Apostolic Authority

Apostolic authority refers to the divinely ordained power and responsibility bestowed upon the apostles by Jesus Christ to lead, teach, and establish the early Christian Church. This authority is rooted in the commission given by Christ Himself, as recorded in the New Testament. The apostles were chosen by Jesus to be His primary witnesses and to carry forth His teachings to all nations.

The foundation of apostolic authority is seen in passages such as Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This Great Commission underscores the apostles' role in spreading the Gospel and establishing the Church.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus further empowers the apostles, saying, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2) marks the beginning of the apostles' public ministry, characterized by bold preaching, miraculous signs, and the growth of the early Church.

The apostolic authority is also evident in the governance and doctrinal decisions made by the apostles. In Acts 15, the Council of Jerusalem serves as a pivotal moment where the apostles and elders come together to address the issue of Gentile believers and the Mosaic Law. The decision reached, guided by the Holy Spirit, reflects the apostles' authority to define and uphold the teachings of the Church.

Apostolic Integrity

Apostolic integrity refers to the moral and ethical character of the apostles, which was essential for their role as leaders and teachers of the early Church. Their integrity was demonstrated through their unwavering commitment to the truth of the Gospel, their personal conduct, and their willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ.

The apostle Paul, in particular, emphasizes the importance of integrity in ministry. In 2 Corinthians 4:2, he writes, "Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." Paul's dedication to transparency and honesty in his ministry serves as a model for apostolic integrity.

The apostles' integrity is further highlighted by their willingness to endure persecution and hardship for the sake of the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul recounts his sufferings, including imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks, as evidence of his commitment to Christ and the truth of the message he preached. This sacrificial lifestyle underscores the apostles' integrity and their devotion to their divine calling.

Moreover, the apostles' integrity is reflected in their humility and reliance on God's grace. In 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, Paul acknowledges his unworthiness to be called an apostle, stating, "For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect." This recognition of God's grace as the source of their authority and strength is a hallmark of apostolic integrity.

In summary, apostolic authority and integrity are foundational to the establishment and growth of the early Christian Church. The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to the truth of the Gospel, served as faithful witnesses and leaders, setting a standard for Christian ministry and leadership.