Apostles

Definition

Apostles are individuals chosen and sent out by Jesus Christ to spread his teachings and establish the foundations of the Christian faith. They played a crucial role in the early spread of Christianity, acting as messengers and leaders within the early Church. Their experiences, teachings, and the accounts of their missions contributed significantly to the formation of Christian doctrine and community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There were twelve original apostles, including Peter, James, John, and Judas Iscariot, each with unique contributions to the early Church.
2. Apostles were instrumental in performing miracles and healings, which helped to validate their message and attract followers.
3. After Jesus' resurrection, the apostles played a key role in establishing Christian communities across various regions, including Judea, Samaria, and beyond.
4. The apostles faced persecution and challenges as they preached their message, yet they remained committed to spreading Christianity despite these obstacles.
5. The writings attributed to the apostles significantly influenced Christian theology and provided foundational texts for future generations.

Review Questions

• How did the apostles contribute to the establishment of the early Christian Church?
  • The apostles were foundational figures in establishing the early Christian Church as they actively spread Jesus' teachings after his death and resurrection. They organized communities of believers, performed miracles, and provided leadership and guidance to new converts. Their missionary efforts led to the rapid growth of Christianity throughout Judea and beyond, as they shared their personal experiences with Jesus and taught others about his message.
• Analyze the significance of the Great Commission in relation to the role of the apostles in early Christianity.
  • The Great Commission was a pivotal moment that underscored the apostles' mission to spread Christianity globally. By commanding them to make disciples of all nations, Jesus empowered his apostles to take an active role in evangelism. This directive not only set a clear purpose for their ministry but also laid the groundwork for the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish communities into a diverse Gentile world.
• Evaluate how the experiences and writings of Paul the Apostle influenced Christian doctrine compared to those of the twelve apostles.
  • Paul's experiences as an apostle offered a unique perspective on Christian doctrine that differed from that of the original twelve. His letters addressed specific issues facing early Christians and emphasized themes such as grace, faith, and inclusion of Gentiles. While the twelve apostles focused on continuing Jesus’ teachings directly after his ministry, Paul's theological insights helped shape broader interpretations of those teachings, which were essential for Christianity's growth into a global religion.

Related terms

Disciples: The followers of Jesus who learned from him during his ministry, including the twelve apostles, who were specifically chosen to carry on his teachings.

Great Commission: The instruction given by Jesus to his apostles after his resurrection, commanding them to spread the gospel and baptize all nations.

Paul the Apostle: Originally known as Saul, he was a key figure in early Christianity who traveled extensively to spread the message of Jesus and authored many letters that form a significant part of the New Testament.