In this piece of writing, we’ll be answering the following questions: What Is An Apostle? Are There Apostles Today? What Makes Someone An Apostle? What Is An Apostle Today? Qualifications Of An Apostle? Duties Of An Apostle? How To Pronounce Apostle, What It Means To Be An Apostle, Disciple Vs Apostle, What Is A True Apostle? What Is An Apostle In The Bible? What Is The Difference Between A Disciple And An Apostle?
An Apostle, in its most literal sense, is an emissary, from the Greek word ἀπόστολος (apóstolos), literally “one who is sent off”, from the verb ἀποστέλλειν (apostéllein), “to send off”.
The chief purpose of such sending off is usually to convey a particular message, and therefore “messenger” is a common alternative translation. Other common alternative translations include “envoy” and “ambassador.”
This term is derived from the Greek of the New Testament and was used for Jesus’s original twelve Apostles as well as a wider group of early Christian figures, including Paul, Barnabas, and Junia.
It usually refers to early associates of the founder of a religion, who played an important role in spreading his/her teachings. The word apostle has two meanings, the broader meaning of a messenger, and the narrow meaning of an early Christian Apostle directly linked to Jesus Christ. Today, the adjective apostolic (/ˌæpəˈstɒlɪk/) is strongly claimed as a continuing characteristic by many prominent Christian churches thereby leading to a wider modern application.
We can find the word in the “Apostolic See”, the official name for the Roman Catholic Papacy. Also, we can find the name in the doctrine of the Apostolic succession which is held by many branches of Christianity. It can as well be found in the Four Marks of the Church (“One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic”) found in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed.
What Is An Apostle?
Apostle Definition
The Christian Faith teaches that apostles were those entrusted by Jesus Christ with the task to assist in organizing the Church and spreading the message of His Key Teachings to the world. It comes from the Greek word apostello , meaning a messenger or one sent on a mission. Although not frequently used in today’s common language excerpt when pointing to Christian Principles, the word was regularly used in ancient times to describe someone who has been commissioned by another person to represent him.
In the New Testament, there are two primary usages of the word apostle. The first which is of greater value is in specifically referring to the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. The second meaning is in generically referring to other individuals who are sent out to be messengers/ambassadors of Jesus Christ.
The Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ held a unique position. In portraying the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:14 states, “The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” It was these twelve apostles who were the first messengers of the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ after His Death and Resurrection. According to Ephesians 2:20, these twelve apostles were the foundation of the church with Jesus Christ Himself being the Cornerstone. This specific type of Apostle is not present in today’s church because they had a unique task which was to lay the foundation of the Church. It is obvious that two thousand years later, we are not still working on the foundation. The qualifications of this type of apostle were:
- To have been a witness of the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1)
- To have been clearly chosen by the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:15)
- Accompanied by signs and wonders (Acts 2:43; 2 Corinthians 12:12).
What Is An Apostle In The Bible?
This piece of writing won’t be complete without an answer to the question, what is an apostle in the Bible? It is important to note that beyond the unique twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, there were also apostles in a generic sense. In Acts 13:2 and 14:4, Barnabas is referred to as an “apostle”. Also, Andronicus and Junias are possibly identified as apostles in Romans 16:7. In addition, the same word translated “apostle” is used in 2 Corinthians 8:23 to refer to Titus and also used in Philippians 2:25 to refer to Epaphroditus. Hence, we can say without a doubt that there is room for the term apostle being used to refer to someone besides the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Anyone who was “sent” could be called an apostle.
The main question now is to know the role of an apostle outside that of the twelve apostles. Although it is not entirely clear, we’ll do our best to pour more light on the subject matter. Knowing the definition or meaning of an Apostle, we can easily link it to its closest term, missionary. In simple terms, a missionary is a follower of Jesus Christ who has been sent out with the specific mission of proclaiming the Gospel. He/she is an ambassador of Christ to everyone who has not heard of the Good News of Eternal Life. Today, many people think that it is wise not to use the term apostle to refer to any position in the church so as to avoid confusion. However, the vast majority of the occurrences of apostles in the New Testament refer to the twelve apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Are There Apostles Today?
In a broad sense, all followers of Jesus Christ are called to be apostles. That is, they have been sent out to take the Good News to those who have not yet heard of it. In following Christ, we are to be His ambassadors (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). We are all to be “ones who are sent out” (Acts 1:8). We have all been called to be preachers of the Good News (Romans 10:15). However, it becomes a dangerous ground when a person starts equating himself in terms of spiritual authority with the twelve apostles that were chosen and taught by Jesus Christ himself. Such reflections are more likely to lead to apostasy and false doctrines. Remember that as Christians, we have only one leader and teacher, Jesus Christ. In everything, let the Holy Spirit and the Bible be our guide for Truth.
What Is The Difference Between A Disciple And An Apostle? (Disciple Vs Apostle)
It won’t make sense for us to end this piece of writing without answering the question, what is the difference between a disciple and an apostle? There is much to know about disciple vs apostle. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a significant difference between an apostle and a disciple. In simple terms, we can say that a disciple is a devoted student and follower of a teacher. The Greek word for disciple is mathētḗs which means a pupil or learner. It literally means a student. A disciple is an apprentice whose main goal is to learn as much as possible from his/her teacher. In reality, Jesus Christ had many disciples who were not part of the twelve whom he chose to become apostles.
Luke 10:1 says, “The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit.”
So, what is the difference between the disciples and those who became apostles? The difference lays on the fact that they were chosen from the other disciples and sent out on a mission. Although we are all called to spread the Good News about God’s Kingdom, not everyone is given the gift of Apostleship by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 clearly lists the gifts of the Holy Spirit, starting with that of Apostleship. Everyone who receives a spiritual gift is a disciple of Jesus Christ because he/she is filled with the Holy Spirit as a result of sincerely repenting and welcoming Jesus Christ in his/her life. However, it is clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 12:30 that not everyone will receive the same spiritual gifts. Thus, not every disciple ends up becoming an apostle.
The Original 12 Apostles
Jesus Christ had many disciples who were devoted to studying under Him. However, only 12 were chosen from the beginning to later go out and spread the Good News about God’s Kingdom to humanity thereby laying the foundation of the Christian church. Those whom Jesus Christ chose as apostles were later given the gifts of apostleship by the Holy Spirit when Christ ascended. We perceive that even those whom we consider as the original twelve apostles seemed to gain favor and confidence in their roles as apostles after the Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came live in them. These are the twelve whom Jesus Christ called Apostles:
- Simon (whom he named Peter)
- James
- John
- Andrew
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- Matthew
- Thomas
- James
- Thaddaeus
- Simon
- Judas Iscariot (who was later replace by Matthias)
What Is An Apostle Today?
Do Apostles still exist? Are men still called by God to be Apostles? These are some of the questions that many people will like to have answers to. The truth is that God still calls people, equip them, and send them out on the mission of growing the church of Christ. Remember that “Apostle” is clearly listed as the first in a series of gifts that believers in a community that is after God’s heart can receive from the Holy Spirit. As it was the case in the days of Jesus Christ, not everyone will receive the gift. However, as God continues to grow His Church, there will always be the need for spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit.
Qualifications Of An Apostle (Duties Of An Apostle)
There is much to say about the qualifications to be an apostle. Can anyone be an apostle? Biblically, it seems that it is not ours to decide. What then are the requirements to be an apostle? How can one become an apostle?
Without thoroughly thinking it through, many ministers of the Gospel have often assumed that certain things make someone an apostle. Most of the time, these things are what apostles do; but not exclusively. Or still, apostles may have them, but not exclusively. Some of these things are as follows:
- Having an international ministry.
- Signs and Wonders.
- Being Charismatic.
- Being Recognized by People as an Apostle.
- Planting Churches or having extensive missionary works.
- And in some cases, people assume that you must have seen Jesus Christ physically to be an Apostle.
Note that all of the above-assumed qualifications are not exclusive apostles. We can support this point with the fact that many have performed great signs and wonders, had international ministries, planted churches, been called apostles, been called charismatic, and have seen the Lord, but not been an apostle. That is why we can say that none of these things are really qualifications but maybe things that apostles carryout, but without proving the calling. Is there a Biblical list of qualifications for apostles? Although the Bible provides a list of qualifications for elders (Titus 1:5-9, or 1 Tim 3:1-7) and deacons (1 Timothy 3:8), there is not in one place a single list of qualifications for Apostles.
Three Basic Qualifications Of And Apostle
Elders were appointed by apostles. Deacons were also appointed by leadership. That is why Apostle Paul wrote specifying qualifications for these church positions.
Apostles however are called by Christ, appointed by Christ, and anointed for their mission by Christ. Hence, they must declare themselves to be an apostle. It is only after this step that they are tested to actually see if they really are an apostle. Their devotion and love for Christ and believers as well as their godly character and lifestyle will testify that their call is true. Jesus Christ said, “You will know them by their fruit.”
Mark 3:14-15 it says, “He appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with him, that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
This Biblical passage gives us three qualifications of an apostle.
Firstly, they must be people who are closed to Christ.
Secondly, they must be completely obedient and willing to be “sent ones”.
Thirdly, they will have the authority to do Christ’s work.
Other Qualifications
- Grace on their lives. (2 Corinthians 1:12)
- Submission to Christ – not a law unto themselves. (Philippians 2:5-8)
- Holiness. (2 Corinthians 1:12)
- Willingness to suffer for Christ. (Colossians 1:24-29)
- Sincerity. (2 Corinthians 1:12)
Bible Verses About Apostles
Mark 3:13-19 – “And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); …“
2 Corinthians 12:12 – “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.“
Matthew 10:2-4 – “The names of the twelve apostles are these: 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; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.“
Acts 5:12-16 – “Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.”
Mark 16:15 – And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Group 1
Matthew 19:28 – Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Ephesians 4:11 – “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,“
Acts 19:1-41 – “And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. …“
Luke 9:1-5 – And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
Ephesians 2:20 – “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,”
Group 2
Leviticus 19:31 – “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.“
Luke 9:1-5 – And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
Acts 4:13 – “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”
Acts 1:1-26 – “In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” …“
Group 3
Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 2:1-47 – “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. …“
Acts 1:13 – “And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.”
Mark 16:20 – “And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]]“
Mark 6:7 – “And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.”
Acts 1:2 – “Until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.”
1 Corinthians 12:28 – “And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.”
Group 4
John 14:22 – Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?”
Hebrews 3:1 – “Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession,“
2 Corinthians 11:13 – “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.”
Acts 2:38 – And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,“
John 21:15-19 – When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, …
Group 5
Mark 3:14 – “And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach.“
Luke 9:1 – “And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases,“
Acts 4:33 – “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.”
Acts 2:42 – “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Matthew 10:1-42 – “And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: 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; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, …“
Luke 22:28-30 – “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.“
Group 6
Matthew 10:1-4 – “And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: 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; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”
Revelation 21:14 – “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
2 Peter 1:16 – “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”
Luke 6:12-16 – “In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Simon, whom he 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 Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.“
1 Corinthians 9:1 – “Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?“
Group 7
Ephesians 4:11-13 – “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,“
John 17:1-26 – “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. …“
Matthew 16:17-19 – And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Luke 9:45 – “But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.“
Group 8
Matthew 10:1 – “And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.”
Matthew 10:4 – “Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.“
Matthew 9:9 – As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
Psalm 69:25 – “May their camp be a desolation; let no one dwell in their tents.”
2 Peter 1:1-21 – “Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, …“
Group 9
Revelation 2:2 – “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.”
2 Timothy 2:2 – “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.“
2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
Acts 12:1-2 – “About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword,“
Galatians 2:9 – “And when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.“
Acts 5:32 – “And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Acts 2:32 – “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.”
Acts 3:15 – “And you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.“
Group 10
Acts 1:21 – “So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,“
Acts 1:22 – “Beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
John 20:21 – Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
John 15:27 – “And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.”
Acts 1:15-26 – “In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) …“
John 15:27 – “And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.”
Group 11
John 20:21 –Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
John 15:16 – “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
John 13:6-8 – He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”
John 14:5-9 – Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Luke 24:19 – And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
Group 12
Luke 24:48 – “You are witnesses of these things.“
Luke 10:17 – The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”
Matthew 10:24 – “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.“
Acts 17:11 – “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
Matthew 10:24 – “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.“
Matthew 28:19-20 – Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Luke 9:54 – And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”
Acts 17:11 – “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
Group 13
Luke 9:44 – “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.”
Luke 6:14 – “Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew,“
Luke 6:15 – “And Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot,”
Luke 6:13 – “And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:“
Mark 3:18 – “Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean,”
Mark 6:7-11 – And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”
Mark 3:16-19 – “He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”
Group 14
Mark 3:15 – “And have authority to cast out demons.”
Revelation 1:1-20 – “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. …“
Revelation 2:1-29 – “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. …“
Group 15
1 John 1:1 – “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—“
1 John 1:1-3 – “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.“
2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,”
1 Peter 4:10 – “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:“
1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
1 Corinthians 9:5 – “Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?“
Group 16
1 Corinthians 12:12 – “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
1 Corinthians 9:2 – “If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 3:11 – “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Acts 14:14 – “But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,“
Acts 15:1-41 – But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, …
Group 17
Luke 6:13-16 – “And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Simon, whom he 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 Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”
Acts 10:39-41 – “And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.”
Matthew 28:18-20 – And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Mark 16:17 – “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;“
Matthew 16:19 – “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Group 18
Galatians 1:1 – “Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—“
Matthew 17:1 – “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.“
Matthew 10:5 – These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans,”
Psalm 109:8 – “May his days be few; may another take his office!“
Acts 17:10-11 – “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
