Apostles

The term "apostle" originates from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." In the New Testament, apostles are primarily recognized as the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ, including Matthias, who replaced Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26). The role of an apostle is foundational to the establishment and expansion of the early Church, as they were entrusted with the message of the Gospel and the authority to teach, perform miracles, and establish church doctrine.

Apostles were witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as emphasized in Acts 1:22, where Peter states the necessity of choosing a witness to Jesus' resurrection to join the apostles. Paul, although not one of the original twelve, is also recognized as an apostle due to his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6) and his significant contributions to the spread of Christianity and the writing of much of the New Testament.

The apostles were given authority by Christ to preach, heal, and cast out demons, as seen in Matthew 10:1: "Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness." This authority was crucial for the establishment of the early Church and the validation of their message.

The apostolic role also included the responsibility of laying down the foundation of the Church's teachings. Ephesians 2:20 describes the Church as "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." This highlights the apostles' role in doctrinal formation and the establishment of church practices.

Prophets

Prophets in the New Testament continue the tradition of Old Testament prophets, serving as God's spokespersons. They are endowed with the gift of prophecy, which involves receiving and communicating messages from God. The role of prophets is to edify, exhort, and comfort the Church, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 14:3: "But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort."

Prophets played a significant role in the early Church by providing guidance and revelation. Agabus, for example, is noted for predicting a famine in Acts 11:28 and warning Paul of his impending imprisonment in Acts 21:10-11. These instances demonstrate the prophetic role in foretelling future events and providing direction to the Church.

The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of testing prophetic messages. In 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, believers are instructed, "Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things. Hold fast to what is good." This underscores the need for discernment and alignment with Scripture in evaluating prophetic words.

Prophets, like apostles, are part of the foundational structure of the Church. Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." This passage highlights the role of prophets in equipping and edifying the Church, working alongside other ministry gifts to promote spiritual growth and maturity.

In summary, apostles and prophets hold significant roles in the New Testament Church, serving as foundational figures in the establishment and growth of early Christianity. Their contributions to teaching, revelation, and church governance continue to influence Christian doctrine and practice.