About the Apostle of Jesus Christ
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:19-20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Romans 10:14-15 "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"
All believers and followers of Christ are His disciples. In a sense, they are also His apostles, as they are "sent forth" into the world to preach the Gospel of Christ."
Ambassadors for Christ
The term "apostle" comes from the Greek word apostolos (ἀπόστολος), which means "one who is sent forth" or "messenger." An apostle is best seen as a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel.
2 Corinthians 5:20 "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
The Church's Foundation is upon the Apostles and Prophets
Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
God Still Makes Apostles Today
Ephesians 4:11: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" This verse highlights apostles as one of the roles given to the church, without specifying individuals.
1 Corinthians 12:28-31 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Beware of False Apostles
False Apostles bring another Jesus, another Spirit, another Gospel.
2 Corinthians 11:4 "For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him."
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
Jesus choses His Apostles
Jesus chooses His Apostles, not mankind, not churches, not even ourselves. There are many verses in the bible where God says that He chose His Servants. Some to be prophets, some to be apostles, etc. and gives them the gifts of the Spirit so that they can do what they were chosen to do.
John 15:16 "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you."
I am bound by the Holy Scriptures, they are my authority.
God chose me to be an Apostle, that's the way it is.*
1Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
1 Corinthians 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
* Some claim that in order to be an apostle, one must see Christ and must be sent by Him directly. Well, one time when I died, Jesus took me to the Throne of Glory. And after my visit there, Jesus sent me back here. Everything was exactly as the bible says. Jesus was simply keeping His promises. Some say that 1Corinthians 4:9 means that they are appointed to death: To the best of my knowledge, I have died 8 times now.
"Jesus Christ is LORD"
