The qualifications of an apostle in the New Testament are a topic of great interest and significance, particularly in understanding the foundational structure of the early Christian church. The term "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." This designation was specifically applied to the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ, and later to others such as Paul, who played pivotal roles in spreading the Gospel and establishing the early church.
To comprehend the qualifications of an apostle, it is essential to explore both the explicit criteria outlined in the New Testament and the broader theological and historical context in which these individuals operated. The qualifications can be broadly categorized into three main areas: direct commission by Jesus Christ, eyewitness testimony of the resurrected Christ, and the demonstration of miraculous powers and spiritual authority.
Direct Commission by Jesus Christ
The most fundamental qualification for an apostle is a direct commission from Jesus Christ Himself. This is clearly seen in the selection of the original twelve apostles. In the Gospel of Mark, it is recorded that Jesus "appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons" (Mark 3:14-15, NIV). This direct appointment by Jesus underscores the unique and authoritative role that the apostles were to play in the nascent Christian movement.
The direct commission is further emphasized in the case of Paul, who describes his apostleship as being directly from Jesus Christ. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul asserts, "Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead" (Galatians 1:1, NIV). Paul's encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6) serves as his divine commissioning, placing him on equal footing with the original twelve despite not being one of them.
Eyewitness Testimony of the Resurrected Christ
Another critical qualification for an apostle is having been an eyewitness to the resurrected Christ. This criterion is explicitly stated in the account of choosing a replacement for Judas Iscariot. In Acts 1:21-22, Peter outlines the necessity for the new apostle to be someone who had been with Jesus throughout His ministry and who had witnessed His resurrection: "Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection" (NIV).
This eyewitness testimony was crucial because the apostles' primary role was to bear witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Their firsthand experiences lent credibility and authority to their preaching and teaching. Paul also meets this qualification, as he repeatedly emphasizes his encounter with the risen Christ as the basis for his apostleship. In 1 Corinthians 9:1, Paul rhetorically asks, "Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?" (NIV), thereby affirming his eyewitness status.
Demonstration of Miraculous Powers and Spiritual Authority
The apostles were also marked by their ability to perform miracles and exercise spiritual authority, which served as a divine validation of their mission and message. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus sends out the twelve with the authority to "drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness" (Matthew 10:1, NIV). This miraculous power was a sign of their apostolic office and a means of authenticating their proclamation of the Gospel.
The Book of Acts is replete with accounts of the apostles performing miracles. For instance, Peter heals a lame beggar at the temple gate (Acts 3:6-8), and Paul performs numerous miracles, including raising Eutychus from the dead (Acts 20:9-10). These acts of power were not merely for spectacle but were integral to their apostolic ministry, demonstrating the presence and power of the Holy Spirit working through them.
Theological and Historical Context
Understanding the qualifications of an apostle also requires a consideration of the broader theological and historical context of the early church. The apostles were foundational figures, as described in Ephesians 2:20, where Paul writes that the church is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone" (NIV). This foundational role implies that the apostles were uniquely equipped and called to lay the groundwork for the Christian faith, a task that required specific qualifications and divine commissioning.
Moreover, the early church recognized the authority of the apostles in matters of doctrine, discipline, and community life. The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, where the apostles and elders gathered to deliberate on the inclusion of Gentile believers, illustrates the authoritative role the apostles played in guiding the early church. Their decisions and teachings were seen as authoritative and binding, further underscoring the unique qualifications and responsibilities of their office.
Conclusion
In summary, the qualifications of an apostle in the New Testament are multifaceted, encompassing a direct commission by Jesus Christ, eyewitness testimony of the resurrected Christ, and the demonstration of miraculous powers and spiritual authority. These qualifications were essential for the apostles to fulfill their foundational role in the early church, bearing witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and establishing the doctrinal and communal framework for future generations of believers. The apostles' unique qualifications and divine commissioning set them apart as the authoritative leaders of the early Christian movement, whose legacy continues to shape the church to this day.
