Reference: Apostle
American
A messenger or envoy. The term is applied to Jesus Christ, who was God's envoy to save the world, Heb 3:1; though, more commonly, the title is given to persons who were envoys commissioned by the Savior himself.
The apostles of Jesus Christ were his chief disciples, whom he invested with authority, filled with his Spirit, entrusted particularly with his doctrines and services, and chose to raise the edifice of his church. They were twelve in number, answering to the twelve tribes. Mt 19:28, and were plain, unlearned men, chosen from the common people. After their calling and charge, Mt 10:5-42, they attended their divine Master, witnessing his works, imbibing his spirit, and gradually learning the facts and doctrines of the gospel. After his resurrection, he sent them into all the world, commissioned to preach, to baptize, to work miracles, etc. See Joh 15:27; 1Co 9:1; 15:8; 2Co 12:12; 1Th 2:13. The names of the twelve are, Simon Peter; Andrew, his brother; James, the son of Zebedee, called also "the greater;" John, his brother; Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew, or Levi; Simon the Canaanite; Lebbeus, surnamed Thaddeus, also called Judas or Jude; James, "the less," the son of Alphaeus; and Judas Iscariot, Mt 10:2-4; Mr 3:16; Lu 6:14. The last betrayed his Master, and then hanged himself, and Matthias was chosen in his place, Ac 1:15-26. In the Acts of the Apostles are recorded the self-sacrificing toils and sufferings of these Christlike men, who did that which was "right in the sight of God" from love to their Lord; and gave themselves wholly to their work, with a zeal, love, and faith Christ delighted to honor-teaching us that apostolic graces alone can secure apostolic successes.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
The following are the names of the twelve apostles (ambassadors of the good news) (messengers): first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; read more. Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed him. Jesus sent the twelve. He gave them orders not to go to the people of the nations and not to go to the Samaritans. He said: Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Preach as you go! Announce the kingdom of heaven, for it is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. You received without paying, now give without being paid. Do not take gold, silver, or copper money in your money belt. Take no extra clothes, not even two coats, no extra shoes or walking stick for the laborer is worthy of his food. Go into a city or village and search for the worthy ones. Stay with them until you are ready to leave. When you enter the house, offer a blessing of peace. If the people are worthy, let your blessing stand. If they are not worthy, let your peace return to you. If someone will not welcome you and listen to the message, leave that house or town, shake the dust off your feet and move on. I tell you, it will be better for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that town. I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Beware of men! They will take you to court! They will have you beaten in their meeting places. You will be taken before governors and kings for my sake. This will serve as a testimony to them and to the people of the nations. When they hand you over, do not worry about what to say and how to say it. You will be given the words to speak at that time. You will not speak on your own. Your Father's Spirit will speak through you. People will hand over their brothers to be put to death. Parents will oppose children and children will oppose parents, causing them to be put to death. Men will hate you because of me. He who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to the next. I tell you; before you have gone through all the cities of Israel the Son of man will come. A disciple is not greater than his teacher, nor a servant his master. It is enough for the disciple (student) that he is like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they called the master of the house Beelzebub (Satan), others of the household could also be called the same! Do not be afraid. Nothing will be hidden. Every secret will be made known. The things I tell you in darkness, speak in the light. Proclaim everything you hear from on top of the house. Do not fear those who kill the body. They are not able to take away your [everlasting] life. Instead, fear him who is able to destroy both life and body in the ever-burning fires. (Greek: Gehenna: continuously burning trash fires in the valley of Hinnom.) Do two sparrows sell for a penny? Not one of them will fall on the ground without your Father knowing. Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear! You are more valuable than many sparrows. I will tell my heavenly Father about everyone who confesses me (witnesses to others about me) before men. I will deny, before my heavenly Father, anyone who denies me before men. Do not think I came to bring peace on the earth. I came not to bring peace, but a sword. My coming will cause a separation. A man will be against his father and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man's enemies will be from his own family. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. He who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not pick up his stake and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it. Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. Anyone who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. Anyone who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives a drink of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will not lose his reward.
Jesus replied: Truly I say to you, when all things are made new, and the Son of man is seated in his glory, you who have come after me will be seated on twelve seats, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip and Bartholomew,
You also bear witness because you have been with me from the beginning.
In these days Peter stood up among the brothers (about a hundred and twenty), and said: Brothers, the Scripture needed to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. read more. He was numbered among us, and shared in this ministry. This man obtained a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open and all his intestines spilled out. (Matthew 27:5 says he hanged himself. The rope broke or the branch on which it was tied broke. Then he fell to the ground and burst open.) It became known to all who live in Jerusalem that the field was called the field of blood, in their language; Akeldama. It is written in the book of Psalms: 'Let his habitation be made desolate and let no man dwell there. Let another take his office.' (Psalm 109:8) Someone must join us as a witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He must be one of the men who were in our group during the time that the Lord Jesus traveled about with us. This should be from the time John preached his message of baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us to heaven. One who was with us from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us must become a witness with us of his resurrection. They proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. They prayed: You O Jehovah, know the hearts of all men. Show us which of these men you choose. Which of these men should assume this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place. They cast lots for them and the lot fell on Matthias. So he was included with the eleven apostles.
Holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus.
Easton
a person sent by another; a messenger; envoy. This word is once used as a descriptive designation of Jesus Christ, the Sent of the Father (Heb 3:1; Joh 20:21). It is, however, generally used as designating the body of disciples to whom he intrusted the organization of his church and the dissemination of his gospel, "the twelve," as they are called (Mt 10:1-5; Mr 3:14; 6:7; Lu 6:13; 9:1). We have four lists of the apostles, one by each of the synoptic evangelists (Mt 10:2-4; Mr 3:16; Lu 6:14), and one in the Acts (Ac 1:13). No two of these lists, however, perfectly coincide.
Our Lord gave them the "keys of the kingdom," and by the gift of his Spirit fitted them to be the founders and governors of his church (Joh 14:16-17,26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15). To them, as representing his church, he gave the commission to "preach the gospel to every creature" (Mt 28:18-20). After his ascension he communicated to them, according to his promise, supernatural gifts to qualify them for the discharge of their duties (Ac 2:4; 1Co 2:16,7,10,13; 2Co 5:20; 1Co 11:2). Judas Iscariot, one of "the twelve," fell by transgression, and Matthias was substituted in his place (Ac 1:21). Saul of Tarsus was afterwards added to their number (Ac 9:3-20; 20:4; 26:15-18; 1Ti 1:12; 2:7; 2Ti 1:11).
Luke has given some account of Peter, John, and the two Jameses (Ac 12:2,17; 15:13; 21:18), but beyond this we know nothing from authentic history of the rest of the original twelve. After the martyrdom of James the Greater (Ac 12:2), James the Less usually resided at Jerusalem, while Paul, "the apostle of the uncircumcision," usually travelled as a missionary among the Gentiles (Ga 2:8). It was characteristic of the apostles and necessary (1) that they should have seen the Lord, and been able to testify of him and of his resurrection from personal knowledge (Joh 15:27; Ac 1:21-22; 1Co 9:1; Ac 22:14-15). (2.) They must have been immediately called to that office by Christ (Lu 6:13; Ga 1:1). (3.) It was essential that they should be infallibly inspired, and thus secured against all error and mistake in their public teaching, whether by word or by writing (Joh 14:26; 16:13; 1Th 2:13).
(4.) Another qualification was the power of working miracles (Mr 16:20; Ac 2:43; 1Co 12:8-11). The apostles therefore could have had no successors. They are the only authoritative teachers of the Christian doctrines. The office of an apostle ceased with its first holders.
In 2Co 8:23 and Php 2:25 the word "messenger" is the rendering of the same Greek word, elsewhere rendered "apostle."
See Verses Found in Dictionary
He called his twelve disciples. He gave them power to cast out unclean spirits and to heal all kinds of disease and sickness. The following are the names of the twelve apostles (ambassadors of the good news) (messengers): first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
The following are the names of the twelve apostles (ambassadors of the good news) (messengers): first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed him.
Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed him. Jesus sent the twelve. He gave them orders not to go to the people of the nations and not to go to the Samaritans.
Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying: All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. read more. Teach them to observe all the things I have commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
He appointed twelve to be with him and he sent them out to preach.
He summoned the twelve and sent them forth in pairs. They were given authority over the unclean spirits.
not in some older manuscripts) After he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene. She was the one who had the seven demons that he cast out.
They went out and preached everywhere. The Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the signs that followed. Amen.
The next day he called his disciples to choose from them twelve, whom he named apostles (ambassadors) (messengers):
The next day he called his disciples to choose from them twelve, whom he named apostles (ambassadors) (messengers): Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip and Bartholomew,
He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another helper, that he [the Father] may be with you forever. It is the Spirit of the truth. The world cannot receive it. The world does not see or know it. You know it because it lives with you and will be with you.
The Father will send a helper in my name, the Holy Spirit, which (Greek: hos he ho) (which) (that one) will teach you all things and bring to your memory all that I said to you.
The Father will send a helper in my name, the Holy Spirit, which (Greek: hos he ho) (which) (that one) will teach you all things and bring to your memory all that I said to you.
I will send the helper from the Father, the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father to bear witness of me. You also bear witness because you have been with me from the beginning.
You also bear witness because you have been with me from the beginning.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away. For if I do not go away the helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send it to you. (Greek: autos: it) Upon arrival this one will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. read more. First of sin because they do not practice active faith in me. Second, of righteousness, because I go to the Father and you will not see me anymore. And third, of judgment because the prince of this world has been judged. I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot endure them now. When the Spirit of truth comes it will guide you to all truth for it will not speak from itself. It will speak the things it hears and declare to you the things that are to come.
When the Spirit of truth comes it will guide you to all truth for it will not speak from itself. It will speak the things it hears and declare to you the things that are to come. It will glorify me and will take of what I have and declare it to you. read more. All the things the Father has are mine. That is why I said [the Spirit] takes what I have and declares it to you.
Jesus therefore said to them again: May you have peace. As the Father sent me, even so I send you.
When they entered the city they went to the upper chamber where they were staying. Included were Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealous one, and Judas the son of James.
Someone must join us as a witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He must be one of the men who were in our group during the time that the Lord Jesus traveled about with us. This should be from the time John preached his message of baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us to heaven.
Someone must join us as a witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He must be one of the men who were in our group during the time that the Lord Jesus traveled about with us. This should be from the time John preached his message of baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us to heaven. One who was with us from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us must become a witness with us of his resurrection.
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit moved them to speak.
Every person experienced a sense of awe, for the apostles did many wonders and signs.
As he journeyed to Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven shined around him. He fell to the earth and heard a voice saying: Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me? read more. Who are you Lord? He asked. The Lord said: I am Jesus whom you persecute. Get up and go into the city, and it will be told to you what you must do. The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. Saul got up from the ground. Even though he opened his eyes, he saw nothing. They led him by the hand into Damascus. He went for three days without sight. He did not eat or drink. The disciple Ananias was in Damascus. The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision: Ananias. He replied: Yes, I am here, Lord. The Lord said to him, Arise, and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus for he is praying. He has seen a man named Ananias in a vision. He came in and laid his hand on him that he might receive his sight. Ananias answered: Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your holy ones at Jerusalem. He has authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name. The Lord said to him: Be on your way. This man is a chosen vessel to bear my name to the people of the nations, and kings and the children of Israel. I will show him plainly how many things he must suffer for my name. Ananias went his way. He entered the house and put his hands on him and said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared to you along the road sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he received sight. He got up and was baptized. He ate and was strengthened. Saul spent several days with the disciples at Damascus. He preached in the synagogues immediately. He preached Christ the Son of God.
He killed James the brother of John with a sword.
He killed James the brother of John with a sword.
Peter motioned for them to be quiet. Then he told them how God brought him out of the prison. He said: Tell James and the brothers. Then he went away to another place.
When they finished talking James said: Brothers listen to me:
Those who accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea, the son of Pyrrhus; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
The following day Paul went with us to James and the elders.
He said: 'The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will. You are to see his righteous servant, and to hear him speak with his own voice. You will be a witness for him to tell everyone what you have seen and heard.
I said: 'Who are you, Lord?' And he answered: 'I am Jesus whom you persecute. Stand up on your feet. I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of these things that you have seen, and of those things I will show to you. read more. I will rescue you from the people and the nations. I am sending you to them. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. They may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you or our brothers, they are the messengers of the congregations, and they are the glory of Christ.
From Paul, who is an apostle not from men nor through men but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.
The one who made Peter an apostle to the Jewish people (who are circumcised) also made me an apostle to the people of the nations (who are not circumcised).
I find it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.
Keep your roots deep in him! Build your lives on him. Become stronger in your faith, as you were taught, and be filled with thanksgiving.
You are made full (complete) (perfect) (mature) in him. He is the head over all government and authority.
You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.
Let no man judge you in food or in drink or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day.
They must be stopped. Their mouths must be shut up, for they subvert entire households. They teach things that should not be taught, for the sake of dishonest gain. One of them, a prophet of their own, said: Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons.
Be an example of good works in all things, showing no corruption in your doctrine.
Holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus.
Fausets
("one sent forth".) The official name of the twelve whom Jesus sent forth to preach, and who also were with Him throughout His earthly ministry. Peter states the qualifications before the election of Judas' successor (Ac 1:21), namely, that he should have companied with the followers of Jesus "all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among them, beginning from the baptism of John unto the day that He was taken up, to be a witness with the others of His resurrection." So the Lord, "Ye are they that have continued with Me in My temptations" (Lu 22:28). The Holy Spirit was specially promised to bring all things to their remembrance whatever Jesus had said, to guide them into all truth, and to enable them to testify of Jesus with power to all lands (Joh 14:26; 15:26-27; 16:13-14). They were some of them fishermen, one a tax collector, and most of them unlearned.
Though called before, they did not permanently follow Him until their call as apostles. All were on a level (Mt 20:20-27; Mr 9:34-36). Yet three stood in especial nearness to Him, Peter, James, and John; they alone witnessed the raising of Jairus' daughter, the transfiguration, and the agony in Gethsemane. An order grounded on moral considerations is traceable in the enumeration of the rest: Judas, the traitor, in all the lists stands last. The disciples surrounded Jesus in wider and still wider expanding circles: nearest Him Peter, James, and. John; then the other nine; then the Seventy; then the disciples in general. But the "mystery" was revealed to all alike (Mt 10:27). Four catalogues are extant: Matthew's (Matthew 10), Mark's (Mr 3:16), Luke's (Lu 6:14) in the Gospel, and Luke's in Ac 1:13.
In all four the apostles are grouped in three classes, four in each. Philip heads the second division, i.e. is fifth; James the son of Alpheus heads the third, i.e. is ninth. Andrew follows Peter on the ground of brotherhood in Matthew and Luke; in Mark and Acts James and John, on the ground of greater nearness to Jesus, precede Andrew. In the second division Matthew modestly puts himself after Thomas; Mark and Luke give him his rightful place before Thomas. Thomas, after his doubts were removed (Joh 20:28), having attained distinguished faith, is promoted above Bartholomew (or Nathanael) and Matthew in Acts. In Matt, hew and Mark Thaddaeus (or Lebbaeus) precedes Simon Zelotes (Hebrew "Canaanite," i.e. one of the sect the Zealots). But in Luke and Acts Simon Zelotes precedes Jude (Thaddaeus) the brother of James. John gives no catalogue, but writing later takes it for granted (Re 21:14,19-20).
In the first division stand Peter and John, New Testament writers, in the second Matthew, in the third James and Jude. The Zealot stood once the last except the traitor, but subsequently became raised; bigotry is not always the best preparation for subsequent high standing in faith. Jesus sent them in pairs: a good plan for securing brotherly sympathy and cooperation. Their early mission in Jesus' lifetime, to preach repentance and perform miracles in Jesus' name, was restricted to Israel, to prepare the way for the subsequent gospel preaching to the Jews first, on and after Pentecost (Ac 3:25). They were slow to apprehend the spiritual nature of His kingdom, and His crucifixion and resurrection as the necessary preliminary to it. Even after His resurrection seven of them returned to their fishing; and it was only by Christ's renewed call that they were led' to remain together at Jerusalem, waiting for the promised Comforter (John 21; Ac 1:4).
From the day of the Pentecostal effusion of the Holy Spirit they became new men, witnessing with power of the resurrection of Jesus, as Jesus had promised (Lu 24:45,49; Ac 1:8,22; 2:32; 3:15; 5:32; 13:31). The first period of the apostles' working extends down to Ac 11:18. Excepting the transition period (Acts 8-10) when, at Stephen's martyrdom, the gospel was extended to Samaria and. to the Ethiopian eunuch by Philip, Jerusalem is its center, and Peter' the prominent figure, who opened the kingdom of heaven (according to Jesus' promise to him, Mt 16:18-19) to the Jews and also to the Gentiles (Acts 2; 10). The second period begins with the extension of the kingdom to idolatrous Gentiles. (Ac 11:19-26).
Antioch, in concert with Jerusalem, is now the center, and Paul the prominent figure, in concert with the other apostles. Though the ideal number always remained twelve (Re 21:14), answering to the twelve tribes of Israel, yet just as there were in fact thirteen tribes when Joseph's two sons were made separate tribal heads, so Paul's calling made thirteen actual apostles. He possessed the two characteristics of an Apostle; he had" seen the Lord," so as to be an eye witness of His resurrection, and he had the power which none but an Apostle had, of conferring spiritual gifts (1Co 9:1-2; 2Co 12:12; Ro 1:11; 15:18-19). This period ends with Ac 13:1-5, when Barnabas and Saul were separated by the Holy Spirit unto missionary work. Here the third apostolic period begins, in which the twelve disappear, and Paul alone stands forth, the Apostle of the Gentiles; so that at the close of Acts, which leaves him evangelizing in Rome, the metropolis of the world, churches from Jerusalem unto Illyricum had been founded through him.
Apostle is used in a vaguer sense of "messengers of the churches" (2Co 8:23; Php 2:25). But the term belongs in its stricter sense to the twelve alone; they alone were apostles of Christ. Their distinctive note is, they were commissioned immediately by Jesus Himself. They alone were chosen by Christ Himself, independently of the churches. So even Matthias (Ac 1:24). So Paul (Ga 1:1-12; Ro 1:1; 1Co 15:9-10). Their exclusive office was to found the Christian church; so their official existence was of Christ, and prior to the churches they collectively and severally founded. They acted with a divine authority to bind and loose things (Mt 18:18), and to remit or retain sins of persons (Joh 20:21-23), which they exercised by the authoritative ministry of the word. Their infallibility, of which their miracles were the credentials, marked them as extraordinary, not permanent, ministers.
Paul requires the Corinthians to acknowledge that the things which he wrote were the Lord's commandments (1Co 14:37). The office was not local; but "the care of all the churches." They were to the whole what particular elders were, to parts of the church (1Pe 5:1; 2Jo 1:1). Apostles therefore could have strictly no successors. John, while superintending the whole, was especially connected with the churches of Asia Minor, Paul with the W., Peter with Babylon. The bishops in that age coexisted with, and did not succeed officially, the apostles. James seems specially to have had a presidency in Jerusalem (Ac 15:19; 21:18).
Once the Lord Himself is so designated, "the Apostle of our profession" (Heb 3:1); the, Ambassador sent from the Father (Joh 20:21). As Apostle He pleads God's cause with us; as" High Priest," our cause with God. Appropriate in writing to Hebrew, since the Hebrew high priest sent delegates ("apostles") to collect the temple tribute from Jews in foreign countries, just as Christ is the Father's Delegate to claim the Father's due from His subjects in this world far off from Him (Mt 21:37).
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Moses the servant of Jehovah (YHWH) died. After his death Jehovah spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying:
Moses the servant of Jehovah (YHWH) died. After his death Jehovah spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying:
The things I tell you in darkness, speak in the light. Proclaim everything you hear from on top of the house.
The things I tell you in darkness, speak in the light. Proclaim everything you hear from on top of the house.
You are Peter (Greek: petros: piece of rock), and on this rock-mass (Greek: petra: mass of rock) (referring to Jesus) I will build my congregation. The entrance to the grave (Greek: Hades) will not have power to stop it.
You are Peter (Greek: petros: piece of rock), and on this rock-mass (Greek: petra: mass of rock) (referring to Jesus) I will build my congregation. The entrance to the grave (Greek: Hades) will not have power to stop it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is improper and unlawful in heaven, and whatever you declare lawful on earth must be lawful in heaven.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is improper and unlawful in heaven, and whatever you declare lawful on earth must be lawful in heaven.
I tell you; whatever things are fixed by you on earth will be declared improper and unlawful in heaven. Whatever you make free on earth will be declared lawful in heaven.
I tell you; whatever things are fixed by you on earth will be declared improper and unlawful in heaven. Whatever you make free on earth will be declared lawful in heaven.
The mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons. She bowed down and requested a favor of him.
The mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons. She bowed down and requested a favor of him. What is your desire? he asked. She said to him: Let my two sons be seated, the one at your right hand, and the other at your left, in your kingdom.
What is your desire? he asked. She said to him: Let my two sons be seated, the one at your right hand, and the other at your left, in your kingdom. Jesus told her: You have no idea what you are requesting. Are you able to take of the cup I am about to take?
Jesus told her: You have no idea what you are requesting. Are you able to take of the cup I am about to take? They said: We are able. Truly, you will take of my cup, he said. But to be seated at my right hand and at my left is not for me to give. It is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.
They said: We are able. Truly, you will take of my cup, he said. But to be seated at my right hand and at my left is not for me to give. It is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father. When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers.
When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. Jesus called them to himself and said: You know that the rulers of the nations exercise absolute dominion over them. They lord it over them and behave like tyrants.
Jesus called them to himself and said: You know that the rulers of the nations exercise absolute dominion over them. They lord it over them and behave like tyrants. But it will not be so among you. He who will be great among you must be your servant.
But it will not be so among you. He who will be great among you must be your servant. And he who will be first among you will be your attendant (servant) (minister).
And he who will be first among you will be your attendant (servant) (minister).
Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'Certainly they will respect my son.'
Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'Certainly they will respect my son.'
They said nothing because they had had an argument between themselves about who was the greatest.
They said nothing because they had had an argument between themselves about who was the greatest. He sat down and the twelve came to him. He said: If any man has the desire to be first, he would be last of all and servant of all.
He sat down and the twelve came to him. He said: If any man has the desire to be first, he would be last of all and servant of all. He put a little child in the middle of them and taking him in his arms he said to them:
He put a little child in the middle of them and taking him in his arms he said to them:
Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip and Bartholomew,
Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip and Bartholomew,
You have continued with me in my temptations.
You have continued with me in my temptations.
He opened their minds that they might understand the scriptures.
He opened their minds that they might understand the scriptures.
You see I send the promise of my Father upon you. You are to wait in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.
You see I send the promise of my Father upon you. You are to wait in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.
The Father will send a helper in my name, the Holy Spirit, which (Greek: hos he ho) (which) (that one) will teach you all things and bring to your memory all that I said to you.
The Father will send a helper in my name, the Holy Spirit, which (Greek: hos he ho) (which) (that one) will teach you all things and bring to your memory all that I said to you.
I will send the helper from the Father, the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father to bear witness of me.
I will send the helper from the Father, the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father to bear witness of me. You also bear witness because you have been with me from the beginning.
You also bear witness because you have been with me from the beginning.
When the Spirit of truth comes it will guide you to all truth for it will not speak from itself. It will speak the things it hears and declare to you the things that are to come.
When the Spirit of truth comes it will guide you to all truth for it will not speak from itself. It will speak the things it hears and declare to you the things that are to come. It will glorify me and will take of what I have and declare it to you.
It will glorify me and will take of what I have and declare it to you.
Jesus therefore said to them again: May you have peace. As the Father sent me, even so I send you.
Jesus therefore said to them again: May you have peace. As the Father sent me, even so I send you.
Jesus therefore said to them again: May you have peace. As the Father sent me, even so I send you.
Jesus therefore said to them again: May you have peace. As the Father sent me, even so I send you. After he said this he breathed on them and said: Receive Holy Spirit.
After he said this he breathed on them and said: Receive Holy Spirit. Forgive sins and they are forgiven. Do not forgive sins and they are not forgiven.
Forgive sins and they are forgiven. Do not forgive sins and they are not forgiven.
Thomas answered: My Lord and my God! (John 1:18; 10:36; 20:17)
Thomas answered: My Lord and my God! (John 1:18; 10:36; 20:17)
When they were gathered together he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem. They were to wait for the promise of the Father that he spoke about.
When they were gathered together he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem. They were to wait for the promise of the Father that he spoke about.
You will receive power, when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
You will receive power, when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
When they entered the city they went to the upper chamber where they were staying. Included were Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealous one, and Judas the son of James.
When they entered the city they went to the upper chamber where they were staying. Included were Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealous one, and Judas the son of James.
Someone must join us as a witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He must be one of the men who were in our group during the time that the Lord Jesus traveled about with us. This should be from the time John preached his message of baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us to heaven.
Someone must join us as a witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He must be one of the men who were in our group during the time that the Lord Jesus traveled about with us. This should be from the time John preached his message of baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us to heaven. One who was with us from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us must become a witness with us of his resurrection.
One who was with us from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us must become a witness with us of his resurrection.
They prayed: You O Jehovah, know the hearts of all men. Show us which of these men you choose.
They prayed: You O Jehovah, know the hearts of all men. Show us which of these men you choose.
God resurrected Jesus and we all witnessed this!
God resurrected Jesus and we all witnessed this!
You killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead. We witnessed this!
You killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead. We witnessed this!
You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant that God made with our fathers. He said to Abraham: 'All the families of the earth will be blessed in your seed.'
You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant that God made with our fathers. He said to Abraham: 'All the families of the earth will be blessed in your seed.'
We are witnesses of these things. The Holy Spirit, which God gave to those who obey him, also witnessed.
We are witnesses of these things. The Holy Spirit, which God gave to those who obey him, also witnessed.
When they heard this they objected no more and praised God, saying: God has granted the people of the nations repentance to life.
When they heard this they objected no more and praised God, saying: God has granted the people of the nations repentance to life. Those who were scattered abroad because of the persecution of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word only to the Jews.
Those who were scattered abroad because of the persecution of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word only to the Jews. Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. When they came to Antioch they spoke to the Greeks and preached the Lord Jesus.
Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. When they came to Antioch they spoke to the Greeks and preached the Lord Jesus. The hand (Spirit) of God was with them. A great number believed, and turned to the Lord.
The hand (Spirit) of God was with them. A great number believed, and turned to the Lord. News of these things came to the ears of the congregation in Jerusalem. They sent Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch.
News of these things came to the ears of the congregation in Jerusalem. They sent Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch. When he arrived he saw the grace of God and was glad. He exhorted them all to remain true to the Lord as their only purpose of heart.
When he arrived he saw the grace of God and was glad. He exhorted them all to remain true to the Lord as their only purpose of heart. For he was a good man full of Holy Spirit and of faith. Then many people were added to the Lord.
For he was a good man full of Holy Spirit and of faith. Then many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus to seek Saul.
Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus to seek Saul. When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. They met with the congregation for a whole year. They taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. They met with the congregation for a whole year. They taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
There were prophets and teachers in the congregation at Antioch. This included: Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
There were prophets and teachers in the congregation at Antioch. This included: Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to God, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said: Set Barnabas and Saul apart for the work I have called them.
As they ministered to God, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said: Set Barnabas and Saul apart for the work I have called them. After they fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them away.
After they fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them away. Being sent by Holy Spirit, they went to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.
Being sent by Holy Spirit, they went to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus. They preached the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews at Salamis. John was also there as an attendant.
They preached the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews at Salamis. John was also there as an attendant.
Those who came with him from Galilee to Jerusalem saw him. They are his witnesses to the people.
Those who came with him from Galilee to Jerusalem saw him. They are his witnesses to the people.
Therefore it is my decision not to trouble those of the nations who have turned to God.
Therefore it is my decision not to trouble those of the nations who have turned to God.
The following day Paul went with us to James and the elders.
The following day Paul went with us to James and the elders.
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, appointed (set apart) for the good news of God,
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, appointed (set apart) for the good news of God,
I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift so that you may be strengthened,
I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift so that you may be strengthened,
I will not dare to speak of any of those things that Christ has not accomplished through me. I will lead the nations to obey God in word and deed.
I will not dare to speak of any of those things that Christ has not accomplished through me. I will lead the nations to obey God in word and deed. Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God. From Jerusalem, and round about Illyricum, I have fully preached the good news of Christ.
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God. From Jerusalem, and round about Illyricum, I have fully preached the good news of Christ.
Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?
Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, I most certainly am to you, for you are the seal (stamp) (proof) of my apostleship in the Lord.
If I am not an apostle to others, I most certainly am to you, for you are the seal (stamp) (proof) of my apostleship in the Lord.
If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.
If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.
Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you or our brothers, they are the messengers of the congregations, and they are the glory of Christ.
Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you or our brothers, they are the messengers of the congregations, and they are the glory of Christ.
From Paul, who is an apostle not from men nor through men but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.
From Paul, who is an apostle not from men nor through men but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead. And from the brothers who are with me, to the congregations of Galatia:
And from the brothers who are with me, to the congregations of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. He (Jesus) gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us out of this present evil age. This is according to the will of our God and Father.
He (Jesus) gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us out of this present evil age. This is according to the will of our God and Father. To him is glory forever and ever. Amen.
To him is glory forever and ever. Amen. I am amazed that you so quickly turned away from the One who called you by the grace of Christ. You turned to different good news.
I am amazed that you so quickly turned away from the One who called you by the grace of Christ. You turned to different good news. Yet this is not another good news. But there are some who trouble (agitate) you, and they would pervert the good news of Christ.
Yet this is not another good news. But there are some who trouble (agitate) you, and they would pervert the good news of Christ. If we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any message other than that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (condemned) (expelled).
If we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any message other than that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (condemned) (expelled). We said before and now I say again, if any man preaches to you any message other than what you received, let him be accursed!
We said before and now I say again, if any man preaches to you any message other than what you received, let him be accursed! Do I now seek the favor of men, or of God? Am I striving to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Do I now seek the favor of men, or of God? Am I striving to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I would not be a servant of Christ. For I make known to you brothers that the good news that was preached by me is not according to man.
For I make known to you brothers that the good news that was preached by me is not according to man. I did not receive it from man. I was not taught it! It came to me through revelation from Jesus Christ.
I did not receive it from man. I was not taught it! It came to me through revelation from Jesus Christ.
I find it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.
I find it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.
Holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus.
Holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus.
I exhort the elders among you. I too am an older man and a witness of the sufferings of Christ. I am also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed.
I exhort the elders among you. I too am an older man and a witness of the sufferings of Christ. I am also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed.
The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
The foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, hyacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.
the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, hyacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.
Morish
The Greek word ????????? signifies 'a messenger,' 'one sent,' and is used in this sense for any messenger in 2Co 8:23; Php 2:25; and as 'one sent' in Joh 13:16. It is also used in a much higher and more emphatic sense, implying a divine commission in the one sent, first of the Lord Himself and then of the twelve disciples whom He chose to be with Him during the time of His ministry here. The Lord in His prayer in Joh 17:18 said, "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." He was the Sent One, and in Heb 3:1 it is written "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Jesus."* They were to consider this One who had been faithful, and who was superior to Moses, to the Aaronic priests, and to angels, and was in the glory. The ordering of a dispensation depended on the apostolic office as divinely appointed.
* The word 'Christ' is omitted by the Editors.
APOSTLES, THE TWELVE. The Lord appointed these "that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out demons," and also to carry out the various commissions given by Christ on earth. It will be seen by the lists that follow that Lebbaeus, Thaddaeus and Judas are the same person; and that Simon the Canaanite (Cananaean) and Simon Zelotes are the same; Peter is also called Simon; and Matthew is called Levi.
Mt 10:2-4. Mr 3:16-19. Lu 6:14-16. Ac 1:18.
1 Peter and 1 Peter. 1 Simon. 1 Peter.
2 Andrew. 3 James. 2 Andrew. 3 James.
3 James and 4 John. 3 James. 4 John.
4 John. 2 Andrew. 4 John. 2 Andrew.
5 Philip and 5 Philip. 5 Philip. 5 Philip.
6 Bartholomew. 6 Bartholomew. 6 Bartholomew. 7 Thomas.
7 Thomas and 8 Matthew. 8 Matthew. 6 Bartholomew.
8 Matthew. 7 Thomas. 7 Thomas. 8 Matthew.
9 James and 9 James. 9 James. 9 James.
10 Lebbaeus. 10 Thaddaeus. 11 Simon Zelotes. 11 Simon Z.
11 Simon the Cana- 11 Simon C. 10 Judas. 10 Judas.
naean and 12 Judas 1. 12 Judas I.
12 Judas Iscariot.
Peter is always named first; he with James and John was with the Lord on the mount of transfiguration and also with the Lord at other times, though no one apostle had authority over the others: they were all brethren and the Lord was their Master. Judas Iscariot is always named last. In Matthew the word 'and' divides the twelve into pairs, perhaps corresponding to their being sent out two and two to preach. Bartholomew and Simon Zelotes are not mentioned after their appointment except in Acts 1.
When the Lord sent the twelve out to preach He bade them take nothing with them, for the workman was worthy of his food: and on their return they confessed that they had lacked nothing. Their mission was with authority as the sent ones of the Lord; sicknesses were healed and demons cast out; and if any city refused to receive them it should be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgement than for that city. Mt 10:5-15.
They received a new mission from the Lord as risen: see Luke 24; John 20. And before the ascension the apostles were bidden to tarry at Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high. This was bestowed at the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. They are also viewed first among the gifts with which the church was endowed by the Head of the body when He ascended up on high. Eph 4:8-11. These gifts were for "the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." The mystery hitherto hid in God was now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, namely, that the Gentiles should be joint heirs, and a joint body, and partakers of His promise in Christ Jesus. Eph. 3. Paul was the special vessel to make known this grace. His apostleship occupies a peculiar place, he having been called by the Lord from heaven, and being charged with the gospel of the glory. See PAUL.
On the death of Judas Iscariot, Matthias, an early disciple, was chosen in his place, for there must be (irrespective of Paul, who, as we have seen, held a unique place) twelve apostles as witnesses of His resurrection, Ac 1:22; Re 21:14 as there must still be twelve tribes of Israel. Jas 1:1; Re 21:12. At the conference of the church in Jerusalem respecting the Gentiles 'the apostles' took a prominent part, with the elders. Acts 15. How many apostles remained at Jerusalem is not recorded: we do not read of 'the twelve' after Acts 6. Tradition gives the various places where they laboured, which may be found under each of their names. Scripture is silent on the subject, in order that the new order of things committed to Paul might become prominent, as the older things connected with Judaism vanished away: cf. 2Pe 3:15-16.
There were no successors to the apostles: to be apostles they must have 'seen the Lord.' Ac 1:21-22; 1Co 9:1; Re 2:2. The foundation of the church was laid, and apostolic work being complete the apostles passed away, there remain however, in the goodness of God, such gifts as are needed "till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Eph 4:12-13.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
The following are the names of the twelve apostles (ambassadors of the good news) (messengers): first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; read more. Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed him. Jesus sent the twelve. He gave them orders not to go to the people of the nations and not to go to the Samaritans. He said: Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Preach as you go! Announce the kingdom of heaven, for it is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. You received without paying, now give without being paid. Do not take gold, silver, or copper money in your money belt. Take no extra clothes, not even two coats, no extra shoes or walking stick for the laborer is worthy of his food. Go into a city or village and search for the worthy ones. Stay with them until you are ready to leave. When you enter the house, offer a blessing of peace. If the people are worthy, let your blessing stand. If they are not worthy, let your peace return to you. If someone will not welcome you and listen to the message, leave that house or town, shake the dust off your feet and move on. I tell you, it will be better for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that town.
The twelve included Simon whom he surnamed Peter, James the son of Zebedee, John the brother of James surnamed Boanerges, which is, Sons of thunder: read more. Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananaean. Also present was Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Then he went into a house.
Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip and Bartholomew, and Matthew and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealous one, read more. And finally there was Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master. Neither is one that is sent greater than he that sent him.
As you commissioned (sent) me into the world, I commissioned (sent) them into the world.
This man obtained a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open and all his intestines spilled out. (Matthew 27:5 says he hanged himself. The rope broke or the branch on which it was tied broke. Then he fell to the ground and burst open.)
Someone must join us as a witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He must be one of the men who were in our group during the time that the Lord Jesus traveled about with us. This should be from the time John preached his message of baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us to heaven. One who was with us from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us must become a witness with us of his resurrection.
One who was with us from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us must become a witness with us of his resurrection.
Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you or our brothers, they are the messengers of the congregations, and they are the glory of Christ.
Therefore it says: When he ascended on high, he led captives, and gave gifts to men (anthropos: human beings). (Now this, He ascended, what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth? read more. He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers. This is for the perfecting (equipping) (preparing) of the holy ones, for the work of ministering, for the building up of the body of Christ: until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown (mature) man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
I find it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.
Holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus.
This letter is from James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Greetings to the twelve tribes that are scattered.
Consider the patience of our Lord as salvation. Just as our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you. He spoke about these things in his letters. Some things are hard to understand. The untaught and unstable distort them as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
I know your works, and your labor, and your patience. I also know how you cannot tolerate those who are evil. You tested those who say they are apostles. They are not apostles. You found them to be liars.
The city had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written on each gate, the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Smith
(one sent forth), in the New Testament originally the official name of those twelve of the disciples whom Jesus chose to send forth first to preach the gospel and to be with him during the course of his ministry on earth. The word also appears to have been used in a non-official sense to designate a much wider circle of Christian messengers and teachers See
It is only of those who were officially designated apostles that we treat in the article. Their names are given in
and Christ's charge to them in the rest of the chapter. Their office.-- (1) The original qualification of an apostle, as stated by St. Peter on the occasion of electing a successor to the traitor Judas, was that he should have been personally acquainted with the whole ministerial course of our Lord from his baptism by John till the day when he was taken up into heaven. (2) They were chosen by Christ himself (3) They had the power of working miracles. (4) They were inspired.
Joh 16:13
(5) Their world seems to have been pre-eminently that of founding the churches and upholding them by supernatural power specially bestowed for that purpose. (6) The office ceased, a matter of course, with its first holders-all continuation of it, from the very condition of its existence (cf.
), being impossible. Early history and training.--The apostles were from the lower ranks of life, simple and uneducated; some of them were related to Jesus according to the flesh; some had previously been disciples of John the Baptist. Our Lord chose them early in his public career They seem to have been all on an equality, both during and after the ministry of Christ on earth. Early in our Lord's ministry he sent them out two and two to preach repentance and to perform miracles in his name Matt 10; Luke 9. They accompanied him in his journey, saw his wonderful works, heard his discourses addressed to the people, and made inquiries of him on religious matters. They recognized him as the Christ of God,
Mt 16:16; Lu 9:20
and described to him supernatural power
Lu 9:54
but in the recognition of the spiritual teaching and mission of Christ they made very low progress, held back as they were by weakness of apprehension and by national prejudices. Even at the removal of our Lord from the earth they were yet weak in their knowledge,
Lu 24:21; Joh 16:12
though he had for so long been carefully preparing and instructing them. On the feast of Pentecost, ten days after our Lord's ascension, the Holy Spirit came down on the assembled church, Acts 2; and from that time the apostles became altogether different men, giving witness with power of the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, as he had declared they should.
Lu 24:48; Ac 1:8,22; 2:32; 3:15; 5:32; 13:31
Later labors and history.--First of all the mother-church at Jerusalem grew up under their hands, Acts 3-7, and their superior dignity and power were universally acknowledged by the rulers and the people.
ff. Their first mission out of Jerusalem was to Samaria
where the Lord himself had, during his ministry, sown the seed of the gospel. Here ends the first period of the apostles' agency, during which its centre is Jerusalem and the prominent figure is that of St. Peter. The centre of the second period of the apostolic agency is Antioch, where a church soon was built up, consisting of Jews and Gentiles; and the central figure of this and of the subsequent period is St. Paul. The third apostolic period is marked by the almost entire disappearance of the twelve from the sacred narrative and the exclusive agency of St. Paul, the great apostle of the Gentiles. Of the missionary work of the rest of the twelve we know absolutely nothing from the sacred narrative.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
The following are the names of the twelve apostles (ambassadors of the good news) (messengers): first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; read more. Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed him.
Simon Peter answered: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!
But who do you say I am? He asked. Peter answered him: The Christ of God.
We hoped he would redeem Israel. Yes and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.
You are witnesses of these things.
I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot endure them now. When the Spirit of truth comes it will guide you to all truth for it will not speak from itself. It will speak the things it hears and declare to you the things that are to come.
You will receive power, when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
One who was with us from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us must become a witness with us of his resurrection.
God resurrected Jesus and we all witnessed this!
You killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead. We witnessed this!
The apostles performed many wonders among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
We are witnesses of these things. The Holy Spirit, which God gave to those who obey him, also witnessed.
Those who came with him from Galilee to Jerusalem saw him. They are his witnesses to the people.
Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?
Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you or our brothers, they are the messengers of the congregations, and they are the glory of Christ.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is with your spirit (mental disposition) (attitude). Amen.
Watsons
APOSTLE, ?????????, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, commissioned by him to preach his Gospel, and propagate it to all parts of the earth. The word originally signifies a person delegated or sent; from ?????????, mitto; in which sense it occurs in Herodotus, and other profane authors. Hence, in the New Testament, the term is applied to divers sorts of delegates; and to the twelve disciples by way of eminence. They were limited to the number twelve, in allusion to the twelve tribes of Israel. See Mt 19:28; Lu 22:30; Re 21:12-14; and compare Ex 24:4; De 1:23; and Jos 4:2-3. Accordingly care was taken, on the death of Judas, to choose another, to make up the number, Ac 1:21-22,26. Of the first selection and commission of the twelve Apostles, we have an account, Lu 6:13, &c.; Mt 10:1, &c. Having chosen and constituted twelve persons, under the name of Apostles, our blessed Lord determined that for some time they should be continually with him, not only to attend upon his public ministry, but to enjoy the benefit of his private conversation, that he might furnish them the better for the great work in which they were to be employed; and that, at length, after suitable preparation, he might, with greater advantage, send them abroad to preach his Gospel, and thus make way for his own visits to some more distant parts, where he had not yet been; and to enable them more effectually to do this, he endowed them with the power of working miracles, of curing diseases, and casting out demons. About the commencement of the third year of his ministry, according to the common account of its duration, he sent them out two by two, that they might be assistants to each other in their work; and commanded them to restrict their teaching and services to the people of Israel, and to avoid going to the Gentiles or to the Samaritans, to declare the approach of the kingdom of heaven, and the establishment of the Gospel dispensation; to exercise the miraculous powers with which they had been endowed gratuitously; and to depend for their subsistence on the providence of God, and on the donations of those to whom they ministered. Their names were, Simon Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the greater, the son of Zebedee; and John his brother, who was the beloved disciple; Philip of Bethsaida; Bartholomew; Thomas, called Didymus, as having a twin brother; Matthew or Levi, who had been a publican; James, the son of Alpheus, called James the less; Lebbeus, surnamed Thaddeus, and who was also called Judas or Jude, the brother of James; Simon, the Canaanite, so called, as some have thought, because he was a native of Cana, or, as Dr. Hammond thinks, from the Hebrew ???, signifying the same with Zelotes, or the Zelot, a name given to him on account of his having before professed a distinguishing zeal for the law; and Judas Iscariot, or a man of Carioth, Jos 15:25, who afterward betrayed him, and then laid violent hands on himself. Of these, Simon, Andrew, James the greater, and John, were fishermen; Matthew, and James the son of Alpheus, were publicans; and the other six were probably fishermen, though their occupation is not distinctly specified.
After the resurrection of our Saviour, and not long before his ascension, the place of Judas the traitor was supplied by Matthias, supposed by some to have been Nathaniel of Galilee, to whom our Lord had given the distinguishing character of an "Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile;" and the twelve Apostles, whose number was now completed, received a new commission, of a more extensive nature than the first, to preach the Gospel to all nations, and to be witnesses of Christ, not only in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and in Samaria, but unto the uttermost parts of the earth; and they were qualified for the execution of their office by a plenteous effusion of miraculous powers and spiritual gifts, and particularly the gift of tongues. In consequence of this commission, they preached first to the Jews, then to the Samaritans, and afterward to the idolatrous Gentiles. Their signal success at Jerusalem, where they opened their commission, alarmed the Jewish sanhedrim, before which Peter and John were summoned, and from which they received a strict charge never more to teach, publicly or privately, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. The noble reply and subsequent conduct of the Apostles are well known. This court of the Jews was so awed and incensed, as to plot the death of the twelve Apostles, as the only effectual measure for preventing the farther spread of Christianity. Gamaliel interposed, by his prudent and moderate counsel; and his speech had so good an effect upon the sanhedrim, that, instead of putting Peter and John to death, they scourged them, renewed their charge and threats, and then dismissed them. The Apostles, however, were not discouraged nor restrained; they counted it an honour to suffer such indignities, in token of their affection to their Master, and zeal in his cause; and they persisted in preaching daily in the courts of the temple, and in other places, that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised and long expected Messiah. Their doctrine spread, and the number of converts in Jerusalem still increased. During the violent persecution that raged at Jerusalem, soon after the martyrdom of St. Stephen, several of the leading men among the Christians were dispersed; some of them travelled through the regions of Judea and Samaria, and others to Damascus, Phoenicia, the Island of Cyprus, and various parts of Syria; but the twelve Apostles remained, with undaunted firmness, at Jerusalem, avowing their attachment to the persecuted interest of Christ, and consulting how they might best provide for the emergencies of the church, in its infant and oppressed state.
When the Apostles, during their abode at Jerusalem, heard that many of the Samaritans had embraced the Gospel, Peter and John were deputed to confer upon them the gift of the Holy Spirit; for to the Apostles belonged the prerogative of conferring upon others spiritual gifts and miraculous powers. In their return to Jerusalem, from the city of Samaria, they preached the Gospel in many Samaritan villages. The manner of its being sent to Ethiopia, by the conversion of the eunuch who was chief treasurer to Candace, queen of the country, is related in Ac 8:26, &c. After the Christian religion had been planted in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and sent into Ethiopia, one of the uttermost parts of the earth, Ac 1:8; and after it had been preached about eight years to the Jews only, God, in his wise and merciful providence, disposed things for the preaching of it among the Gentiles. Caesarea was the scene in which the Apostle Peter was to open his commission for this purpose; and Cornelius, one of the devout Gentiles, and a man distinguished by his piety and charity, was the first proselyte to Christianity. After Peter had laid the foundation of a Christian church among the devout Gentiles, others imitated his example, and a great number of persons of this description embraced the Christian faith, more especially at Antioch, where the disciples, whom their enemies had hitherto called Galileans, Nazarenes, and other names of reproach, and who, among themselves, had been called "disciples," "believers," "the church," "the saints," and "brethren," were denominated, probably not without a divine direction, Christians.
When Christianity had been preached for about eight years among the Jews only, and for about three years more among the Jews and devout Gentiles, the next stage of its progress was to the idolatrous Gentiles, in the year of Christ 44, and the fourth year of the emperor Claudius. Barnabas and Saul were selected for this purpose, and constituted in an extraordinary manner Apostles of the Gentiles, or uncircumcision. Barnabas was probably an elder of the first rank; he had seen Christ in the flesh, had been an eye witness of his being alive again after his crucifixion, and had received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, as being one of the hundred and twenty. Saul also, since his conversion had preached as a superior prophet, about seven years to the Jews only, and about two
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Moses wrote down all Jehovah's words. Early the next morning he built an altar at the foot of the mountain. He erected twelve sacred stones for the twelve tribes of Israel.
What you said pleased me very much. I took twelve of your men, one from each tribe.
Take twelve men out of the people. Take a man out of every tribe. Command them by saying: Take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm. Carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you stay tonight.
He called his twelve disciples. He gave them power to cast out unclean spirits and to heal all kinds of disease and sickness.
Jesus replied: Truly I say to you, when all things are made new, and the Son of man is seated in his glory, you who have come after me will be seated on twelve seats, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
The next day he called his disciples to choose from them twelve, whom he named apostles (ambassadors) (messengers):
Just as you eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
You will receive power, when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Someone must join us as a witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He must be one of the men who were in our group during the time that the Lord Jesus traveled about with us. This should be from the time John preached his message of baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us to heaven. One who was with us from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us must become a witness with us of his resurrection.
They cast lots for them and the lot fell on Matthias. So he was included with the eleven apostles.
God's angel said to Philip: Arise, and go toward the south the way that goes from Jerusalem unto Gaza through the desert.
I went back to Jerusalem. Then I have a vision while I prayed in the temple.
Stand up on your feet. I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of these things that you have seen, and of those things I will show to you. I will rescue you from the people and the nations. I am sending you to them. read more. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. They may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' You see, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. I preached first to Damascus, and to Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the people of the nations, that they should repent and turn to God, and prove their repentance by deeds.
Greet Andronicus and Junia. They are my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners who are well known among the apostles. They were in Christ before me.
I find it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.
The city had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written on each gate, the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. read more. The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.