Tag: Ephesians 2:20

The apostles hold a unique and unrepeatable place in church history

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

1Corinthians 12:28 lists apostles first among the offices God established in the church, and this order reflects historical sequence as well as importance. The apostles were the twelve men chosen by Jesus, eyewitnesses of his resurrection, with Judas eventually replaced by Matthias. They served as the first preachers of the gospel, and the doctrine they received directly from God became the foundation the early church gathered around and studied.

These twelve, along with the apostle Paul as an additional figure added later, formed a distinct group responsible for writing most of the New Testament and receiving direct revelation from God. Scripture marks them for special honour, including recognition in heaven.

Following the apostles chronologically came prophets, who delivered specific revelation concerning the life of the early church, and then teachers, a role that continues today through pastors and teachers. Ephesians also identifies evangelists, tasked with reaching those outside the faith. The office of apostle itself, however, belonged to a group of thirteen men whose foundational role cannot be repeated in any later generation.

I understand what some today mean when they call themselves an apostle. But I don’t think it’s what the writers of the Bible had in mind.

having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,

Ephesians 2:20

Understanding the Role of Apostles in the Early Church

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

In 1 Corinthians 12:28, the Bible lists different roles in the church, starting with apostles. This order is important because it shows the special place apostles had in the early Christian community.

Apostles were the first group chosen by Jesus. There were twelve of them, all witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. After Judas left, Matthias took his place. These men were the first to preach the gospel and teach what Jesus had shown them. The teachings they shared became known as the apostles’ doctrine. Early Christians would meet to learn from these teachings, which formed the foundation of the church.

The apostles also received special messages from God and wrote much of the New Testament. Because of their role, they are given a unique honor in Christian history. Paul is also counted among the apostles, even though he was not one of the original twelve.

After the apostles came prophets, who were early preachers who received guidance from God to help the church. Next were teachers, who helped explain the faith clearly. These roles are similar to today’s pastors and teachers. Evangelists, who focus on sharing the gospel with those outside the church, also play a key part, as seen in Ephesians.

The apostles hold a special place as the foundation of the church, a group that cannot be repeated. The church was built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. I hope this understanding helps explain how the early church was organized and why apostles had a unique role.

having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,

Ephesians 2:20