Apostles in the New Testament

The Apostles in the New Testament were the primary disciples of Jesus Christ during his life and ministry in the 1st century AD. The term "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," which means "one who is sent out." The apostles were sent out by Jesus to spread his teachings and establish the early Christian Church.

The Twelve Apostles

The original twelve apostles, also known as the Twelve, were specifically chosen by Jesus. They include:

Matthew, formerly a tax collector, is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew. Judas Iscariot is infamous for betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, leading to Jesus' crucifixion. Following his betrayal and subsequent suicide, Judas was replaced by Matthias as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

Paul the Apostle

While not one of the original Twelve, Paul the Apostle played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity. Formerly known as Saul, Paul experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, as documented in the Acts of the Apostles, where he ceased persecuting Christians and began preaching the gospel. Approximately half of the content of the New Testament documents Paul's travels, preaching, and miracles.

Role and Mission

The apostles were tasked with several key missions, including:

Preaching the Gospel: The apostles traveled extensively, spreading the teachings of Jesus. This mission is chronicled in the Acts of the Apostles, which details the early church's expansion.
Performing Miracles: The apostles performed numerous miracles to authenticate their divine commission. These acts are also recorded in the New Testament.
Establishing the Church: The apostles played a foundational role in establishing Christian communities and appointing leaders, such as elders and deacons, to oversee these communities.

Acts of the Apostles

The Acts of the Apostles is the fifth book of the New Testament and provides a historical account of the early church after Jesus' ascension. It narrates the actions of Peter, Paul, and other apostles as they spread Christianity beyond Jerusalem.

Apostles Beyond the Twelve

The term "apostle" was not limited to the Twelve. Other significant figures in early Christianity were also considered apostles. For example, Barnabas is referred to as an apostle in the New Testament. Additionally, Junia, mentioned in Romans 16:7, is notable for being recognized as an apostle and praised for her work.

Legacy

The legacy of the apostles extends beyond the New Testament era. Figures such as Saint Patrick are often referred to as apostles for their missionary work, such as Patrick's efforts in converting Ireland to Christianity.

Apostles In The New Testament