Introduction

The Apostles and early believers played a pivotal role in the establishment and spread of Christianity following the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The term "apostle" is derived from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." The Apostles were chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and to carry forth His teachings to the world. The early believers, often referred to as the early church, were those who embraced the message of the Gospel and formed the first Christian communities.

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles were personally selected by Jesus during His earthly ministry. They are listed in the Gospels and the Book of Acts: Simon Peter, James the son of Zebedee, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (also known as Judas, son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who was later replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26). These men were witnesses to Jesus' teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. They were commissioned by Jesus to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).

Role and Mission

The Apostles were foundational to the early church, serving as leaders, teachers, and missionaries. They were empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, which enabled them to preach the Gospel with boldness and perform miracles in Jesus' name. Peter, often considered the leader among the Apostles, delivered the first sermon at Pentecost, resulting in the conversion of about three thousand souls (Acts 2:41).

Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

Although not one of the original Twelve, Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, became a prominent Apostle after his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6). Paul was specifically called to be the Apostle to the Gentiles, and his missionary journeys significantly contributed to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. His epistles form a substantial portion of the New Testament and provide theological insights and practical guidance for the early church.

The Early Believers

The early believers, often referred to as the early church, were characterized by their devotion to the Apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). They lived in communal harmony, sharing their possessions and caring for one another's needs (Acts 2:44-45). The early church faced persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities, yet it continued to grow as believers remained steadfast in their faith.

Persecution and Expansion

Persecution served to strengthen and spread the early church. The martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, marked the beginning of widespread persecution (Acts 7:54-60). Despite this, the believers scattered and preached the Gospel wherever they went, leading to the establishment of new Christian communities beyond Jerusalem (Acts 8:1-4).

The Council of Jerusalem

A significant event in the early church was the Council of Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 15. This council addressed the issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity were required to observe Jewish law. The Apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, concluded that Gentile believers were not bound by the Mosaic Law, except for a few necessary abstentions (Acts 15:28-29). This decision was crucial in defining the relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians and facilitated the church's expansion.

Conclusion

The Apostles and early believers laid the foundation for the Christian faith, enduring trials and persecution to spread the message of Jesus Christ. Their commitment to the Gospel and the establishment of the early church set the stage for the growth of Christianity throughout the centuries.