WHAT IS AN APOSTLE?

1. What Is An Apostle?

a) Apostle, (from Greek apostolos, “person sent”), any of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus Christ. The term is sometimes also applied to others, especially Paul, who was converted to Christianity a few years after Jesus' death.

b) In Luke 6:13 it is stated that Jesus chose 12 from his disciples “whom he named apostles,” and in Mark 6:30 the Twelve are called Apostles when mention is made of their return from the mission of preaching and healing on which Jesus had sent them.  

c) Apostles perform signs and wonders: miracles, healings, discerning of spirits, and words of wisdom accompany the office of the apostle. They may even prophesy to exhort, comfort, or edify. 

d) While a disciple is a student, one who learns from a teacher, an apostle is sent to deliver those teachings to others. "Apostle" means messenger, he who is sent. An apostle is sent to deliver or spread those teachings to others. 

e) Apostles were those entrusted by Jesus to help organize the church and spread the message of His teachings. 

f) In ancient times the word was used to describe someone who was commissioned by another person to represent him in some way.

g) While we all are called to spread the Good News, not everyone is given the gift of apostleship by the Holy Spirit. 

1 Corinthians 12:29-31

Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

h) Key points

@1. An apostle was an official representative charged with a commission.

@2. Jesus chose twelve men from among his followers to be his apostles.

@3. An apostle of Jesus Christ is a messenger sent to spread the gospel of salvation.

@4. The apostles of Jesus Christ were sometimes referred to as "The Twelve."

i) Then, why do people seek for apostleship title? Do they function like what God has intended?