Apostle . . .

“When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.” Luke 6:13

 Jesus had many followers. Thousands of people came to hear him teach and to witness his miracles. Because of his many followers, it was difficult for his enemies to arrest him.

Among Jesus’ followers were two main groups: his disciples and his apostles. These two groups can become confused. Jesus’ disciples were those who wanted to learn what he had to say. In those days there were many masters who had loyal disciples.

From within this group of disciples, Jesus handpicked twelve men who were called to be his apostles. They were chosen to be sent out. It wasn’t until the middle of the second year of Jesus’ ministry that he named the twelve. (They are listed in Matthew 10.) These men were chosen to be full-time workers. They would be the special men Jesus trained to go and spread his Word after he ascended into heaven. Their assignment was to establish his church. They were especially sent to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

The term apostle can also be used as a general term. The New Testament speaks of others who were apostles but were not of the chosen twelve. Some of them include Paul and Barnabas. We read in Acts 14:14, “When the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes.”

We have not been called to be apostles, yet we are also told to share God’s Word. Psalm 96:3 instructs us, “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

From the book “Precious Words of the Bible” by Reynold R. Kremer