The authenticity of apostleship is a significant theme in the New Testament, as it pertains to the authority and credibility of those who were chosen and sent by Jesus Christ to establish the early Church and spread the Gospel. The term "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." The New Testament provides several criteria and evidences for authentic apostleship, which are crucial for understanding the role and authority of the apostles.

Divine Calling and Commissioning

A key aspect of authentic apostleship is the divine calling and commissioning by Jesus Christ Himself. The original twelve apostles were personally chosen by Jesus during His earthly ministry. In Mark 3:14-15 , it is recorded, "He appointed twelve, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons." This direct appointment by Christ is foundational to their authority.

The apostle Paul, though not one of the original twelve, also emphasizes his divine calling. In Galatians 1:1 , Paul asserts, "Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead." Paul's apostleship was validated by a direct encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6).

Witness to the Resurrection

Another critical criterion for apostleship is being a witness to the resurrection of Jesus. In Acts 1:21-22 , when the apostles sought to replace Judas Iscariot, Peter stated, "Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection." This requirement underscores the importance of firsthand testimony to the resurrection as a validation of apostolic authority.

Signs and Miracles

The performance of signs and miracles is another evidence of authentic apostleship. In 2 Corinthians 12:12 , Paul defends his apostleship by stating, "The true marks of an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance." These miraculous works served to confirm the divine authority and message of the apostles.

Teaching and Doctrine

Apostolic teaching and doctrine are central to the authenticity of apostleship. The apostles were entrusted with the teachings of Jesus and the revelation of the New Covenant. In Acts 2:42 , the early Church is described as devoting themselves "to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." The apostles' teachings laid the foundation for Christian doctrine and practice.

Suffering and Perseverance

Suffering and perseverance in the face of persecution also attest to the authenticity of apostleship. The apostles endured significant hardships for the sake of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 4:9-13 , Paul describes the apostles as "a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men," highlighting their endurance and sacrifice as evidence of their genuine calling.

Unity with the Church

Authentic apostleship is also characterized by unity with the broader Church. The apostles worked in harmony with other leaders and believers to build up the body of Christ. In Galatians 2:9 , Paul recounts how James, Cephas (Peter), and John, "acknowledged the grace that I had been given," extending the right hand of fellowship to him and Barnabas, thus affirming their shared mission and unity in the Gospel.

In summary, the authenticity of apostleship in the New Testament is established through divine calling, witness to the resurrection, signs and miracles, adherence to apostolic teaching, perseverance in suffering, and unity with the Church. These elements collectively affirm the authority and mission of the apostles as foundational to the Christian faith.