The term “Apostle” is one with a rich and diverse history. It is primarily used in Christianity to refer to the twelve disciples who were sent out by Jesus Christ to preach his gospel. But it is important to recognize that there is much more to the terms use than just these twelve disciples. The Bible also speaks of “apostolic fathers”; those who were sent out by the early Church to evangelize the Gospel and to spread Christianity to new lands. Furthermore, the term is also commonly used of those who were the disciples of Saint Paul and those whom he sent out. It has also been used to describe other Christians throughout the ages who have gone out in the name of Jesus Christ to bring His message to others. Thus, the term “Apostle” has a much deeper and broader application than simply the twelve men sent out by Jesus.
The Bible provides us with an understanding of just what apostles are. In the New Testament, an individual is sometimes referred to as an “apostle” because of their authority and influence. For example, in the gospel of Luke, it speaks of Simon, a fisherman from Galilee, whom Jesus named Peter “The Rock” and then gave him the prophetic commission to become a “fisher of men.” This same passage is often used to describe apostles as those who have been given a special calling to go out and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to serve as ambassadors of God. In the epistles of Paul, the term “apostle” is not used, but he does refer to himself numerous times as a “servant,” “ambassador,” or “minister” of the gospel.
When we look at the history of the use of the term “Apostle,” it helps to provide us with further insight into just who these people were and how they were meant to serve in the early Church. In Acts Chapter 8, Philip is referred to as an “apostle,” even though he was not one of the twelve apostles who Jesus had selected. This implies that Philip was regarded as a leader in the early Church, having been sent out on a mission to proclaim the gospel and to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. This also shows that not all of the apostles were necessarily among the twelve that were chosen by Jesus, as it is recorded in Matthew 10:2-4. In later years, the term “apostle” was also used to refer to those who were sent out to proclaim Christianity to new lands, and to those who were chosen to lead the Church. Thus, the term “apostle” has come to encompass a wide variety of people throughout the history of Christianity.
It is important to recognize that apostles have a long and important history within Christianity and that the term itself carries many different meanings and connotations. While the twelve disciples who were sent out by Jesus initially serve as our primary source for the meaning of apostle, it is also important to see how it has been used throughout the entirety of Christian history. Apostles have been those whom the Church has chosen to send out to proclaim the Gospel and to spread the faith, as well as those whom God has chosen to lead the Church. Therefore, while “Apostles” in the Bible initially refers to the twelve disciples sent out by Jesus, it has become a much broader term over time and is used to refer to many other individuals throughout the history of Christianity.
What is the Role of an Apostle?
When discussing the role of an apostle in the Bible, it is important to recognize that their role varied greatly depending on who was being sent out and in what time period they lived. In the New Testament, their primary role was to preach the Gospel and to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Many times, this took the form of traveling to new places and establishing churches in those areas. Additionally, apostles often served as teachers and mentors, as well as leaders of the Church. In this regard, they provided guidance and support to the local churches and helped shape their beliefs.
It is also worth noting that apostles often served in many other roles. As ambassadors of the Church, they sometimes served as mediators between two cultures and even walked a diplomatic path between two feuding parties. They were also peace makers, advocates, and were often very successful in attempting to reach out to individuals that were previously unresponsive to the gospel. Lastly, they were often looked to as spiritual authorities, and while they may not have possessed any official power, they carried great respect and were often influential in larger spiritual matters.
The Three Essential Qualities of an Apostle
It is important to recognize that the men and women who were chosen by God to be the apostles of Jesus Christ had a few specific qualities that made them stand out from the rest. At their core, apostles had to possess a deep faith in the power of Jesus Christ, a passion for God’s will, and an unwavering commitment to His mission. This unwavering commitment is perhaps the most important of the three qualities, as it was this commitment that allowed them to face persecutions and endure difficult trails. All three of these qualities, as well as a variety of others, are necessary for anyone who wishes to be an apostle of Jesus Christ.
Apostles must also be willing to step into the unknown, as they will often be called upon to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in places that may be unfamiliar to them or unwelcoming. Furthermore, they must often put the needs of others above their own, and be willing to listen to those whom they are seeking to serve and minister to. Lastly, they must possess an ability to discern and act on God’s will in all circumstances, and be willing to focus every ounce of their energy and resources on the task at hand.
The Significance of Apostles Through the Ages
Apostles serve as powerful reminders that the spirit of Jesus has been alive throughout the centuries and continues to be alive today. Throughout the ages, God has always called his people to go out and proclaim His message, whether it be the twelve disciples in the New Testament, those who proclaimed the Gospel in new lands, or those who have been sent out in recent decades. Through the examples of these men and women, we are reminded of the importance of the mission of Jesus Christ and of the call to spread the Word of God to all people.
At the same time, it is important to recognize that the work of the apostle isn’t easy. Disciples must often face persecution, uncertainty, and difficult terrain and conditions in order to bring the message of Jesus Christ to those who may not know it. However, in doing so, apostles also help to strengthen the Church and to remind us of the importance of proclaiming the love and truth of Jesus Christ in our own lives. In this way, apostles help to spread the message of the gospel to all people. This, in turn, helps to bring the Kingdom of God closer to all people.
Apostles in Modern Times
In present day, the work of apostles is still alive and well. Some denominations and traditions of Christianity choose to recognize and commission specific individuals as modern-day apostles. These individuals sample serve in a variety of capacities and are viewed as spiritual representatives that are called to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and to lead the Church. They may be sent out to serve in the mission field, to evangelize the gospel or to serve as spiritual leaders in ministry or other roles. No matter what their specific role is, the call of an apostle is to lead the Church and to faithfully serve the mission of Jesus Christ.
Additionally, many people today choose to follow the example of apostles out of a desire to faithfully serve Jesus Christ. While an individual may not have been specifically appointed as an apostle, they still may lead a mission oriented life and perform the work of the church. These individuals often spend time directing the ministry of their church, teaching, preaching the gospel, and engaging in mission-oriented activities. Furthermore, these individuals often serve as spiritual mentors to others and dedicate themselves to helping to grow and strengthen the Church.
What an Apostle Can Bring to the Church Today
Apostles play an integral role in the spiritual life of the Church. They are a reminder that the mission of Jesus Christ has been ongoing throughout the ages and they serve as spiritual guides, mentors, and thinkers. Furthermore, in a time when many people are unwilling or unable to serve the mission of Jesus, apostles are often those who are willing to step up and bear the burden of the gospel. In this way, they can provide much-needed spiritual leadership, guidance, and direction. Finally, they serve to remind the Church of the importance of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and of faithfully serving Him in whatever season and circumstances one finds oneself in.
The Calling of Apostles in Today’s World
Whether one realizes it or not, this is a time of spiritual quest and exploration. As men and women seek for truth and for understanding, many are being called to a life of ministry and service to Christ. Within this context, it is important to recognize the paramount importance of apostles in today’s world. Apostles possess a unique combination of spiritual wisdom and practical knowledge that enable them to lead the Church and to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. At the same time, they serve as an example of dedication to the mission and faithfulness to the gospel.
This is an exciting time to recognize the calling of apostles and it is an opportunity to serve the Church and fulfill the mission of Jesus. As each individual strives to lead a faithful and mission-oriented life, there is no better example than that of the apostles. Thus, while one may not have been selected as an official apostle, all are called to take up their calling and live out their life in mission and obedience to Jesus Christ.
The Lasting Impact of Apostles Today
Apostles have left a lasting impact on the Church throughout the centuries. As spiritual representatives of the Church, they have helped spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and bring it to people of all walks of life. They have served as an example of dedication to the mission, and of faithfulness to the gospel even amid great difficulty. In this way, apostles have been an invaluable part of the Church’s history, providing a source of inspiration for generations of spiritual seekers.
At the same time, these examples serve as inspiration to believers today to take up their calling and serve the mission of Jesus out of devotion and faithfulness. In this way, apostles provide a source of spiritual encouragement and hope to all believers. Even in the present day, they can be looked to as examples of faithfulness and devotion to the mission of Jesus Christ and a reminder of the power of the gospel.
