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The term “Apostle,” rooted in the Syriac word “sliha,” carries profound significance within Christian theology. It denotes someone who is sent with authority, often to act on behalf of another, particularly a king or a superior, in contexts where personal presence is impractical or impossible. In the Christian context, apostleship refers to those individuals chosen and authorized by Jesus Christ himself to continue his ministry and establish the early Christian church.
The concept of apostleship finds its primary exposition in the New Testament scriptures, particularly in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Jesus Christ, during his earthly ministry, selected twelve disciples whom he designated as apostles. The term “apostle” itself originates from the Greek word “apostolos,” meaning “one who is sent out.” This designation underscores their role as emissaries sent with a specific mission and authority from Jesus.
Apostle - Etymology
1. Greek Etymology
- The Greek word for “apostle” is ἀπόστολος (apostolos).
- It comes from the verb ἀποστέλλω (apostellō), which means “to send away” or “to send forth.”
- In ancient Greek usage, an ἀπόστολος (apostolos) referred to someone who was sent on a mission or dispatched as a messenger.
- Over time, especially in the New Testament context, it came to specifically mean a person sent out with a special commission, often referring to the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ.
2. Hebrew Influence
- The Hebrew equivalent conceptually is שליח (shaliach), which also means “one who is sent” or “messenger.”.
- In Jewish tradition, a shaliach represents someone who is authorized to act on behalf of another, particularly in legal or religious matters.
- Jesus and his early followers were steeped in Jewish traditions, and the concept of apostleship in the New Testament reflects this Jewish understanding of a shaliach.
The Twelve Apostles
Jesus selects twelve disciples whom he designates as apostles, indicating their special role and authority in his ministry.
13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: ( Luke 6: 13 )
The twelve apostles are named, and Jesus gives them authority to heal and cast out demons, empowering them for their mission.
10 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 2 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; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. ( Matthew 10: 1-4 )
After Judas’ betrayal and death, Matthias is chosen by lot to replace him among the Twelve, highlighting the apostles’ role in succession and leadership.
21 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, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
( Acts 1: 21 – 26 )
This authority is a crucial aspect of their role as apostles, signifying their divine commission to represent Jesus and proclaim the kingdom of God.
Paul as an Apostle
Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus and is commissioned as an apostle to the Gentiles
(Acts 9: 1- 19 )
(Galatians 1 : 11-17 )
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. ( Acts 9: 15 )
13 I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry
(Romans 11: 13 )
Paul describes himself as one “untimely born,” yet appointed as an apostle by the grace of God, emphasizing his unique apostolic calling.
8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 9 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.
(1 Corinthians 15: 8-9)
He played a crucial role in spreading Christianity beyond Jewish communities to Gentiles (non-Jews), establishing churches throughout the Mediterranean region.
Other Apostolic Figures
James as an Apostle
James as an apostle, highlighting his leadership in the early Jerusalem church.
19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. ( Galatians 1: 19 )
Andronicus and Junia
7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among[a] the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. ( Romans 16: 7 )
refers to them as “outstanding among the apostles,” suggesting their significant role in early Christian ministry.
The Great Commission
One of the pivotal moments defining apostleship is the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs his apostles to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded.
19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ( Matthew 28: 19-20 )
Here, apostleship extends beyond mere discipleship to encompass a global mission of spreading the gospel and establishing Christian communities worldwide.
The Commission of the Twelve Apostles and the Seventy Disciples
The commissioning of the Twelve Apostles and later the Seventy Disciples by Jesus Christ represents significant moments in the spread of the gospel message according to the New Testament.
Commission of the Twelve Apostles
“When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:” ( Luke 6: 13 )
This verse from Luke highlights Jesus’ deliberate selection of twelve disciples, whom he designated as apostles. The term “apostle” signifies those sent with authority to represent Jesus and preach the gospel.
“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” ( Matthew 10: 1 )
Here, Jesus not only appoints the Twelve but also empowers them with authority to perform miraculous signs, emphasizing their role as messengers of the kingdom of God.
“These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.'” ( Matthew 10: 5-6 )
Jesus instructs the Twelve Apostles to prioritize preaching among the Jewish people, emphasizing the initial focus of their ministry within Israel.
Commission of the Seventy Disciples
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” ( Luke 10: 1 )
In addition to the Twelve Apostles, Jesus appoints seventy (or seventy two, depending on the manuscript) others and sends them out to prepare the way for his ministry, extending the reach of the gospel beyond the immediate circle of the Twelve.
“Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.'” ( Luke 10: 9 )
Like the Twelve, the Seventy are given authority to heal and proclaim the kingdom of God, underscoring their role in advancing Jesus’ mission.
Theological Implications
Inclusivity of the Gospel
The commissioning of both the Twelve Apostles and the Seventy Disciples demonstrates Jesus’ intention to reach not only the Jewish people but also all nations
47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
( Luke 24: 47 )
Authority and Mission
Both groups are entrusted with authority from Jesus to preach, heal, and proclaim the arrival of God’s kingdom, highlighting their crucial role in the spread of Christianity.
Theological Implications of Apostleship
Authority and Mission
Jesus appointed twelve disciples whom he designated as apostles, giving them authority. Initially, he sent them specifically to the Jewish people to proclaim the kingdom of God.
13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: ( Luke 6: 13 )
first before his death “to the lost sheep of Israel”
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. ( Matthew 10: 5- 6 )
and after his resurrection, to spread the message of the Gospel to all nations.
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
( Matthew 28: 16 )20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ( Matthew 28: 20 )
After his resurrection, Jesus broadened their mission to include all nations, instructing them to make disciples worldwide and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This commission remains foundational in the Christian faith, emphasizing the ongoing responsibility to spread the gospel globally and make disciples of Jesus Christ.
22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” ( Acts 1: 22 )
They exercised authority in teaching, establishing churches, and addressing doctrinal issues laying foundational teachings crucial for the early church.
( Acts 15: 6- 29 )
Unity and Diversity
While the Twelve Apostles held a primary role in the early church’s leadership and foundational teachings, individuals like Paul, James, and others extended apostolic authority beyond the original Twelve.
The diversity within apostleship reflected the universal mission of the church, embracing both Jewish and Gentile believers and reaching diverse cultural contexts.
Historical Context and Development
Early Church Expansion
Apostles played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem, establishing churches and appointing local leaders.
5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint[a] elders in every town, as I directed you. ( Titus 1: 5 )
Their itinerant ministry involved significant hardships and persecution yet they remained steadfast in their commitment to Christ and the gospel.
( 2 Corinthians 11: 23-28)
Discerning True Apostleship
The New Testament warns about false apostles who distort the gospel emphasizing the importance of discerning genuine apostolic authority based on fidelity to Christ’s teachings.
13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
( 2 Corinthians 11: 13 )2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
( Revelation 2: 2 )
Diverse Applications of Apostleship
Roles and Responsibilities
Apostles were appointed by Jesus Christ to bear witness to his resurrection and to proclaim the gospel message to all nations.
22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” ( Acts 1: 22 )
( Matthew 28: 19- 20 )
They were tasked with establishing and overseeing churches, imparting spiritual gifts and providing leadership and guidance to the early Christian communities.
( 1 Corinthians 12: 28- 29 )
False Apostles
Paul warns about false apostles who distort the gospel for personal gain.
13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
( 2 Corinthians 11: 13 )
This underscores the importance of discerning genuine apostolic authority based on adherence to the teachings of Jesus and the apostolic tradition.
Ministry and Sacrifice
Apostles were not tied to a specific church but were itinerant ministers who traveled extensively to spread the gospel.
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? 2 Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. ( 1 Corinthians 9: 1- 2 )
They often faced persecution, imprisonment, and martyrdom while remaining steadfast in their commitment to Christ and the mission entrusted to them.
( 2 Corinthians 11: 23- 27 )
The Modern-Day Concept Of Apostles
1. Apostolic-Prophetic Movement
- In this movement, a modern-day apostle is viewed as someone who is called and sent by Christ.
- They are believed to possess spiritual authority, character, gifts, and abilities necessary to establish and lead people in Kingdom truth and order, especially by founding and overseeing local churches.
- They are recognized by their ability to plant churches, mentor spiritual sons and daughters in ministry, and meet biblical qualifications of leadership.
2. Pentecostal Movements
- Missionaries in Pentecostal circles often refer to themselves as apostles, drawing from the Latin root “missio,” which means mission.
- This reflects their belief in being sent out with a specific mission or purpose, typically to spread the gospel and establish churches.
3. Latter Day Saint Movement (Mormonism)
- In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), apostles are members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
- They are considered special witnesses of Jesus Christ and are tasked with teaching principles of salvation globally.
- Apostles in LDS doctrine hold a high authority within the church hierarchy and are seen as having the same status and authority as biblical apostles.
4. Irvingism (Catholic Apostolic Church and New Apostolic Church)
- The Catholic Apostolic Church and its descendant denominations, like the New Apostolic Church, are led by apostles.
- The Chief Apostle holds the highest ministerial rank within the New Apostolic Church, emphasizing a hierarchical leadership structure rooted in apostolic succession.