Introduction

The concept of apostolic rights and responsibilities is rooted in the New Testament, where the apostles, as the foundational leaders of the early Christian Church, were endowed with specific rights and responsibilities. These were given to them by Jesus Christ and were essential for the establishment and growth of the Church. The apostles were tasked with spreading the Gospel, teaching, and maintaining the doctrinal purity of the Christian faith.

Apostolic Rights

1. Authority to Preach and Teach: The apostles were granted the authority to preach the Gospel and teach the doctrines of Christ. This is evident in the Great Commission, where Jesus instructed them, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20).

2. Right to Receive Support: The apostles had the right to receive material support from the communities they served. Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, defends this right by stating, "If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?" (1 Corinthians 9:11). This right was not always exercised, as Paul often chose to support himself to avoid being a burden (1 Corinthians 9:12).

3. Authority to Establish Church Order: The apostles were responsible for establishing church order and appointing leaders. Paul instructed Titus, "The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you" (Titus 1:5).

4. Right to Exercise Discipline: Apostles had the authority to exercise church discipline to maintain purity and order within the church. Paul exercised this right in the Corinthian church, instructing them to expel a member living in sin (1 Corinthians 5:1-5).

Apostolic Responsibilities

1. Proclamation of the Gospel: The primary responsibility of the apostles was to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes this in his letter to the Romans, "I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome" (Romans 1:14-15).

2. Guardianship of Doctrine: The apostles were tasked with safeguarding the doctrine of the Church. They were to ensure that the teachings remained true to the message of Christ. Paul warns Timothy, "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us" (2 Timothy 1:14).

3. Role as Witnesses: The apostles were witnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This eyewitness testimony was crucial for the credibility and spread of the Gospel. Peter affirms this role, saying, "We are witnesses of everything He did in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem" (Acts 10:39).

4. Pastoral Care and Leadership: The apostles were responsible for providing pastoral care and leadership to the early Christian communities. They were to shepherd the flock, as Peter exhorts, "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be" (1 Peter 5:2).

5. Suffering for the Gospel: The apostles were called to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Paul speaks of his own experiences, "I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again" (2 Corinthians 11:23).

Conclusion

The rights and responsibilities of the apostles were integral to the foundation and expansion of the early Church. Their authority, teachings, and sacrifices laid the groundwork for the Christian faith, ensuring its continuity and doctrinal integrity.