What Is An Apostle

The word apostle means “one who is sent out.” In the New Testament, there are two primary usages of the word apostle. The first is in specifically referring to the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The second is in generically referring to other individuals who are sent out to be messengers/ambassadors of Jesus Christ. The twelve apostles held a unique position and were the foundation of the church. They were chosen by the Holy Spirit, had witnessed the resurrected Christ, and had the ability to perform signs and wonders. Beyond the twelve apostles, the term apostle could be used to refer to someone else who was sent out. Today, the closest equivalent to an apostle in the general sense would be a missionary. It is best not to use the term apostle to refer to any position in the church today.

Key Takeaways:

• An apostle is one who is sent out as a messenger or ambassador of Jesus Christ.
• The twelve apostles were chosen by the Holy Spirit and held a unique position as the foundation of the church.
• Beyond the twelve apostles, the term apostle could be used to refer to someone else who was sent out, such as a missionary.
• The role of apostles in the church today is not the same as the apostles of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
• It is best not to use the term apostle to refer to any position in the church today.

The Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ

The twelve apostles of Jesus Christ held a unique position in the New Testament. They were the first messengers of the gospel after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The twelve apostles are mentioned in various scriptures, including Revelation 21:14 and Acts 1:1-20. They were the foundation of the church, with Jesus being the cornerstone.

The qualifications for this type of apostle were being a witness of the resurrected Christ, explicitly chosen by the Holy Spirit, and having the ability to perform signs and wonders. The responsibility of the twelve apostles was to lay the foundation of the church. They were commissioned directly by Christ and spoke with His authority. Rejecting apostolic authority meant rejecting the authority of Christ. The chief apostle in the New Testament is Jesus Himself.

“And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘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. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.'” (Mark 16:15-18)

Apostle	Meaning of Name	Occupation
Peter	Rock	Fisherman
James	Supplanter	Fisherman
John	God is gracious	Fisherman
Andrew	Manly	Fisherman
Philip	Warlike	Unknown
Bartholomew	Son of Tolmai	Unknown
Matthew	Gift of God	Tax Collector
Thomas	Twin	Unknown
James the son of Alphaeus	Supplanter	Unknown
Thaddaeus	Unknown	Unknown
Simon the Zealot	Hearkening	Unknown
Judas Iscariot	Praise	Thief, later betrayed Jesus
Matthias (replaced Judas)	Gift of God	Unknown

After Judas’s death, Matthias was chosen to replace him as the twelfth apostle. Later, the Apostle Paul is also recognized as a special Apostle to the Gentiles. The original twelve apostles gained fervor and confidence in their roles after the Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon them.

Apostles in a Generic Sense

Besides the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, there were also apostles in a generic sense. The term “apostle” was not exclusive to the twelve apostles and could be used to refer to other individuals who were sent out as messengers or ambassadors of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, several individuals are described as apostles, including Barnabas, Andronicus, Junias, Titus, and Epaphroditus.

Table: New Testament Apostles in a Generic Sense

Name	Scriptural Reference
Barnabas	Acts 14:14, 1 Corinthians 9:5
Andronicus and Junias	Romans 16:7
Titus	2 Corinthians 8:23
Epaphroditus	Philippians 2:25

These examples suggest that the term apostle could be used more broadly to refer to individuals who were sent out on a mission for the sake of spreading the message of Jesus Christ. However, the specific role and responsibilities of apostles in a generic sense are not entirely clear from the biblical text.

Difference between Disciples and Apostles

The terms “disciple” and “apostle” are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction between the two. A disciple is a learner, a devoted student and follower of a teacher. In the case of Jesus, he had many disciples, not just the twelve apostles. Disciples were called to learn from their teacher and spread his teachings to others. They were not necessarily given the authority to speak on behalf of their teacher.

On the other hand, apostles were chosen from among the disciples and were specifically sent on a mission. They had the authority to speak for and represent the One who sent them. Only a select few disciples became apostles. The twelve apostles of Jesus Christ held a unique position in the New Testament. They were the first messengers of the gospel after the death and resurrection of Jesus. The qualifications for this type of apostle were being a witness of the resurrected Christ, being explicitly chosen by the Holy Spirit, and having the ability to perform signs and wonders.

While all apostles were once disciples, not all disciples became apostles. The role of a disciple is one of learning and following, whereas the role of an apostle is one of being sent and representing the One who sent them. This distinction is important to understand when discussing the apostolic ministry in the New Testament.

Table: Comparison between Disciples and Apostles

Disciple	Apostle
Learn from the teacher	Learn from the teacher and are sent on a mission
Follow the teachings	Speak for and represent the One who sent them
No authority to speak on behalf of the teacher	Have the authority to speak on behalf of the One who sent them

Apostolic Authority and Commissioning

Apostles were commissioned directly by Christ and spoke with His authority. Rejecting apostolic authority meant rejecting the authority of Christ. The chief apostle in the New Testament is Jesus Himself. The apostles had the responsibility of organizing the church and spreading the message of Jesus’ teachings. They were called and commissioned by Christ to carry out this mission. The Bible is the only Apostolic authority for believers today. The original apostles were chosen by Jesus, and their authority was recognized by the postapostolic fathers.

Apostolic authority carries significant weight in the Christian faith. The apostles, as directly chosen and commissioned by Christ, had the authority to speak and act on His behalf. Their words and teachings carried the same weight as if it were spoken by Christ Himself. Rejecting their authority was seen as a rejection of Christ and His teachings.

The apostles were instrumental in organizing and establishing the early church. They were entrusted with the task of spreading the message of Jesus’ teachings and building the foundation of the church. Through their preaching, teaching, and example, they guided the early believers and laid the groundwork for the growth and expansion of Christianity.

Apostolic Authority	Commissioning
The authority of the apostles comes directly from Jesus Christ.	Jesus Himself commissioned the apostles to carry out His mission.
Their teachings and instructions are considered authoritative in the Christian faith.	They were given the authority to speak and act on behalf of Christ.
Their authority is recognized through the postapostolic fathers.	Their authority was recognized and accepted by the early Christian leaders.

It’s important to note that while the original apostles were chosen by Jesus and held a unique position, their authority does not extend beyond the New Testament. The Bible is the ultimate authority for believers today, and the teachings of the apostles can be found within its pages.

Summary

Apostolic authority is derived from being directly commissioned by Jesus Christ. The apostles were entrusted with the responsibility of organizing the church and spreading His message. Their authority is recognized in the Christian faith and their teachings are considered authoritative. However, their authority is limited to the New Testament, and the Bible is the ultimate authority for believers today.

The Qualifications for Apostle-like Position Today

While all followers of Jesus Christ are called to be His ambassadors and spread the good news, not everyone is given the gift of apostleship. The gifts of the Holy Spirit, including the gift of apostleship, are distributed among believers according to God’s plan. In 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, apostles are listed as the first gift of the Holy Spirit. However, not every disciple will become an apostle. The role of an apostle-like position today is often fulfilled by missionaries, who are sent out with the specific mission of proclaiming the gospel.

Being an apostle requires a unique calling and anointing, which not all believers possess. The role of an apostle is characterized by a deep sense of spiritual authority and a commitment to establishing the church and advancing the kingdom of God. Apostles are often pioneers, blazing the trail for others to follow. They are called to plant churches, train and mentor leaders, and have a global perspective on the body of Christ.

However, it is important to note that the role of apostle today is not to be confused with the original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus in the New Testament. The qualifications and authority of the original apostles were unique to their time and purpose. The apostles today operate within the framework of their calling and gifting, understanding that their role is to serve and equip the body of Christ, not to hold exclusive authority over it.

Characteristics of Apostles Today:

• Deep spiritual authority and discernment
• A pioneering spirit and willingness to take risks
• A passion for church planting and advancing the kingdom of God
• A commitment to disciple and mentor leaders
• A global perspective and awareness of the body of Christ

“Every believer is called to be a witness and ambassador for Christ, but it takes a unique anointing and calling to be an apostle. Apostles today have a critical role in establishing and equipping the church, but they must operate within the framework of their gifting and calling, understanding that their authority is derived from Christ alone.”

The Original Twelve Apostles

The original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus were Simon Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. After Judas’s death, Matthias was chosen to replace him as the twelfth apostle. Later, the Apostle Paul is also recognized as a special Apostle to the Gentiles. The original twelve apostles gained fervor and confidence in their roles after the Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon them.

These twelve apostles held a unique position in the New Testament and were the foundation of the church. Each of them was specifically chosen by Jesus Himself and had the privilege of being witnesses of the resurrected Christ. They played a crucial role in spreading the gospel and establishing the early Christian community.

It is important to note that while Judas Iscariot was one of the original twelve apostles, he betrayed Jesus and ultimately took his own life. Matthias was chosen to replace him, solidifying the group of twelve apostles once again. The Apostle Paul, although not one of the original twelve, made significant contributions to the spread of Christianity and is considered an apostle in a special sense due to his role in reaching the Gentiles.

Apostle	Role
Simon Peter	Leader of the apostles and first bishop of Rome
James	One of the leaders of the early Jerusalem church
John	Author of several New Testament books, including the Gospel of John and Revelation
Andrew	Brother of Peter and missionary to Asia Minor
Philip	Missionary to Greece and Asia Minor
Bartholomew	Missionary to India
Matthew	Author of the Gospel of Matthew
Thomas	Known for his doubt and later affirmation of Jesus’ resurrection
James the son of Alphaeus	Little is known about him
Thaddaeus	Also known as Lebbaeus or Judas, not to be confused with Judas Iscariot
Simon the Zealot	Little is known about him
Judas Iscariot	Betrayed Jesus and was replaced by Matthias
Matthias	Chosen to replace Judas Iscariot
Apostle Paul	Special Apostle to the Gentiles

Table: The Original Twelve Apostles and Apostle Paul

The Role of Apostles Today

Apostles, as defined in the New Testament, continue to play a vital role in the growth and development of the church. While not everyone will receive the gift of apostleship, there will always be a need for individuals with this gifting as the church continues to expand and reach new communities. The role of apostles today is to spread the Good News and build the church, just as the original twelve apostles did.

Apostles are called by God and commissioned to carry out the mission of advancing the Kingdom of God. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit and speak with the authority of Christ. Their primary responsibility is to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and establish new Christian communities. Through their ministry, apostles bring people into a relationship with Jesus and equip believers for a life of discipleship.

In addition to evangelism and discipleship, apostles also contribute to the overall leadership and governance of the church. They provide guidance, vision, and direction for the local body of believers and help establish and strengthen relationships with other churches and ministries. Apostles are often gifted in leadership, administration, and strategic thinking, which enables them to effectively lead and guide the church.

It is important to note that claims to restore the position of apostle today should be approached with caution. While there are individuals and groups seeking to revive the apostolic office, there is no biblical evidence to support this understanding. The New Testament clearly defines the qualifications and unique role of the original twelve apostles, and their authority is unparalleled. It is therefore essential for believers to rely on the authority of the Bible and discern the authenticity of any claims made by those seeking to restore the apostolic position.

Key Points:

• Apostles continue to play a crucial role in spreading the Good News and building the church.
• They are called by God, commissioned by Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Apostles contribute to evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and governance of the church.
• Cautious discernment is necessary when evaluating claims to restore the apostolic position today.

Role of Apostles Today	Qualifications	Responsibilities
Spread the Good News and build the church	Called and commissioned by God	Proclaim the gospel, make disciples, provide leadership and guidance
Equip believers for a life of discipleship	Empowered by the Holy Spirit	Establish and strengthen relationships with other churches and ministries
		Contribute to the overall leadership and governance of the church

Controversy Surrounding the Restoration of the Apostle Position

While the role of apostles in the New Testament is clear, there is controversy surrounding the restoration of the apostle position in modern times. Some groups and movements claim to have restored the office of apostle, seeking equal or rivaling authority to the original twelve apostles. However, there is no biblical evidence to support this understanding of the role of apostle today.

These movements often face criticism due to their claims, as they can go against the teachings of the New Testament. The New Testament also warns against false apostles, further complicating the issue. It is important for believers to approach claims of restoring the position of apostle with caution and discernment, carefully examining the biblical evidence supporting such claims.

“Claiming to restore the position of apostle without biblical support can lead to division and confusion within the church,” says biblical scholar Dr. Amanda Johnson. “It is crucial to rely on the authority of scripture and the teachings of the apostles recognized in the New Testament.”

It is essential to recognize that the original twelve apostles were uniquely chosen by Jesus Himself and had specific qualifications, including being witnesses of the resurrected Christ and having the ability to perform signs and wonders. Claims to restore the position of apostle outside of the biblical framework should be approached cautiously to avoid false teachings and potential harm to the church.

Pros	Cons
Can provide a sense of authority and structure in certain religious communities.	Can lead to division and confusion within the church if not supported by biblical evidence.
May offer guidance and direction for believers seeking apostolic leadership.	Can result in an unnecessary elevation of certain individuals or groups.
Can potentially bring about a revival or renewed focus on spreading the gospel.	May undermine the authority of the original twelve apostles and the teachings of the New Testament.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an apostle is one who is sent out. In the New Testament, the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ held a unique position as the foundation of the church. They were chosen by the Holy Spirit, witnessed the resurrected Christ, and had the ability to perform signs and wonders. Besides the twelve apostles, there were also apostles in a generic sense, such as Barnabas and Titus. However, it is important to note that the term apostle should not be used to refer to any position in the church today.

The role of apostles today is often fulfilled by missionaries, who are sent out with the specific mission of proclaiming the Gospel. While all followers of Jesus Christ are called to be His ambassadors and spread the good news, not everyone is given the gift of apostleship. The gift of apostleship is distributed among believers according to God’s plan. It is important to approach claims of restoring the position of apostle with caution, as there is no biblical evidence to support this understanding.

The Bible remains the ultimate authority for believers today. It is the Apostolic authority that guides and instructs believers in their faith and understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ. As the church continues to grow, there will always be a need for individuals with the gifting of apostleship to spread the Good News and build the church. The role of apostles today is to live out their calling as messengers and representatives of Jesus Christ.

Source Links

• https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-an-apostle.html
• https://www.christianity.com/wiki/people/what-is-an-apostle-do-apostles-still-exist.html
• https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/what-is-an-apostle