The Calling and Commission of Apostles
The word "apostle" comes from the Greek apostolos, meaning "one sent forth" or "messenger." Jesus Christ selected twelve men to be His apostles, calling them to leave everything and follow Him. In Matthew 10:1-4, we see Jesus summoning these twelve disciples and giving them authority to drive out demons and heal diseases. This wasn't merely a title of honor—it was a commission filled with purpose and power. Jesus breathed His authority into these men, preparing them to become foundational leaders of His church.
The apostles weren't passive observers; they were active participants in Jesus's ministry. They witnessed His miracles, heard His teachings directly, and were present at His resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, Paul emphasizes the importance of apostolic witness to the risen Christ, noting that he too had seen the Lord. This personal encounter with the resurrected Jesus became a defining characteristic of true apostleship. The apostles didn't merely learn doctrine—they encountered the living God and were forever transformed by that experience.
The Authority and Function of Apostles
Jesus entrusted the apostles with significant spiritual authority. In Matthew 16:19, Jesus tells Peter, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This wasn't personal power but delegated authority from Christ Himself. The apostles were given the responsibility to shepherd Christ's flock, make difficult decisions about doctrine and practice, and lead the emerging church with wisdom and discernment.
The apostles performed signs, wonders, and miracles as confirmation of their message (Acts 2:43, Romans 15:19). Their words carried apostolic weight because they spoke on Christ's behalf. In Acts 5:12-16, we read of the remarkable things the apostles did among the people, with many coming to faith through their ministry. They wrote Scripture, established churches, appointed leaders, and corrected false doctrine. Their authority wasn't self-proclaimed but granted by the risen Christ for the benefit of His body, the church.
Apostolic Legacy and Our Response
While the office of apostle was unique to the first century, the apostolic calling continues through all believers who carry forward Christ's mission. Every Christian is commissioned to be a messenger of the Gospel, going into our communities and workplaces as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Though we may not hold the title "apostle," we share in the apostolic task of making disciples and proclaiming Christ's resurrection.
As followers of Christ today, we honor the apostles by standing on the foundation they laid through Scripture and their faithful witness. We submit to their teachings preserved in the New Testament and apply their pastoral wisdom to our modern context. The apostles show us what complete devotion to Christ looks like—they gave their lives, endured persecution, and never wavered in their testimony. May we, like them, be faithful messengers of the Gospel in our generation.
"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, 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