The Apostles

The Apostles are such an important part of the New Testament that we should spend a bit of time examining their role.  They were there at the beginning of Jesus' ministry and carried on the work when He left this earth to return to the Father. 

Right at the beginning of His ministry Jesus went about selecting His apostles, choosing 12 men whom He would teach and challenge and send out.  These were men from different walks with varying capabilities, just average guys, local guys.  Acts 2 tells us that they were known to be local men from Galilee.  But one thing they had in common was their faith.  They each made a commitment to follow the Lord.  And we know that this was a major commitment on their part.  They had to forsake their jobs and families for a time to be completely dedicated to Jesus.

We know, of course, that Judas betrayed Jesus and ended up taking his own life.  Judas was the money keeper for the others, turned out to be greedy and ended up selling out his Master for 30 pieces of silver.  At the time that Jesus leaves the earth as recorded in Acts 1, the apostles are left to carry on the work, to spread the Gospel to all the world.  The first thing that they do is to appoint a replacement for Judas.  The qualifications are mentioned in Acts 1:21:  "Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."  Matthias was chosen.

In Acts 2, the Lord sent the Holy Spirit back to give power to these men to carry on the work.  Later Paul would be personally visited by Jesus (Acts 9) causing him to meet the qualification of having actually been with Jesus.  So we find that Paul is considered an apostle, as referenced in several NT passages. 

There would be no more apostles appointed, from what we read in the NT.  Thus, any person today who carries the title of apostle would be in violation of NT teaching regarding the qualifications and purpose of the apostles.

Their role was major in that Jesus didn't set up any churches.  Jesus didn't attempt to go into all the world and spread the word.  He turned it all over to these able men and challenged them to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.  He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16: 15-16)

Let us carry on the work...and spread the Good News....that was begun by Jesus and carried on by the apostles.  Have a great week!