The concept of the "Rights of an Apostle" is primarily derived from the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul discusses the privileges and entitlements associated with apostolic ministry. These rights are rooted in the authority and responsibilities given to apostles by Jesus Christ and are evident in their role in establishing and nurturing the early Church.

Biblical Basis

1. Authority and Leadership: Apostles were chosen by Christ to be His messengers and leaders in the early Church. This is evident in passages such as Matthew 10:1-2, where Jesus calls the twelve apostles and gives them authority over unclean spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. The apostolic authority is further emphasized in Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His apostles, "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."

2. Right to Material Support: One of the key rights of an apostle is the right to receive material support from the Church. In 1 Corinthians 9:4-14, Paul defends this right, stating, "Do we not have the right to food and drink? ... If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?" (1 Corinthians 9:4, 11). Paul argues that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel, drawing parallels to the Old Testament practice of supporting the Levitical priests.

3. Right to Marry: Paul also mentions the right of apostles to marry and have families. In 1 Corinthians 9:5, he asks, "Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?" . This indicates that apostles, like other Christians, have the freedom to marry.

4. Right to Exercise Apostolic Authority: Apostles have the right to exercise authority in matters of doctrine and church discipline. This is seen in Acts 15, where the apostles and elders in Jerusalem convene to address the issue of Gentile circumcision, demonstrating their role in guiding the Church's theological and practical directions.

5. Right to Establish Churches: Apostles were instrumental in founding and establishing churches. Paul, in particular, speaks of his work in planting churches and his desire to preach the gospel where Christ was not yet known (Romans 15:20). This pioneering work was a significant aspect of apostolic ministry.

Paul's Voluntary Waiver of Rights

While Paul asserts these rights, he also exemplifies the voluntary waiver of them for the sake of the gospel. In 1 Corinthians 9:12, he states, "But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ" . Paul often chose to forgo his rights to avoid placing any obstacle in the way of the gospel's progress, demonstrating a selfless commitment to his mission.

Conclusion

The rights of an apostle, as outlined in the New Testament, encompass authority, material support, the freedom to marry, and the ability to establish and guide churches. These rights underscore the unique role apostles played in the early Church, serving as foundational leaders and messengers of the gospel.