Function of apostles (2)

The functions of apostles during the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ

Being with Jesus Christ

Mark 3:14 KJV 1900

And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

See also Mt 17:1; Mk 6:30–32

Learning from Jesus Christ

Mark 8:31 KJV 1900

And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

See also Mt 18:1–4; Mk 4:10–12; Ac 1:2

Being sent out on a mission by Jesus Christ

Lk 9:1–6 As Jesus Christ’s representatives their ministry was an extension of his.

See also Mk 3:14–15

Being commissioned to witness to Jesus Christ

Ac 1:8; Ac 10:39

See also Mt 28:18–20; Mk 16:15; Lk 24:46–49; Jn 17:18; Jn 20:21

Apostles in the early church

They were witnesses of the resurrection

Acts 1:21–22 KJV 1900

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

See also Ac 2:32; Ac 3:15; Ac 4:33; Ac 13:31; 1 Pe 5:1

They were servants of Jesus Christ

2 Peter 1:1 KJV 1900

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

See also Ro 1:1; 1 Co 4:1; 2 Co 11:23; Php 1:1; Tt 1:1

They were able to bestow the Spirit

Ac 8:14–18 Peter and John officially induct Samaritans as members of the body of Christ; Ac 19:6

They were servants of the church

2 Corinthians 13:4 KJV 1900

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

See also Ro 15:25; 2 Co 4:5; 2 Co 11:8; 1 Pe 5:1–3

They were the foundations of the church

Eph 2:20 Probably a reference to the apostolic preaching. The absence of the article before “prophets” suggests that “the apostles and prophets” represents one group of people, not two.

See also 1 Co 12:28; Ga 2:9; Jud 17 the prophetic ministry of the apostles

They preached the gospel

Romans 1:1–5 KJV 1900

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

See also Mk 16:20; Ro 15:19–20; 1 Co 1:17; Ga 1:15–16

They were guardians and teachers of the truth

Acts 2:42 KJV 1900

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

See also Jn 16:13–15; Ac 5:42; Ac 6:2; Eph 3:2–6; 2 Th 2:15; 2 Ti 1:11

They founded churches

1 Corinthians 9:1–2 KJV 1900

Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

See also 1 Co 3:5–6; 1 Co 3:10

They were authority figures within the church

Ac 6:2–6 The apostles took the initiative. Whilst they did not themselves appoint the Seven, they confirmed their appointment.

They were called to suffer

2 Timothy 1:11–12 KJV 1900

Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

See also Ac 5:18; 1 Co 4:9; 2 Co 11:23–29

They were empowered by the Spirit

Acts 4:8 KJV 1900

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

See also Jn 20:22; Ac 1:8; Ac 2:4; Eph 3:4–5