverished among tus. Thus, the apostles had an intimate relationship with Jesus and his teachings. This is why they are remembered to this day as symbols of faith and courage.
Relevance of the Apostles to Christianity
The apostles had a profound impact on the growth and spread of Christianity. Without them, Jesus’ teachings and works would not have reached the entire world. Through their missionary work, they were able to draw more people to Christianity. They were also able to strengthen the faith of those who were already Christians and further solidify their loyalty. To this day, the apostles are remembered as the pillars of faith and as living examples of how to live according to the word of God.
The Significance of Jesus’ Choice of the Twelve
When Jesus chose the twelve, he chose men from different backgrounds and walks of life. This shows that Jesus wanted those close to him to represent a range of perspectives. He sought companions who could show compassion and understanding overcoming patterns of prejudice and judgement. It’s also notable that Jesus chose individuals from both small and large towns, from humble and educated backgrounds, from wealthy and poor families. This shows that the Gospel of Jesus was meant for all people, regardless of social or economic class.
Legacy of the Apostles
The legacy of the apostles still has an immense impact on Christianity today. It is believed that their teachings and writings are inspired by the Holy Spirit. As a result, they are seen as the founders of the Christian faith and their ministry continues to be celebrated and acknowledged in churches around the world. As their example became embedded in Christianity, they stand as witnesses of Jesus’ teachings and as examples of how to live as a Christian.
Conclusion of Their Service
The apostles played a significant role in the mission of Jesus. They were the ones who shared his teachings, witnessed his miracles, and helped spread his message throughout the world. The legacy of the Twelve is still felt today and their service to Jesus and the Church will never be forgotten.
