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The Twelve Apostles   (Continued)

Disciples
The term Disciple is a general one which stresses the teacher student relationship. A Disciple was one who followed a teacher and learned from what they said. John the Baptist had disciples Matthew 9:14 as did Paul. Acts 9:25 It is more popularly used to describe those who followed Jesus, both the inner and outer circle of followers.

It is used of the Twelve who followed Jesus as well as all those who believed on him. Matthew 10:1; John 8:30,31 The requirements for being a disciple are leaving one's occupation, Mark 1:18,19 and family Mark 10:28 and take up the cross and follow Christ even to the point of death. Matthew 10:38 The term is only used in the Gospels and Acts and two references in Revelation. Revelation 14:4; 19:14

Apostles
This is a transliteration of the Greek word apostolos. It means 'One who is sent'. In secular Greek it refers to a naval expedition. The idea was that an apostle was one who was sent as a special representative of Christ. Mark 3:14ff Generally the term refers to the twelve Apostles plus Paul although there were other Apostles mentioned in the New Testament. James and Barnabas are called Apostles as well as Andronicus and Junia in Romans 16:7. Epaphroditus and Silvanus are also mentioned. Philippians 2:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:6

Qualifications
What were the qualifications for Apostles. They had a direct call from the Lord. Men became Apostles by divine appointment. They were not from man. Galatians 1:1; Mark 3:13-14 They came to Christ, entered into fellowship with Him and then were sent back into the world. Acts 1:21-22

One of the essential marks of an Apostle was an eye witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Christ was crucial to the claims of the Apostles own resurrection, also they would not have a living Saviour if He didn't raise from the dead and could not come back. The Apostles could not speak without the sign of God's acceptance of Christ's sacrifice.

Apostles and the Church
The Early Church was built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets. Ephesians 2:20-22 The basis of their fellowship was the Apostles teaching and doctrine. Acts 2:42 The Church may truly be described as Apostolic Jesus Himself being the cornerstone. Christ is the unifying basis between the prophets and the apostles. Prophets prophesied of Christ and the Apostles explain the implications of the death of Christ and looked to His coming again.

Christ is the Chief cornerstone. The Church which was founded through the Apostles is still guided by the Apostles through their writings which are incorporated in the New Testament. The true apostolicity of the Church depends, therefore, upon acceptance of the truths preached by the apostles, and living the kind of life which they enjoined and exemplified.

When the Church departs for the Apostles teaching it moves from Apostolicity to Apostasy.

Matthias

Matthias means 'gift of Yahweh'. His place among the Apostles was in providing a replacement for Judas Iscariot who was a traitor. Acts 1:23-26 Two men were selected by a hundred and twenty disciples who met the qualifications of an Apostle. Following prayer the lot was cast to acquire the divine selection. Casting of lots was not practised or recorded in the New Testament following the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the written word during the New Testament era there was no need for casting lots.

Some commentators have speculated that Peter should have waited until after Pentecost before appointing a replacement because the position would have been filled by Saul. However the Scriptures give no indication that their actions were either in hast or in error. Traditions abound about his missionary activities in Ethiopia and that he was martyred in Judea.

Paul

Paul was also an Apostle. He was called by Christ, Galatians 1:1 witnessed the resurrection, and sent out to the Jews and the Gentiles. Eyewitnesses were the basis upon which the early church was built. But although Paul's authority and apostleship was recognised by the Church at Jerusalem, Paul never asserted membership among the Twelve but took a subservient position. 1 Corinthians 15:9-11 Paul did not glory in the office of Apostle but rather in the cross and grace of Christ.

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