Ephesians 4:11 — And he himself gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers

Since the latter three are still going strong, why not also include the first two? Indeed, their objective is shown in verses 12–13:

Ephesians 4:12-13 — to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God – a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christ’s full stature.

Before the “assignment” is complete, Christ uses those five abilities to fortify his house, the church. We have not completed the task yet.

Who are the apostles, exactly? Are there several levels, each with its own commissioning and power levels? The need to divide apostleship into several categories is emphasized throughout the New Testament. What exactly are those?

Given that Jesus is called the high priest and apostle of our faith, let us focus on the word’s use to his church members.

Hebrews 3:1 — Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partners in a heavenly calling, take note of Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess,

THE 12 APOSTLES #

They are the pioneering group and the only group in the whole type. To illustrate the contrasting parts, let’s use a passage from Luke’s Gospel.

Luke 6:12-16 — Now it was during this time that Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and he spent all night in prayer to God. When morning came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), and his brother Andrew; and James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

How Important Were the Apostles of the Lamb? #

This chapter is first found in Luke’s gospel, which details the ministry and life of Jesus. Three business partners—Andrew, Peter’s brother—plus James, John, and Peter—had already been called by him, or almost so. (Luke 5:1-11)

A big group of people had already taken him up on his discipleship. From among them, he selected twelve.

Luke 6:13 — When morning came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles:

The names of the twelve tribes of Israel (and patriarchs) correspond to the twelve apostles. (Ref: Num. 1-2, 26) because of their similarity in number and leadership positions.

Acts 26:7 — a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain as they earnestly serve God night and day. Concerning this hope the Jews are accusing me, Your Majesty!

According to Matthew 19:28, they will be the ones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 19:28 — Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth: In the age when all things are renewed, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Their names will be engraved on the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, according to Revelation 21:14.

Revelation 21:14 — The wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Because just twelve people are chosen to receive this special gift, no one else will ever have it. The apostle Paul was not even eligible to be named one of the twelve.

Acts 1:21-22 — Thus one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time the Lord Jesus associated with us, beginning from his baptism by John until the day he was taken up from us – one of these must become a witness of his resurrection together with us.”

To be certified as Judas’s successor, one must have firsthand knowledge of Jesus’ ministry, having been an eyewitness from the beginning, all the way back to Jesus’ baptism by John—or close to that time. The individuals who knew Jesus from the start are likewise extensively researched by Luke.

Luke 1:2 — like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning.

Acts 1:1 — I wrote the former account, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach

Paul was not there from the beginning with Jesus. This difference was recognized even by Paul, who fought so hard to be recognized as an apostle.

Galatians 2:6 — But from those who were influential (whatever they made no difference to me; God shows no favouritism between people) – those influential leaders added nothing to my message.

Paul described himself as “abnormally born,” and “unworthy to be called an apostle.”

1 Corinthians 15:8-9 — Last of all, as though to one born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

With the naming of Cephas (Peter) and the seemingly unconscious mention of the other eleven, he seems to have classified all twelve as distinct, with Peter in particular (1 Cor. 15:5).

1 Corinthians 15:5 — and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

We will continue with this article in detail in the upcoming posts. Stay tuned.

Blessings,

Shaliach.