APOSTLE

INDUCTIVE BIBLE TOPIC STUDY

APOSTLES

By Dennis Schmidt 1/2007

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This paper discusses the Apostle. What is the Apostle called to do, what is his authority, and who are the apostles in the Bible. All scriptures are from the King James' version Bible.

INDUCTIVE COMMENTS:

THEME: An Apostle is one sent by God, with the power of attorney and authority, to act (with power) in place of sender. He was chosen and ordained to the position to be a witness of what God showed him. Apostles started many churches and appointed Elders to the church.

Ephesians 4:11-13 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; {12} For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: {13} Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"

PURPOSE: God called the apostle to present the gospel with power as witnesses of Jesus ministry to perfect the Christians to the fullness of Christ.

Mark 3:14-15 "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, {15} And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:"

KEY VERSE:

1 Corinthians 9:1-14 "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? {2} If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. {3} Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, {4} Have we not power to eat and to drink? {5} Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and <as> the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? {6} Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? {7} Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? {8} Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? {9} For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? {10} Or saith he <it> altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, <this> is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. {11} If we have sown unto you spiritual things, <is it> a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? {12} If others be partakers of <this> power over you, <are> not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. {13} Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live <of the things> of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? {14} Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."

WHO: God written mostly by Bible authors Mark, Luke, and Paul

TO WHOM: Elected Christians

WHAT: God called the apostle to present the gospel with power as witnesses of Jesus ministry.

Romans 1:1 "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called <to be> an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,"

Galatians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

WHY/WAY:

1) Says he is apostle:

1 Corinthians 9:1 "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?"

2) Has freedom:

1 Corinthians 9:1 "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?"

3) Seen Jesus:

1 Corinthians 9:1 "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?"

4) Blessings from ministry - church exist:

1 Corinthians 9:1, 11-12 "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? {11} If we have sown unto you spiritual things, <is it> a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? {12} If others be partakers of <this> power over you, <are> not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ."

5) Commitment to preach, witness & miracles:

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 "For though I be free from all <men>, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. {20} And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; {21} To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. {22} To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all <men>, that I might by all means save some. {23} And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with <you>."

6) Church builder (Foundation builder):

1 Corinthians 3:9-11 "For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. {10} According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. {11} For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Ephesians 2:20 "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner <stone>;"

Apostles have always been needed by the church. In these end days, God will restore the true apostles and other five fold ministries. They will help bring the saints unto a perfect man and bring in the soon coming of Jesus Christ for his glorified church.

WHEREAS: Apostles had special gifts of signs, wonders, and mighty deeds.

2 Corinthians 12:12 "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

WHERE: Earth

WHEN: Jesus started His ministry and continued through church period.

Mark 3:14 "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,"

WHILE: Most apostles suffered and died for their calling.

Luke 11:49 "Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and <some> of them they shall slay and persecute:"

John 13:16 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him."

1 Corinthians 4:9 "For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."

PAPER OUTLINE:

I) DEFINITION:

II) MESSENGERS:

III) APOSTLES WERE SENT BY GOD FOR HIS PURPOSE:

IV) APOSTLES WERE SENT TO PERFECT THE SAINTS:

V) APOSTLES HAD SIGNS & POWERS TO VERIFY THEIR AUTHORITY:

VI) APOSTLES LAY HANDS ON PEOPLE FOR MINISTRY:

VII) APOSTLES LAY HANDS ON PEOPLE TO RECEIVE HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM:

VIII) APOSTLES WERE CHOSEN & ORDAINED BY GOD FOR THEIR MINISTRY:

IX) APOSTLES WERE WITNESSES OF WHAT JESUS HAD DONE:

X) APOSTLES STARTED CHURCHES AND APPOINTED ELDERS TO THE CHURCHES:

XI) APOSTLES WERE TRIED (TESTED) TO SEE IF THEY BE TRUE:

XII) APOSTLES OFTEN SUFFERED AND SOME WERE KILLED IN THEIR CALLING:

XIII) APOSTLE DOCTRINE AND FELLOWSHIP:

XIV) APOSTLES PRIVILEGES:

XV) APOSTLES SELECTED BY JESUS:

XVI) TWELVE DISCIPLES:

XVII) 24 APOSTLES FOUND IN SCRIPTURES/SELECTED BY GOD:

XVIII) APOSTLE SELECTED BY GOD/APOSTLES AFTER JUDAS BETRAYED JESUS & DIED:

XIX) PROOF AND CLAIMS FOR PAUL & OTHER APOSTLES:

1) SAYS HE IS APOSTLE:

2) HAS FREEDOM:

3) SEEN JESUS:

4) BLESSINGS FROM MINISTRY - CHURCH EXIST:

5) COMMITMENT TO PREACH, WITNESS & MIRACLES:

6) CHURCH BUILDER (FOUNDATION BUILDER):

I) DEFINITION:

Apostles are defined as apostles 78 times and messengers 2 times in scriptures. Messenger is used once for ambassador or apostle.

An Apostle is one sent by God, with the power of attorney and authority, to act (with power) in place of sender. He was chosen and ordained to the position to be a witness of what God showed him.

Apostles started many churches and appointed Elders to the church.

See my papers: "Church Officers and Their Qualifications" for more information on this subject.

II) MESSENGERS: Messenger = ambassador = apostle

2 Corinthians 8:23 "Whether <any do inquire> of Titus, <he is> my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren <be inquired of>, <they are> the messengers of the churches, <and> the glory of Christ."

Philippians 2:25 "Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants."

III) APOSTLES WERE SENT BY GOD FOR HIS PURPOSE:

See my papers: "Godhead Relationship" for more information on this subject.

Luke 11:49 "Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and <some> of them they shall slay and persecute:"

John 13:16 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him."

1 Corinthians 4:9 "For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."

IV) APOSTLES WERE SENT TO PERFECT THE SAINTS:

V) APOSTLES HAD SIGNS & POWERS TO VERIFY THEIR AUTHORITY:

Acts 5:12 "And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch."

Acts 6:8 "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people."

2 Corinthians 12:12 "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

Hebrews 2:4 "God also bearing <them> witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?"

VI) APOSTLES LAY HANDS ON PEOPLE FOR MINISTRY:

Acts 6:6 "Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid <their> hands on them."

2 Timothy 1:6 "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands."

VII) APOSTLES LAY HANDS ON PEOPLE TO RECEIVE HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM:

See my papers: "Holy Spirit Baptism" for more information on this subject.

See my papers: "Many Baptisms Presented in the Bible" for more information on this subject.

Acts 8:18 "And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,"

VIII) APOSTLES WERE CHOSEN & ORDAINED BY GOD FOR THEIR MINISTRY:

Luke 6:13 "And when it was day, he called <unto him> his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;"

Mark 3:14 "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,"

Romans 1:1 "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called <to be> an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,"

Galatians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Acts 1:2 "Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:"

Acts 1:26 "And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."

IX) APOSTLES WERE WITNESSES OF WHAT JESUS HAD DONE:

See my papers: "Jesus Life, Events, & Identity" for more information on this subject.

Hebrews 2:3 "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard <him>;"

X) APOSTLES STARTED CHURCHES AND APPOINTED ELDERS TO THE CHURCHES:

Acts 14:23 "And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed."

2 Timothy 2:2 "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."

Titus 1:5 "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:"

XI) APOSTLES WERE TRIED (TESTED) TO SEE IF THEY BE TRUE:

Revelation 2:2 "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:"

XII) APOSTLES OFTEN SUFFERED AND SOME WERE KILLED IN THEIR CALLING:

Romans 8:36 "As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."

1 Corinthians 4:9 "For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 "For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: {9} But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:"

2 Corinthians 4:8-12 "<We are> troubled on every side, yet not distressed; <we are> perplexed, but not in despair; {9} Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; {10} Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. {11} For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. {12} So then death worketh in us, but life in you."

2 Corinthians 6:9 "As unknown, and <yet> well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;"

1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. {4} For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know."

XIII) APOSTLE DOCTRINE AND FELLOWSHIP:

Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

XIV) APOSTLES PRIVILEGES:

XV) APOSTLES SELECTED BY JESUS:

See my papers: "Disciples & others of Jesus Family" for more information on this subject.

XVI) TWELVE DISCIPLES:

Mark 3:14-19 "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, {15} And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: {16} And Simon he surnamed Peter; {17} And James the <son> of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: {18} And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the <son> of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, {19} And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house."

XVII) 24 APOSTLES FOUND IN SCRIPTURES/SELECTED BY GOD:

1) Peter (Simon, Cephas)

2) Andrew

3) James (The greater)

4) John

5) Philip

6) Barthalomew

7) Thomas

8) Matthew

9) James (The less)

10) Thaddrens

11) Simon (Zealot)

12) Judas

From Mark 3:14-19 above:

XVIII) APOSTLE SELECTED BY GOD/APOSTLES AFTER JUDAS BETRAYED JESUS & DIED:

13) Matthias (Replaced Judas)

Acts 1:21-26 "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, {22} Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. {23} And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. {24} And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all <men>, show whether of these two thou hast chosen, {25} That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. {26} And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."

14) Barnabas (Joses)

Acts 4:36 "And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, <and> of the country of Cyprus,"

Acts 13:1-3 "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. {2} As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. {3} And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid <their> hands on them, they sent <them> away."

Acts 14:14 "<Which> when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard <of>, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,"

1 Corinthians 9:5-6 "Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and <as> the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? {6} Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?"

Galatians 2:9 "And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we <should go> unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision."

15) Andronicus

Romans 16:7 "Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."

16) Junia

Romans 16:7 "Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."

17) Apollos

1 Corinthians 4:6-9 "And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and <to> Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think <of men> above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. {7} For who maketh thee to differ <from another>? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive <it>, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received <it>? {8} Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. {9} For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."

18) James (Lord's brother)

Galatians 1:19 "But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother."

James 1:1 "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting."

19) Silas

1 Thessalonians 1:1 "Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians <which is> in God the Father and <in> the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace <be> unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Thessalonians 2:6 "Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor <yet> of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ."

20) Timothy

1 Thessalonians 2:6 "Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor <yet> of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ."

21) Titus

22) Epaphroditus

Philippians 2:25 "Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants."

23) Paul (Saul)

Galatians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Galatians 2:8 "(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)"

24) Jesus

Hebrews 3:1 "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;"

XIX) PROOF AND CLAIMS FOR PAUL & OTHER APOSTLES:

1) SAYS HE IS APOSTLE:

1 Corinthians 9:1 "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?"

2) HAS FREEDOM:

1 Corinthians 9:1 "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?"

3) SEEN JESUS:

1 Corinthians 9:1 "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?"

4) BLESSINGS FROM MINISTRY - CHURCH EXIST:

5) COMMITMENT TO PREACH, WITNESS & MIRACLES:

See my papers: "True Gospel for Salvation by the Imputed Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.

See my papers: "What is a Born-Again & How to Become One?" for more information on this subject.

6) CHURCH BUILDER (FOUNDATION BUILDER):

Ephesians 2:20 "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner <stone>;"

Ephesians 4:11-14 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; {12} For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: {13} Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: {14} That we <henceforth> be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine,..."

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