7709 apostles, authority of
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7700 Leadership and the people of God  »  7706 apostles  »  7709 apostles, authority of

Apostolic authority derives directly from Jesus Christ, who commissions apostles. It is rigorously upheld within the church.

Apostolic authority is based on divine commission

Romans 1:5 See also Romans 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1

Apostolic authority derives from Jesus Christ

Matthew 10:40 See also Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 6:7; 2 Peter 3:2

The authority of apostles is related to their ministry role

1 Corinthians 12:28 There appears to be a definite order of priority with apostles at the head. See also Ephesians 4:11

The exercise of apostolic authority within the church

In building up the body

2 Corinthians 13:10 Paul had special authority as founder of this church. See also 2 Corinthians 10:8

In general oversight

Acts 4:34-35; Acts 6:2-6; Acts 15:6,22-23; Acts 16:4

In teaching

1 Thessalonians 4:2 See also Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Thessalonians 4:8

In appointing leaders

Acts 14:23

In church discipline

Acts 5:3-4,7-9; 1 Corinthians 5:3-5

The right to be supported

1 Thessalonians 2:6 Paul did not demand such support (see 1Th 2:9). See also 1 Corinthians 9:4,11-14; 2 Corinthians 11:7-9

The marks of a true apostle

False apostles exist

1 Corinthians 9:2 See also 2 Corinthians 11:4-5; Corinthians 12:11

Fruit confirms apostolic ministry

2 Corinthians 3:1-3

Signs confirm apostolic authority

2 Corinthians 12:12 See also Mark 16:20; Acts 5:12; Romans 15:19

See also

1449  signs, purposes
5215  authority
7026  church, leadership
7939  ministry



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