An apostle, according to the Bible, refers to a chosen individual who is sent out by Jesus Christ to spread his teachings and establish his church. Apostles were eyewitnesses of the resurrection and held authority to perform miracles and establish new Christian communities.
So let us examine the query more closely
An apostle, as defined in the Bible, is a chosen individual who is sent out by Jesus Christ to spread his teachings and establish his church. The word “apostle” originates from the Greek word “apostolos,” which means “one who is sent.” Apostles were not simply followers of Jesus, but they were specifically selected and commissioned by him for a unique purpose.
Here are some interesting facts about apostles and their role in Christianity:
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Eyewitnesses of the resurrection: One of the defining characteristics of an apostle is that they were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:7-9, the apostle Paul writes, “Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” This firsthand experience of seeing Jesus after his death and resurrection was crucial in validating their authority and message.
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Authority to perform miracles: Along with the commission to spread the teachings of Jesus, apostles were granted the authority to perform miracles. In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles and gives them power over unclean spirits. They were able to heal the sick, cast out demons, and even raise the dead. This demonstrated the divine power backing their message.
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Establishing new Christian communities: Apostles played a significant role in the establishment of early Christian communities. They were instrumental in forming and organizing the church, appointing leaders, and fostering unity among believers. Their teachings and writings became foundational for the development of Christian doctrine and practices.
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The twelve apostles: The most well-known group of apostles is the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus during his earthly ministry. They were Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (who was later replaced by Matthias). These apostles formed the core leadership of the early Christian movement.
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The apostle Paul: Although not part of the original twelve, the apostle Paul is considered a significant figure in the Early Church. He refers to himself as an apostle in his letters and is credited with spreading Christianity among the Gentiles. Paul’s conversion experience on the road to Damascus and his subsequent ministry make him a prominent example of an apostle chosen by Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, apostles in the biblical context are chosen individuals sent by Jesus Christ to spread his teachings, establish his church, and carry out miraculous works. Their eyewitness testimony of the resurrection and the authority granted to them set them apart as leaders in the early Christian movement.
A well-known quote on the topic comes from Saint Augustine, who said, “The apostles were sent out as Christ Himself was sent out. They have known and believed in Christ and have set out to tell the world of Him.” This quote emphasizes the role of apostles as messengers, faithfully proclaiming the message of Christ to the world.
Table:
Here is a simple table displaying the names of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus:
| Apostle |
|---|
| Simon Peter |
| Andrew |
| James |
| John |
| Philip |
| Bartholomew |
| Thomas |
| Matthew |
| James the son of Alphaeus |
| Thaddaeus |
| Simon the Zealot |
| Judas Iscariot (replaced by Matthias) |
Please note that the information provided is based on biblical accounts and Christian tradition.
There are other points of view available on the Internet
: one sent on a mission: such as. a. : one of an authoritative New Testament group sent out to preach the gospel and made up especially of Christ’s 12 original disciples and Paul. b. : the first prominent Christian missionary to a region or group.
The word means “one sent forth.” It was the title Jesus gave (Luke 6:13) to the Twelve whom He chose and ordained (John 15:16) to be His closest disciples during His ministry on earth and whom He sent forth to represent Him after His Ascension into heaven.
Apostle The basic sense of the word is “one sent forth,” and it is used of Jesus and certain ones who were sent to serve others. Most frequently, it is used with regard to the disciples whom Jesus personally selected as a group of 12 appointed representatives. — Mr 3:14; Ac 14:14.
See the answer to “What is the biblical definition of an apostle?” in this video
In this YouTube video, Gordon and Ashley discuss the meaning of the word “apostle” and its relevance to believers today. They explain that the term “apostle” means “called and sent” in Greek, and that every disciple of Jesus can be considered an apostle. While there is an office of apostleship chosen by God, the purpose of all offices in the church is to equip believers and instruct them to do the work of ministry. Gordon stresses that it is not solely the responsibility of pastors or deacons, but every Christian is qualified and called to spread the message and do the work of ministry. They emphasize that God has entrusted believers with the gospel, demonstrating His faith in them to fulfill this mission. The goal of every church should be to equip believers to carry out the work of ministry effectively. The video ends with an invitation to engage with the channel and its content on various platforms.