Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7700 Leadership and the people of God » 7706 apostles » 7708 apostles, function of In the NT apostles are servants, first of Jesus Christ and then of the church. Apostolic service embraces a wide range of specific functions. The functions of apostles during the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ Being with Jesus Christ Mark 3:14 See also Matthew 17:1; Mark 6:30-32 pp Luke 9:10 Learning from Jesus Christ Mark 8:31 See also Matthew 18:1-4; Mark 4:10-12; Acts 1:2 Being sent out on a mission by Jesus Christ Luke 9:1-6 pp Matthew 10:5-10 pp Mark 6:7-13 As Jesus Christ's representatives their ministry was an extension of his. See also Mark 3:14-15 Being commissioned to witness to Jesus Christ Acts 1:8; Acts 10:39 See also Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; John 17:18; John 20:21 Apostles in the early church They were witnesses of the resurrection Acts 1:21-22 See also Acts 2:32; Acts 3:15; Acts 4:33; Acts 13:31; 1 Peter 5:1 They were servants of Jesus Christ 2 Peter 1:1 See also Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 4:1; 2 Corinthians 11:23; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:1 They were servants of the church 2 Corinthians 13:4 See also Romans 15:25; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Corinthians 11:8; 1 Peter 5:1-3 They were the foundations of the church Ephesians 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 Corinthians 12:28; Galatians 2:9; Jude 17 the prophetic ministry of the apostles They preached the gospel Romans 1:1-5 See also Mark 16:20; Romans 15:19-20; 1 Corinthians 1:17; Galatians 1:15-16 They were guardians and teachers of the truth Acts 2:42 See also John 16:13-15; Acts 5:42; Acts 6:2; Ephesians 3:2-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Timothy 1:11 They founded churches 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 See also 1 Corinthians 3:5-6,10 They were authority figures within the church Acts 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 See also Acts 5:18; 1 Corinthians 4:9; 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 They were empowered by the Spirit Acts 4:8 See also John 20:22; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4; Ephesians 3:4-5 They were able to bestow the Spirit Acts 8:14-18 Peter and John officially induct Samaritans as members of the body of Christ; Acts 19:6 See also
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