An Apostle in the Bible is a term used to refer to those whom Jesus Christ personally called to be his followers and sent out to spread the gospel and a belief in him throughout the world. An apostle of Jesus Christ is a person who holds a special role and is appointed by Jesus himself directly to perform specific duties. In the Bible, Jesus can be seen sending out his apostles to cast out demons, heal the sick, and preach the gospel.
Apostles can be seen throughout the New Testament and typically its 12 apostles, including Judas Iscariot, that are repeatedly mentioned. However, there are other apostles mentioned in the New Testament which were especially chosen by Jesus Christ for a specific purpose or period of time. For example, Paul is referred to as an apostle even though he was not among the original 12. Paul was called to become an apostle after Jesus’ resurrection.
The primary job of an apostle is to spread the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and also to proclaim his power to heal and forgive sins. An apostle of Jesus, is expected to have faith in Christ, preach the gospel, baptize believers in Jesus and teach them to obey their Lord and Savior’s commands.Apostles, fulfil a leadership role and have an obligation to lead the church by example.
Apostles of Jesus are seen as the original foundation stones of the Church, because it is their preaching and teaching which laid the foundation for the Church and the gospel to spread. The apostles also wrote and compiled what eventually became the New Testament. In addition, the apostles of Jesus were given authority on earth granting them the ability to perform miracles, heal the sick, cast out demons, and even raise the dead.
The definition of an apostle includes those specifically chosen to deliver a specific message to a specific people. An apostle does not necessarily have to preach only the gospel, as seen in Exodus where the Lord sends Moses to speak to the pharaoh. Furthermore, the term Apostle was also sometimes more broadly used in the New Testament to refer to any messenger.
Qualities Of An Apostle
In 1 Corinthians 15:7-9, it states that “Jesus appeared to the twelve apostles, to more than five hundred of his fellow workers at one time, of which the majority are still alive, but some have fallen asleep.” This statement serves as a reminder of the qualifications required to truly be considered an apostle of Jesus. There are certain characteristics that the Lord Jesus is requiring His Apostles to have. The qualities include being humble and teachable, having courage and being bold in the face of opposition, and having an unwavering faith and unquestioning commitment to Christ.
The Apostles must also be able to give an accurate account of the gospel, and be willing to suffer for the cause of Christ if necessary. Furthermore, the apostles are asked to be suitable carriers of the Lord’s message and stand as examples to all believers.
Examples Of Apostles In The Bible
The two most prominent and well-known examples of Apostles in the Bible are Peter and Paul. Peter is the leader of the apostles, Peter seems to have a special place among the apostles, being among the closest to Jesus.
Paul stands out as perhaps the greatest of all Jesus’ apostles. Paul had extensive credentials and a vast knowledge of the Law, and he used these abilities to define and spread the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Paul is the author of a majority of the books in the New Testament and is often referred to as the second founder of Christianity.
Others apostles which are mentioned in the Scriptures include Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Andrew, Philip, Judas, Barnabas, Silas and many others. All of these can be read about in the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles and various other books in the bible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an Apostle in the Bible is someone who has been specifically chosen by Jesus himself to spread his good news, as well as proclaim his power and authority. Apostles have certain qualities and are appointed to perform specific duties and roles. They have an important job of laying the foundation of the church and spreading the gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Bible includes several excellent examples of Apostles such as Peter, Paul, Thomas and many others who are praised for their faith, courage and loyalty.
Apostles After Jesus
Throughout history, other than Jesus, there have been some individuals that others have claimed as Apostles of Jesus. These claims mostly come from fringe religions and cults that teach false doctrines. This is why it is so important to go to the Bible for the definition of an apostle and to learn how one is to become one.
Today, Apostles are still seen in some corners of the Christian church. These individuals usually have a great deal of seniority and have spent decades in service to the Church, which is why they often have a higher standing than a pastor or bishop alone. They are thought to hold the same sorts of responsibilities as the original Apostles and act in a very similar fashion.
Qualifications Of Apostolic Ministers
Today there are numerous qualifications that apostolic ministers must meet. In general, they are required to have a deep and extensive knowledge of the Bible, as well as an interest in spreading the gospel and helping others. A degree from an accredited Bible school or seminary is often preferred. Additionally, apostolic ministers must be proven to have leadership qualities and experience in ministering, as well as humility and a willingness to serve.
Apostles must also be willing to travel and speak in churches, universities, and other venues in order to share the message of Jesus, and should have some knowledge or experience in public speaking. Some may even be called to mentor, teach and train other believers. Apostolic ministers must also be active in the local church, use their influence to edify, and have a desire to help those in need.
The Authority Of Apostolic Ministers
Most traditional denominations recognize the authority of apostolic ministry on some level, however usually to a lesser degree than in the early Church. For example, apostles may not be able to perform miracles in the same way that the original apostles did, but their teachings can still be powerful and influential. Apostolic ministers are often tasked with setting the tone for the Church, offering advice and guidance to pastors, encouraging fellowship within the church, and helping keep the Church accountable to living out the standards and values of Jesus, as taught in the Bible.
Ultimately, apostles are an important part of the Christian Church as they remind us of the lofty standards set by Jesus, and that we must strive to faithfully continue his mission and teachings.
