Apostles played a vital role in establishing the early church and sharing the gospel. Their lives and teachings offer lessons for believers today. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about apostles and how their work impacts our understanding of faith and mission.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Apostle Paul
What Does The Bible Say About Apostles
Matthew 10:2
“These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John”
This verse introduces the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. The apostles played a significant role in spreading the teachings of Jesus and establishing the early church.
Mark 3:14
“He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach”
Jesus appointed the twelve apostles to both learn from him and be sent out to share the Gospel. This verse emphasizes the dual role of the apostles as learners and teachers of God’s word.
Acts 1:13
“When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.”
After Jesus’ ascension, the apostles gathered together, with Peter taking a leadership role. This verse provides a list of the apostles present at that time.
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
The early believers in Christ centered their lives around the teachings of the apostles. They valued fellowship, the sharing of meals, and prayer as essential aspects of their spiritual growth.
Acts 4:33
“With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.”
The apostles boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus, and God’s grace was evident in their lives. This verse highlights the supernatural empowerment received by the apostles in their ministry.
Acts 5:29
“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’”
In the face of opposition and persecution, Peter and the apostles remained faithful to God. This verse emphasizes their commitment to obeying God’s commandments above any human authority.
Acts 8:14
“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria.”
The apostles recognized the importance of nurturing and supporting new believers. In this verse, the apostles Peter and John were sent to Samaria to strengthen the faith of the new converts.
Acts 9:27
“But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.”
After Paul’s conversion, Barnabas brought him to the apostles and testified to his encounter with the Lord. This verse depicts the acceptance of Paul into the apostolic community.
Acts 14:14
“But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting”
Barnabas and Paul reacted with deep grief and concern when mistaken for gods by the people in Lystra. This verse demonstrates the apostles’ humility and their desire to redirect attention to the true God.
Acts 15:2
“This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.”
Paul and Barnabas faced a disagreement within the early church, and they sought guidance from the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. This verse reveals the apostles’ role as authorities in resolving important matters of faith.
Romans 1:1
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God”
Paul, in his letter to the Romans, introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and an apostle with a specific calling to proclaim the Gospel. This verse highlights his understanding of his role and mission.
1 Corinthians 1:1
“Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes”
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul emphasizes that his apostleship was a result of God’s will. This verse reinforces the divine appointment of apostles and their authority in spreading God’s message.
Galatians 1:1
“Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead”
Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, affirms that his apostleship was not conferred by human authority but by Jesus Christ and God the Father. This verse establishes the divine origin and authority of Paul’s apostleship.
Ephesians 4:11
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers”
Paul describes Christ as the one who gave the apostles, among other roles, to the church. This verse highlights the vital role of apostles in the establishment and equipping of the early Christian community.
2 Timothy 1:1
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus”
In his letter to Timothy, Paul emphasizes his apostleship as a result of God’s will. This verse reaffirms the divine calling and purpose behind Paul’s apostolic ministry.
Hebrews 3:1
“Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.”
The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to focus their attention on Jesus, who is both the apostle and high priest. This verse underscores the unique role of Jesus as the ultimate authority and mediator for believers.
1 Peter 1:1
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia”
Peter identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ in his letter to the scattered believers. This verse establishes Peter’s apostolic authority and sets the context for his teachings.
2 Peter 1:1
“Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours”
Peter again identifies himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. This verse emphasizes the shared faith received through the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:1
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.”
The author of 1 John declares their firsthand experience with Jesus, whom they proclaim as the Word of life. This verse highlights the apostles’ role in witnessing and proclaiming the person of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 21:14
“The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
In the vision of the New Jerusalem, the names of the twelve apostles are inscribed on the foundations of the city. This verse symbolizes the foundational role of the apostles in the eternal city of God.
Revelation 22:14
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”
The final chapter of Revelation speaks of the blessedness of those who wash their robes, granting them access to the tree of life and entrance into the city. This verse emphasizes the apostles’ teaching on the purification and salvation found in Christ.
Revelation 22:16
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
Jesus, speaking in Revelation, affirms his authority over the churches. This verse underscores Jesus’ divine identity as the Root of David and the Morning Star, reinforcing the apostles’ teachings on the deity of Christ.
The apostles played a vital role in the establishment and growth of the early church. Chosen by Jesus Himself, they were commissioned to preach the Gospel, testify to the resurrection, and teach the believers. Their teachings and writings became the foundation of the Christian faith and continue to guide and inspire believers today. These verses highlight the selection, authority, and ministry of the apostles, as well as their commitment to spreading the message of salvation. Through their obedience and devotion, the apostles made a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the development of Christianity as a whole. As we study their teachings and emulate their faith, we can deepen our understanding of God’s plan and purpose for His people.