What is an apostle?

An apostle, in the context of Christian theology, holds a unique and foundational role within the early Church. The term "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," which means "one who is sent out." This definition captures the essence of the apostolic mission: to be sent forth by Jesus Christ to preach the Gospel, establish churches, and provide spiritual leadership. Understanding the role of an apostle requires delving into the New Testament, examining the lives and ministries of the apostles, and exploring how their work continues to influence the Church today.

In the New Testament, the term "apostle" most commonly refers to the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus during His earthly ministry. These men—Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (later replaced by Matthias)—were selected to be Jesus' closest followers and primary messengers. Their calling is described in passages such as Matthew 10:1-4 and Mark 3:13-19, where Jesus appoints them to preach, heal the sick, and cast out demons.

The qualifications and functions of an apostle are further illuminated in the New Testament. One of the key qualifications is having witnessed the resurrected Christ. This is evident in Acts 1:21-22, where Peter emphasizes that the replacement for Judas must be someone who had been with Jesus from His baptism by John until His ascension. This requirement underscores the apostles' role as eyewitnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, giving them firsthand authority to testify to the truth of the Gospel.

Apostles were also endowed with special authority and power by the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles at Pentecost, empowering them to speak in various languages and boldly proclaim the Gospel. This event marks the beginning of their public ministry and the rapid spread of Christianity. The apostles performed miracles, healed the sick, and even raised the dead, as seen in the accounts of Peter healing a lame man (Acts 3:1-10) and raising Tabitha from the dead (Acts 9:36-42). These miraculous signs authenticated their message and demonstrated the power of God working through them.

Beyond their miraculous works, the apostles played a crucial role in establishing and nurturing the early Church. They preached the Gospel, baptized new believers, and appointed leaders such as elders and deacons to oversee local congregations. The apostolic teaching, or "the apostles' doctrine," became the foundation of Christian faith and practice, as described in Acts 2:42: "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." The epistles written by apostles like Paul, Peter, James, and John form a significant portion of the New Testament, providing theological instruction, ethical guidance, and encouragement to believers.

The apostle Paul, though not one of the original Twelve, is a prominent figure in the New Testament and offers further insight into the apostolic role. Paul refers to himself as an apostle "born out of due time" (1 Corinthians 15:8), having encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). His missionary journeys, recorded in the book of Acts, demonstrate the expansive reach of apostolic ministry as he traveled throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and mentoring leaders. Paul's epistles address a wide range of theological and practical issues, shaping the doctrine and practice of the Church for generations.

The role of an apostle also includes the responsibility of safeguarding the truth of the Gospel. This is evident in the apostolic responses to false teachings and heresies that arose in the early Church. For example, Paul confronts the Judaizers in his letter to the Galatians, defending the doctrine of justification by faith apart from the works of the law (Galatians 1:6-9). Similarly, John warns against Gnostic teachings in his epistles, emphasizing the true humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ (1 John 4:1-3). The apostles' commitment to doctrinal purity ensured that the core message of Christianity remained intact as it spread across diverse cultural contexts.

While the original apostles held a unique and unrepeatable office, their legacy continues to influence the Church today. The apostolic foundation is evident in the New Testament canon, which serves as the authoritative rule of faith and practice for Christians. The creeds and confessions developed by the early Church, such as the Nicene Creed, reflect apostolic teaching and provide a summary of essential Christian beliefs. The principles of apostolic ministry—proclaiming the Gospel, establishing churches, and providing spiritual oversight—remain central to the mission of the Church.

In contemporary Christian practice, some traditions recognize the ongoing ministry of apostles in a broader sense. For example, certain Pentecostal and Charismatic movements affirm the office of apostle as a continuing gift to the Church, emphasizing the need for visionary leadership and church planting. However, this view is not universally held, and many Christians believe that the original apostolic office was unique to the foundational period of the Church.

In conclusion, an apostle is a divinely appointed messenger and leader, entrusted with the task of proclaiming the Gospel, establishing churches, and providing spiritual oversight. The New Testament apostles, particularly the Twelve and Paul, played a pivotal role in the formation and expansion of the early Church. Their eyewitness testimony, miraculous works, and doctrinal teaching laid the foundation for Christian faith and practice. While the original apostolic office is unique and unrepeatable, the principles of apostolic ministry continue to guide and inspire the Church in its mission to make disciples of all nations.