What is an Apostle? Who Were the Apostles?
APOSTLES
The word “Apostle†(Greek apostolos) means a messenger, one sent forth with orders.
The original twelve–Andrew and brother Simon (Peter); James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee; Philip and Nathanael (Bartholomew); Matthew (Levi); Thomas; James (Alphaeus’ son); Simon the Canaanite (Zelotes); Lebbaeus (Thaddaes)[Judas]; Judas Iscariot.
Matthias (Acts 1:26); Barnabas(Acts 14:14); James the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19); Paul (Act 14:14), and Christ ( Heb. 3:1).
History has it that apostles died this way.
James killed by a sword. (Acts 12:2).
Andrew crucified on an X cross.
Peter crucified up-side down.
Matthew martyred in Ethiopia.
Thomas martyred with a spear.
James (Alphaeus’ son) sawed in pieces.
Lebbeaus (Thaddaeus) [Judas] killed with arrows.
Simon the Zealot was crucified.
Philip hung.
Nathanael flayed alive.
Judas Iscariot suicide.
John died a natural death while pastoring at Ephesus.
I feel that Paul was the twelfth apostle.
Signs of an apostle;
1. They were chosen directly by the Lord Himself, or through the Holy Spirit.
2. They had “sign-gifts†and miraculous powers. Acts 5:15-16, 16:18, 28:8-9.
3. Announce the kingdom.
4. Authority to deal with men’s sins.
5. Judges over the twelve tribes.
6. See the resurrected Lord.
Apostles are they only with the first generation Christians? Refer to #1, 2, 5, and 6 above.
The hierarchy of Christ’s body, (1 Cor. 12:27-30). “And God hat set some in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. . . “
In Eph. 4:7-12 where gifts to the Church body are listed, again “And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the prfecting of the saints. . .â€
The apostle’s job was to start the Church. The apostle had special powers to “jump start the heart†of Jesus’ body, the Church. This job ended with John when he penned for us the “Rest of the Story.†Nothing more was to be added or taken away from the Inspiration. And since none has seen the resurrected Christ since that time, none has risen the dead, none has been appointed by Christ to be judges over Israel, conclusion, no more apostles.
