The Calling and Commissioning of the Apostles
The word "apostle" comes from the Greek word apostolos, meaning "one sent forth" or "messenger." Jesus deliberately selected twelve men to be His closest followers and future leaders of His kingdom work. In Matthew 10:1-4, we read that Jesus "called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness." These twelve—Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot—were not randomly chosen but specifically selected by Jesus for this crucial mission.
The apostles spent approximately three years with Jesus, witnessing His miracles, hearing His teachings, and observing His character up close. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to them and gave them the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20: "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." This command transformed ordinary fishermen, tax collectors, and working people into bold witnesses who would turn the world upside down for Christ.
The Role and Ministry of the Apostles
Beyond the original twelve, Scripture recognizes other apostles including Paul, James the Lord's brother, and Barnabas. What distinguished an apostle was not merely a title but a calling—they had witnessed the risen Christ and were commissioned by Him to establish and lead the church. In 1 Corinthians 15:8-9, Paul writes about his own apostolic credentials, affirming that he too had seen the risen Lord and been sent as an apostle to the Gentiles.
The apostles provided spiritual leadership, doctrinal instruction, and pastoral care to the emerging church communities. They performed miracles, discipled new believers, wrote Scripture, and made crucial decisions about church practice and theology. The book of Acts documents their courageous proclamation despite persecution, their willingness to suffer for Christ's name, and their dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Peter's bold declaration in Acts 4:19-20 captures their unwavering commitment: "Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Living Out an Apostolic Heart Today
While the apostolic office ended with the original apostles and their immediate successors, their example and legacy continue to inspire believers today. We can embrace an "apostolic heart" by living as sent ones—intentionally sharing our faith, discipling others, and expanding God's kingdom in our spheres of influence. Every Christian is called to be a witness and ambassador for Christ, carrying forward the same mission entrusted to the apostles.
Whether you're a pastor, parent, workplace colleague, or community member, you can embody apostolic values: bold testimony to Christ's resurrection, faithful teaching of Scripture, sacrificial love for others, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. The apostles show us that ordinary people, fully surrendered to Jesus, can accomplish extraordinary kingdom work.
"Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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'" (Matthew 28:18-19).