Apostolic Authority

Apostolic authority refers to the divinely ordained power and responsibility given to 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' ministry, equipping them with the necessary spiritual gifts and authority to fulfill their mission.

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 prime example of the apostles exercising their authority to resolve theological disputes, demonstrating their role in maintaining doctrinal purity and unity within the Church.

Apostolic Purpose

The purpose of the apostles was multifaceted, encompassing the proclamation of the Gospel, the establishment of churches, the teaching of sound doctrine, and the edification of believers. Central to their mission was the testimony of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."

The apostles were tasked with laying the foundation of the Church, as described in Ephesians 2:19-20: "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." Their teachings and writings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, form the basis of Christian doctrine and practice.

In addition to evangelism and church planting, the apostles were responsible for nurturing and discipling believers. This is evident in the pastoral epistles, where Paul instructs Timothy and Titus on matters of church leadership, sound teaching, and godly living. The apostles' letters to various churches address issues of faith, conduct, and doctrine, providing guidance and correction to ensure the spiritual growth and maturity of the early Christian communities.

The apostolic purpose also included the defense of the faith against false teachings and heresies. Jude 1:3 exhorts believers to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints," highlighting the apostles' role in safeguarding the truth of the Gospel.

In summary, apostolic authority and purpose were integral to the establishment and growth of the early Church. The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, were entrusted with the mission of spreading the Gospel, teaching sound doctrine, and shepherding the fledgling Christian communities, ensuring the continuity and integrity of the faith for future generations.