In the last blog, we discussed the early church having to shift from the old style of worship that took place in the temple to the new style instituted after Jesus’ resurrection. The followers of Jesus had gone from being disciples to apostles. But what does that mean? And what does it look like in today’s church?
Defining Apostles
The word apostle comes from the Greek words apostolos or apostello.
According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, apostle means:
Messenger, he that is sent.
From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ (“apostle”) (with miraculous powers) — apostle, messenger, he that is sent.
Apostles wear a variety of hats that often encompass the other four foundational gifts of prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. While it may not be their main gift, they use them to bring order to the church by setting others in place.
New Testament Apostles and the Early Church
Let’s look at the Early Church disciples turned apostles.
In Acts 2, the awaited Holy Spirit shows up with new tongues for all those who remained in the Upper Room. As those Believers spoke in languages not their own, the crowds were amazed and realized it was not their native language. It was Peter who addressed the crowd, explaining that they were witnessing the words written in Joel 2. Three thousand believed and were baptized. Amazing! But what were they to do with all these spiritual babies?
Acts 2:42 – 43 says that “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.” (NIV)
Most importantly, the apostles taught them the basics of scriptural living. This understanding is needed to mature in faith and eventually walk out the calling on their own lives. New Christians often don’t know there are gifts and calling, and you don’t realize that God has specific ones for individuals. Learning from mature teachers is step one. In the early church, it was the apostles. Did you see that they also performed healings, signs, and wonders? Nice! It validated their authority – you can do it too!
Once the apostles raised the Believers into maturity, they appointed elders in the communities. The elders were now responsible for the next set of believers. In Acts chapters 6 and 7, the story of Stephen, the first martyr, is shared. After his stoning, persecution breaks out against the believers under the hand of Saul (soon to be Paul).
Acts 8:2: “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” (NIV)
Did you catch that? All left for safer places except the apostles, who stayed in Jerusalem. But what happened to those who left for Judea and Samaria?
Acts 8:4 says, “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” (NIV)
That’s right, they didn’t shrink back; they spread the Gospel out into the world and then the apostles stepped back in.
Acts 8: 14-17: “When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)
The apostles went to the new believers to impart the Holy Spirit! That goes back to the original definition of apostle: he who is sent with miraculous power!
Modern Day Apostles
As I mentioned in the last blog (Shifting From the Old Church to the New), just because a church uses the title “Apostle,” doesn’t mean the person is a true Biblical apostle. But what does a modern-day apostle look like?
Much like the Early Church. They hear from God and know how to build and set things in order – whether it’s building up literal church plants (like Samaria and Judea et.al.), or building up the prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. In other words, they help equip the saints for the work of ministry. They often teach and bring a deep understanding mixed with prophetic understanding, as the Apostle Paul did by sending letters to the Gentile Churches all over the Middle East and Mediterranean countries of his day. It is important to note that their teachings will NOT contradict the scriptures.
The gift of apostle will carry authority to complete their tasks; it’s important to note that while some apostles are gifted builders, not all are. Some are called to impart through teaching and travel. Others are called to their region. We can’t assume that God is a “cookie-cutter God” who does the exact same thing with each person within a gifting. God knows what is needed within a church, region, state, nation, and world. Peter stayed regionally, while Paul made several missionary trips, but they were both apostles. The same holds true today.
Next up – the prophets.
Until next time under the palm, be blessed!
