The word APOSTLE signifies on sent forth. (Greek: “apostlos”–Strong’s #654 =an ambassador of the gospel; a commissioner of Christ with miraculous powers; he that is sent).

The twelve APOSTLES were chosen by Christ to present the gospel message primarily to the first century Jews and then to the Gentiles during the transition period. Their mission was perhaps the most important and difficult human task in all the redemptive history. They were personally taught and trained by the Lord Himself during His first coming in 26-30 ad.

They had powerful spiritual gifts to help them. They were all Jewish men, who, except for the ‘son of perdition’ Judas Iscariot, became faithful believers in Jesus Christ. They were extremely persecuted, and some were even martyred by the unbelieving Jews and Romans.

All Christians (believing Jews and Gentiles) are members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the APOSTELS and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself the chief corner stone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. -Eph 2:19-22

APOSTLE Paul who had been persecuting the church, was added to their number by Chris Himself at the time of his conversion on the Damascus Road. – Acts 9:27; 1 Cor 1:1; 2 Cor 12:2-4. He was specially commissioned to send the gospels to the Gentiles. -Acts 9″15; Acts 13:46-48; Rom 11:13.

The APOSTELS established the beginning of the church. – Matt 16:18. They wrote and approved the New Testament Canon of Scripture. – Matt 16:19; 2 Pet 1:15-21; 2 Pet 3:2,15-16. [Note: Luke was a Gentile-disciple, who wrote his Gospel and the book of Acts. It was not their apostleship that made their writings canonical; but it was their inspiration by the Holy Spirit that was recognized and approved by the Apostle Peter and the others.]

They had the Holy Spirit working mightily in them. – John 15:26-27 They were commissioned by Christ to personally go and make disciples until the end of the Jewish age at Christ’s second coming Parousia in 66-70 ad. -Matt 28:16-20

They were given much responsibility, but also receive great rewards in the judgement. APOSTLESHIP was a first century calling and commission Barnabas and a few others were referred to as messengers or apostles. -Acts 14:14; 1Thess 1:1, 2:6

The disciples that were taught by the APOSTELS were to do likewise with others. Being born again disciple of Christ is an eternal calling and commission that continues for all Christians living in the New Covenant kingdom after 70ad.

All my discipled LOVE, Diana 🙂 xo

Next topic: ARMADEDDON