Apostles in the Bible: A Biblical Exegesis

Introduction:

What do you think about apostles? You might have heard people often claiming to be apostles? what does the bible talk about apostles? What do you think? does the apostles still exist? come let us see what the bible talks about Apostles."

The concept of apostles is central to Christian theology, firmly anchored in the Bible's New Testament. In this exegesis, we delve into the biblical understanding of apostles, carefully scrutinizing their role, qualifications, and significance as depicted in Scripture.

The Biblical Term "Apostle":

The term "apostle" finds its origins in the Greek word "apostolos," signifying "one who is sent" or a "messenger." Within the Bible, apostles were individuals handpicked and commissioned by Jesus Christ to disseminate His teachings and lay the foundations of the early Christian Church.

The Role of Apostles:

1. Founding and Establishing the Church: Foremost among their responsibilities, apostles played a pivotal role in laying the foundation of the Christian Church. This foundation is clearly articulated in Ephesians 2:20, which defines the Church as "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."

2. Teaching and Preaching: Apostles were entrusted with the task of teaching and proclaiming Christ's message. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, directed them to "go and make disciples of all nations." This mandate emphasizes their crucial role in disseminating the Gospel.

3. Miracles and Signs: Apostles were often endowed with the divine ability to perform miracles and signs as a testament to the authenticity of their message. The Apostle Paul acknowledges this in 2 Corinthians 12:12, affirming that the signs of an apostle were displayed among the Corinthians.

Qualifications of Apostles:

The Bible lays out specific qualifications for apostles, particularly in the context of selecting a replacement for Judas Iscariot. Acts 1:21-22 makes it clear that an apostle must have been a firsthand witness of Jesus' resurrection and divinely chosen. These criteria underscore the significance of personal experience and divine calling.

The Twelve Apostles:

The New Testament enumerates the twelve apostles handpicked by Jesus. They include Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. Following Judas's betrayal and subsequent demise, Matthias was selected to fill his place (Acts 1:23-26).

The End of the Apostolic Era:

With the passing of the original apostles, the apostolic era reached its conclusion. The Bible does not portray the continuous appointment of apostles akin to the original twelve. Nonetheless, the office of the apostle retained profound significance in the early Church, as it constituted the bedrock of Christian faith.

Modern Claims of Apostleship:

In contemporary Christianity, some individuals assert the title of "apostle." These claims often spark theological debate and scrutiny. While proponents argue for the restoration of apostleship, many contend that the original apostles occupied a unique, foundational position in the Church, and their office cannot be replicated in the same manner.

Conclusion:

The Bible furnishes a precise and comprehensive understanding of apostles and their role in the nascent Christian Church. Apostles were individuals uniquely chosen by Jesus Himself, tasked with the formidable mission of laying the cornerstone of the Church and disseminating His teachings. The criteria and exclusive status of the original twelve apostles underscore their unparalleled role in the annals of Christianity."