'Messengers' in the Bible
Now these are the names of the twelve apostles (special messengers, personally chosen representatives): first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
And He appointed twelve [disciples], so that they would be with Him [for instruction] and so that He could send them out to preach [the gospel as apostles—that is, as His special messengers, personally chosen representatives],
When day came, He called His disciples and selected twelve of them, whom He also named apostles (special messengers, personally chosen representatives):
When the messengers who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.
When John’s messengers left, Jesus began speaking to the crowds about John: “What did you go out to the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went into a Samaritan village to make arrangements for Him;
But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own all the things you have prepared?’
until the day when He ascended to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given instruction to the apostles (special messengers) whom He had chosen.
And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart [with remorse and anxiety], and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what are we to do?”
A sense of awe was felt by everyone, and many wonders and signs (attesting miracles) were taking place through the apostles.
and placing the money down at the apostles’ feet. Then it was distributed to each as anyone had need.
At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders (attesting miracles) were continually taking place among the people. And by common consent they all met together [at the temple] in [the covered porch called] Solomon’s portico.
Saul wholeheartedly approved of Stephen’s death.And on that day a great and relentless persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem; and the believers were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that [the people of] Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
Now Peter was still perplexed and completely at a loss as to what his vision could mean when the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions to Simon’s house, arrived at the gate.
Now the apostles and the believers who were throughout Judea heard [with astonishment] that the Gentiles also had received and accepted the word of God [the message concerning salvation through Christ].
Paul and Barnabas disagreed greatly and debated with them, so it was determined that Paul and Barnabas and some of the others from their group would go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders [and confer with them] concerning this issue.
it has been decided by us, having met together, to select men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch; and after assembling the congregation, they delivered the letter.
King Agrippa, do you believe the [writings of the] Prophets [their messages and words]? I know that you do.”
so they too have now become disobedient so that they too may one day receive mercy because of the mercy shown to you.
So God has appointed and placed in the church [for His own use]: first apostles [chosen by Christ], second prophets [those who foretell the future, those who speak a new message from God to the people], third teachers, then those who work miracles, then those with the gifts of healings, the helpers, the administrators, and speakers in various kinds of [unknown] tongues.
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?
Then He was seen by James, then by all the apostles,
As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker in your service; and as for the [other two] brothers, they are [special] messengers of the churches, a glory and credit to Christ.
For such men are counterfeit apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
Did I take advantage of you or make any money off you through any of the messengers I sent you? [Certainly not!]
Nor did I [even] go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia and stayed awhile, and afterward returned once more to Damascus.
But I did not see any other apostle except James, the [half] brother of the Lord.
which in other generations was not disclosed to mankind, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit;
And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct],
As an example, brothers and sisters, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord [as His messengers and representatives].
that you should remember the words spoken in the past [about the future] by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior given by your apostles [His personally chosen representatives].
But as for you, beloved, remember the [prophetic] words spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels (divine messengers) of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
“To the angel (divine messenger) of the church in Ephesus write:“These are the words of the One who holds [firmly] the seven stars [which are the angels or messengers of the seven churches] in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands (the seven churches):
‘I know your deeds and your toil, and your patient endurance, and that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and have tested and critically appraised those who call themselves apostles (special messengers, personally chosen representatives, of Christ), and [in fact] are not, and have found them to be liars and impostors;