Apostleship: Foundations of Faith and Lessons for Modern Disciples

Apostleship is a foundational concept in Christianity, tracing its origins back to the New Testament era and evolving through centuries to shape modern Christian thought and practice. This exploration delves into the origins of apostleship, its growth through church history, and its significance for contemporary Christians, supported by biblical references.

Origins of Apostleship

The concept of apostleship originates from the Greek word “apostolos,” meaning “one who is sent.” In the New Testament, the term primarily refers to the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ and Paul, who was later called to be an apostle to the Gentiles. The following passages highlight the origins of apostleship:

1. Jesus’ Selection of the Twelve Apostles:
   • Matthew 10:1-4: “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”
   • Mark 3:13-19: Jesus appoints the twelve apostles, emphasizing their role in being with Him and being sent out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.
2. Paul’s Apostleship:
   • Acts 9:15-16: “But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.'”
   • 1 Corinthians 9:1-2: Paul defends his apostleship by emphasizing his encounter with Christ and the fruits of his ministry.

The Growth of Apostleship Through Church History

The role and understanding of apostleship evolved as the early church grew and faced various challenges. This period saw the development of the foundational doctrines of Christianity and the expansion of the church. Key milestones in the growth of apostleship include:

1. The Early Church:
   • Acts 2:42-47: The early Christians devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer, leading to rapid church growth.
   • Acts 6:1-7: The apostles addressed administrative needs by appointing deacons, allowing them to focus on prayer and ministry of the word.
2. The Apostolic Fathers and Early Councils:
   • After the deaths of the original apostles, the next generation of leaders, known as the Apostolic Fathers (e.g., Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch), continued to guide the church based on apostolic teachings.
   • The early church councils (e.g., the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD) sought to preserve apostolic doctrine and address heresies, leading to the formulation of creeds that defined orthodox Christian beliefs.
3. The Medieval and Reformation Eras:
   • During the medieval period, the concept of apostolic succession became central, with church leaders claiming authority traced back to the apostles.
   • The Reformation (16th century) challenged this notion, emphasizing the authority of Scripture (sola scriptura) and the priesthood of all believers, thus democratizing the idea of apostleship.
4. Modern Movements:
   • In contemporary Christianity, the term “apostle” is sometimes used in charismatic and Pentecostal movements to describe church planters, missionaries, and leaders with pioneering ministries.
   • Ephesians 4:11-13 emphasizes that apostles, along with prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, are given to equip the saints for the work of ministry and to build up the body of Christ.

What Christians Can Learn from Apostleship

Understanding apostleship provides valuable insights for modern Christians in terms of identity, mission, and community. Key lessons include:

1. Authority and Submission to Christ:
   • The apostles’ authority came directly from Jesus Christ, underscoring the importance of submission to His lordship.
   • Matthew 28:18-20: The Great Commission highlights the apostles’ mandate to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey Christ’s commands.
2. Mission and Evangelism:
   • Apostleship is inherently missional, focusing on spreading the gospel and establishing new communities of believers.
   • Romans 1:5: Paul speaks of receiving grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for His name’s sake.
   • Modern Christians are called to participate in this mission, embracing a lifestyle of evangelism and discipleship.
3. Community and Fellowship:
   • The early church modeled a vibrant community life centered on apostolic teaching, fellowship, and mutual care.
   • Acts 4:32-35: The believers were united in heart and mind, sharing everything they had, ensuring that there were no needy persons among them.
   • Contemporary Christians can learn from this example, fostering deeper connections within their faith communities.
4. Perseverance in Suffering:
   • The apostles often faced persecution and hardship, yet they remained steadfast in their mission.
   • 2 Corinthians 11:23-28: Paul recounts his sufferings for the sake of the gospel, demonstrating resilience and dedication.
   • Christians today can draw strength from their example, finding encouragement to endure challenges for the sake of Christ.
5. Doctrine and Teaching:
   • The apostles played a crucial role in establishing and preserving sound doctrine.
   • 1 Timothy 4:16: Paul advises Timothy to watch his life and doctrine closely, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the truth.
   • Believers must prioritize biblical teaching and remain vigilant against false doctrines.
6. Servant Leadership:
   • Jesus taught His apostles the importance of servant leadership, contrasting worldly notions of power and authority.
   • Mark 10:42-45: Jesus teaches that whoever wants to become great must be a servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a slave of all.
   • Modern Christian leaders are called to serve humbly, following the example of Christ and the apostles.

Conclusion

Apostleship, from its origins with the twelve disciples and Paul to its development through church history, offers profound insights for contemporary Christians. It underscores the importance of Christ’s authority, the mission of spreading the gospel, the value of community, perseverance in suffering, adherence to sound doctrine, and servant leadership. By embracing these principles, Christians today can continue the legacy of the apostles, contributing to the growth and vitality of the global church. As we reflect on the biblical foundation of apostleship, let us be inspired to live out our faith with dedication, purpose, and a deep commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ.