The Twelve Apostles, chosen by Jesus Christ, played a pivotal role in the establishment and spread of early Christianity. Their responses to Jesus' teachings, His crucifixion, resurrection, and the Great Commission are foundational to understanding their mission and the growth of the early Church.

Calling and Initial Response

The calling of the Twelve Apostles is a significant event in the Gospels. Jesus called them individually, and their immediate response was one of obedience and commitment. In Matthew 4:19-20 , Jesus calls Peter and Andrew, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Their response was immediate: "And at once they left their nets and followed Him." This pattern of immediate and decisive response is echoed in the calling of James and John (Matthew 4:21-22) and Matthew the tax collector (Matthew 9:9).

Response to Jesus' Teachings

Throughout Jesus' ministry, the Apostles were witnesses to His teachings and miracles. They often responded with a mixture of faith and misunderstanding. In Matthew 16:16 , Peter's confession, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," demonstrates a profound recognition of Jesus' identity. However, the Apostles also struggled with understanding Jesus' parables and teachings, as seen in Mark 4:10-13, where they ask Jesus to explain the parable of the sower.

Response to the Crucifixion and Resurrection

The crucifixion of Jesus was a moment of crisis for the Apostles. Despite Jesus' predictions of His death and resurrection, the Apostles were initially fearful and scattered. Peter's denial of Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75) highlights the fear and confusion among the disciples. However, the resurrection brought a transformative change. In John 20:19-20 , Jesus appears to the disciples, saying, "Peace be with you," and they respond with joy and belief upon seeing the risen Lord.

The Great Commission and the Apostolic Mission

After the resurrection, Jesus gave the Apostles the Great Commission, instructing them to spread the Gospel to all nations. In Matthew 28:19-20 , Jesus commands, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." The Apostles' response was one of obedience and dedication, as they began to preach and establish churches throughout the known world.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit

The Apostles' response to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was marked by boldness and power. Acts 2:4 describes how "all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." This event empowered the Apostles to preach the Gospel with authority, leading to the conversion of thousands and the rapid growth of the early Church.

Persecution and Perseverance

The Apostles faced significant persecution as they carried out their mission. Their response was one of perseverance and faithfulness. In Acts 5:29 , Peter and the other Apostles declare, "We must obey God rather than men," when confronted by the Sanhedrin. This unwavering commitment to their divine calling exemplifies their dedication to the mission entrusted to them by Jesus.

Legacy and Impact

The response of the Twelve Apostles to Jesus' call and commission laid the foundation for the Christian faith. Their teachings, preserved in the New Testament, continue to guide and inspire believers. The Apostles' willingness to endure hardship and martyrdom for the sake of the Gospel is a testament to their profound faith and the transformative power of their encounter with the risen Christ.