The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans...
The word "apostle" has two meanings, the broader meaning of a messenger and the narrow meaning of an early apostle directly linked to Jesus. The more general meaning of the word is translated into Latin as missio, and from this word we get missionary. The apostles are portrayed in the New Testament as having been Galilean Jews. The names of the majority of them are Hebrew names, although some had Greek names...
Mark 6:7-13 states that Jesus initially sent out these twelve in pairs (cf. Mt 10:5-42,Lk 9: 1-6) to towns in Galilee. The text states that their initial instructions were to heal the sick and drive out demons, and in the Gospel of Matthew to raise the dead. They are also instructed to "take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse, but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics", and that if any town rejects them they ought to shake the dust off their feet as they leave, a gesture which some scholars think was meant as a contemptuous threat...
Later in the Gospel narratives the twelve apostles are described as having been commissioned to preach the Gospel to "all the nations,"regardless of whether Jew or Gentile. Paul emphasized the important role of the apostles in the church of God when he said that the household of God is "built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone"...
There is sufficient information concerning the 11 Chosen Apostle's, and the Great Commission, along with LOTS of yay's, or nay's concerning CHRIST' commissioning them, which is interesting to take in, but, as always, TOO much information, especially laced with human perception, and understanding adds to the difficulty of keeping it REAL!!!
The 11 Apostle's, even the discredited one, Judas Iscariot, were a different breed, and, fulfilled *GOD'S* WILL, with almost no resistance! They were mere Men, taken to a HIGHER understanding, and usefulness, through their LOVE of THE LORD, thus, their FAITH, though, they were intensely instructed, chastened, and molded into their roles! There were all sorts of issues concerning these Chosen Men, including doubt, denial, arrogance, and other behaviours that HAD to be eradicated in order for them to SERVE THE LORD, and others, but, they overcame, and fell into their roles, with great impact, and effectiveness...
Simon, given the name Peter by CHRIST, which means rock, was thought to be BLESSED with stability, and was one of the first called, thus, THE LORD gave him special HONOUR by telling him, "On this rock (petra in Greek) I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it." Thus, Peter is considered a very prominent figure in the early Church, with a significant authority over the others, though, there are disputes over this too! Peter is the Apostle who had little FAITH, and who denied CHRIST 3 times, but, was extremely repentant, forgiven, and, elevated because of his LOVE for CHRIST, and THE TRUTH...
There was a most favoured Apostle amongst the 11, which mostly, remains anonymous, though many believe he was John, the author of The Gospel of John. This favoured Apostle would lean against the Master's chest, and was very dedicated to serving HIM...
When CHRIST was crucified, all but John fled! Peter, it is believed was being tried himself, but, was the first one to enter the tomb! Mary, the Mother of THE LORD was present, as was Mary of Magdala, or better known as Mary Magdalene, along with a few others, but, the Apostles were not present at the time. Interesting isn't it???
All in all, the Apostle's in their passionate LOVE for their Teacher, THE LORD *GOD*, and SAVIOUR, CHRIST JESUS, built UP the Church, the Gospel, and THE BLESSED LORD HIMSELF! They also set the standard for evangelism!!!
Here we are, only 1 day left of CHRISTmas! HAPPY HOLYDAYS, HAPPY NEW YEAR, and LOTS of LOVE to you! PRAISE THE LORD, for HIS infinite, incontestable WISDOM, LOVE, and PLAN! WORSHIP HIM, and, take up the yoke HE calls you for, following in HIS footsteps, and those of HIS Chosen, BELOVED Apostles, for HE IS WORTHY, and ALL GLORY BELONGS TO HIM ALONE!!!
REV. LWINSOR © 2012
BIBLICAL, and/or, other references marked BOLDLY IN COLOURS
No comments:
Post a Comment