The Role of The Apostles in The Early Church

Today, we will explore a topic that is close to the heart of our Christian faith: the role of the apostles in the early church. As we journey back to the days of the apostles, let us remember the words of Jesus in John 15:16, when He said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” The legacy of the twelve apostles, hand-picked by Jesus Himself, continues to impact our lives today as we follow in their footsteps to build God’s Kingdom on earth.

These twelve men – Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas the son of James, and Matthias (who replaced Judas Iscariot) – were called upon by Jesus to not only witness His miracles, teachings, and resurrection but also to become the bedrock of the early church. They received the mantle of Jesus’ ministry, commissioned to spread the Good News of salvation to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19-20).

In this article, we will delve into the New Testament scriptures to uncover the vital role these apostles played in founding and shaping the early church, how their lives exemplify faith and obedience to Jesus, and the lessons we can glean from their courageous service. May our hearts be receptive to the wisdom of the Word and our spirits stirred to emulate the selfless devotion of the apostles who built the foundations of our faith.

I. The Apostles: Chosen Vessels of God’s Message

The Apostles were chosen vessels specifically appointed by the Lord Jesus Christ to carry forth His message, establish the foundation of the Church, and spread the good news of salvation to the world. In their ministry, they demonstrated God’s power and authority in miraculous ways through signs and wonders. They were guided by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their calling, and their testimonies remain as a powerful witness to generations of believers in the transformative power of Christ.

In the book of Acts, we see the shaping and formation of the Apostles as they transition from being ordinary men, who were fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots, to men who were bold witnesses of the Gospel of Christ. Notable experiences like the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them, equipped and empowered them to carry out God’s mission. Indeed, they encountered intense persecution, faced trials, and many of them laid down their lives as martyrs for the faith.

Among the original apostles, we have:

• Peter
• James, the son of Zebedee
• John
• Andrew
• Philip
• Bartholomew
• Matthew
• Thomas
• James, the son of Alphaeus
• Lebbaeus, surnamed Thaddaeus
• Simon the Canaanite
• Judas Iscariot (later replaced by Matthias)

Each of these men played a significant role in spreading the Gospel message through their lives, teachings, and personal testimonies. Many of the apostles also contributed to the New Testament, with Peter, John, Matthew, and Paul (who was an apostle to the Gentiles) being major contributors.

As believers today, it is important to look back on the lives and ministries of the apostles in order to understand the foundation upon which we stand as members of the Body of Christ. Their acts of faith, obedience, and courage should serve as an inspiration for us to boldly and passionately share the message of Christ. Let us remember their example and ask the Holy Spirit to continually empower us to be ambassadors of Christ in this world, just as the apostles were chosen vessels, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

II. Emboldening the Early Church: The Apostles’ Spiritual Guidance

One of the most remarkable aspects of the early church is the unyielding boldness which was present within the Apostles and believers. They were emboldened by the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, which was promised to them by Jesus before His ascension (Acts 1:8). Filled with this divine strength, they passionately preached the Gospel message, dedicated themselves to prayer, and formed strong communities centered on love and spiritual growth.

As we study the book of Acts, we see several key ways in which spiritual guidance was given to the Apostles. One of these was through visions and dreams. For example, Peter’s vision of the sheet filled with all kinds of animals (Acts 10:9-16) led to the revelation that the Gospel was not just for the Jews, but for all people. Similarly, Paul’s vision of a man from Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10) directed him to spread the good news in that region.

Direct revelation from the Holy Spirit was another way in which the Apostles received guidance. In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit called Paul and Barnabas for a specific work, prompting the church in Antioch to pray, fast, and send them off. The Apostles were often led by the Spirit to specific cities or encounters, such as Philip being led to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40) and Paul being directed to remain in Corinth (Acts 18:9-11).

The early church also sought guidance through prayer and fasting. This practice was taken seriously, often resulting in clearer understanding and direction for their ministries (Acts 13:3, Acts 14:23). In addition, they consulted one another, gathering to discuss issues and make decisions together, as exemplified by the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15.

As believers, we can learn much from the spiritual guidance present within the early church. Let us turn to prayer, fasting, and fellowship with one another as we seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our own lives. And when we receive His direction, may we respond with boldness, just like the Apostles, to accomplish the work God has for us.

III. The Apostles’ Miraculous Works: Strengthening Faith and Community

During the formative years of the church, the apostles were led by the Holy Spirit to perform miraculous works. These amazing deeds validated their ministry, helped to build faith in the believers, and drew others into the Christian community. In the book of Acts, countless examples of these miracles are recorded, performed by various apostles in different situations, but all with a unifying purpose. We will explore some key moments where miracles served as a powerful witness to God’s love and mercy, strengthening the faith and expanding the early community of believers.

One of the most iconic miracles is the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate in Acts 3. Peter and John encounter a man who had been unable to walk from birth, begging at the entrance to the temple. Rather than providing him with money, they offer something far better; the gift of healing through the name of Jesus Christ. In Acts 3:6, Peter declares, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And just as Jesus had healed many during His time on earth, this man was, too, miraculously healed. As a result of this powerful encounter:

• The lame man praises God and experiences newfound faith (Acts 3:8).
• Witnesses to the miracle are compelled to listen to the apostles as they preach the good news, resulting in thousands joining the community of believers (Acts 4:4).
• The apostles face persecution with greater boldness, relying on the Holy Spirit to help them (Acts 4:19-31).

Another moving example is the deliverance of a girl possessed by a spirit of divination in Acts 16. A slave girl in the city of Philippi was making a great profit for her masters through fortune-telling. The spirit within her recognized Paul and Silas as servants of the Most High God and began to follow them, loudly proclaiming the truth of their mission (Acts 16:17). Seeking to liberate her from this spirit, Paul commands it in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her, and she is instantly freed (Acts 16:18). This divine intervention brings about a chain of events that includes:

• Confrontation and eventual arrest of Paul and Silas, resulting in a prison sentence (Acts 16:19-24).
• Paul and Silas worship God despite their circumstances, ultimately leading to an earthquake that sets all the prisoners free (Acts 16:25-26).
• The conversion of a Roman jailer and his entire family after they witness the apostles’ faith and experience God’s power (Acts 16:27-34).

These are but a few of the many miraculous works performed by the apostles throughout the book of Acts. The Holy Spirit worked mightily through them, moving in profound ways to further the cause of the gospel. These divine actions not only helped demonstrate the authenticity of the apostles’ ministry, but they also served to strengthen the faith of the early church members and expand the Christian community in far-reaching ways. For today’s believers, these miracles remind us of the power of God working through His people for His glory, a truth that should continue to inspire and strengthen us in our own journey of faith.

IV. The Lasting Legacy of the Apostles: Foundations for Modern Believers

The teachings and examples of the apostles have been foundational for modern believers. Their steadfastness in faith, love, and perseverance continues to instruct and inspire us as we follow Jesus in our daily lives. In fact, the apostle Paul himself wrote to the believers in Corinth, encouraging them to be steadfast: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

The apostles were chosen by Jesus to help build the early Church, and they played an integral role in establishing its doctrines and practices. They recorded their experiences and beliefs in the New Testament, providing us with a rich and valuable resource for growing our faith, understanding God’s will, and living a life pleasing to Him. Here are some of the most central teachings of the apostles:

• Faith in Jesus Christ – Jesus is at the heart of everything the apostles taught. They consistently emphasized the importance of faith in Him as the cornerstone of our relationship with God, as well as the source of true meaning, purpose, and salvation. For example, Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
• Love – Love is another key theme in the apostles’ teachings. Jesus Himself had instructed them to love one another (John 13:34), and they passed on this commandment to their followers. Loving God and loving others are central to the Christian faith, as John writes, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8)
• Perseverance – Lastly, the apostles encouraged their followers to persevere in their faith and to stand strong in the face of adversity. They were no strangers to difficulties and trials, but they consistently pointed to God as their source of strength and hope. James exhorts believers, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)

As modern believers, we are called to stand on the solid foundation laid down by the apostles. Their teachings not only provide valuable instruction but also real and relatable examples of faith, love, and perseverance lived out in the lives of these early followers of Jesus. As we study their lives and teachings, let us be encouraged to continue building our relationships with God and living out our faith with the same passion, commitment, and trust as the apostles did.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of the apostles in the early church was truly a testament to the beauty of God’s wisdom and plan. Through their devotion, humility, and obedience, they were able to shepherd the young and growing flock of Christ’s followers, laying a foundation that would ultimately change the course of history. The apostles’ willingness to put their lives on the line and face unimaginable trials for the sake of the Gospel remains an inspiration and challenge to us today. Let us earnestly pray that we, too, may be granted the grace and courage to carry our individual crosses and follow in their godly footsteps.

As we reflect on the lives and sacrifices of the apostles, we must not forget that they were simple men, thrust into extraordinary circumstances by the transformative power of God’s love. Stripped of their earthly titles and ambitions, they became vessels of the Holy Spirit, ready and willing to honor Christ in all that they did. As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, we are called to do the same – to lay down our lives for the love of God and the service of others, as the apostles once did.

Dear friends in Christ, let us take courage from the lives of the apostles who, despite their many imperfections, trusted in God’s plan for their lives and were used in mighty ways to advance the early church. May we continue to lift each other up in prayer, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and follow Jesus’ example of love, humility, and service. And as we gather with our brothers and sisters in worship, may we remember the words of St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:11-12, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is.”

As we go forth into our daily lives, let the apostles’ passion and steadfast faith be a guiding light for us, and may we take to heart the words of Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

The role of the apostles was central to the growth and success of the early Church. As one of the primary leaders of the Church, the apostles had a unique role in teaching the Christian faith, leading the Church through difficult times, and preaching the gospel to the world.



The first 12 apostles, chosen by Jesus himself, were the key figures in teaching and spreading the gospel to the world. As his apostles, it was their responsibility to carry the message of Christ far and wide. They preached the gospel in both the Jewish and gentile world, travelling extensively and spreading the news of salvation.



The apostles also had a special role in leading the Church through times of persecution. They endured great suffering and sometimes even death for taking a stand for their faith, inspiring others to do the same. The apostles also had a role in writing down the New Testament scriptures, giving these writings a special level of authority and authenticity.



The apostles also played a vital role in guiding the early Church. This included helping to write letters of instruction to the new churches and resolving doctrinal issues. They also provided counsel and leadership when the Church was in transition and times of great difficulty.



The role of the apostles in the early Church was indispensable. With their unique insight and experience in the ways of the Lord, they provided invaluable guidance and preaching that helped to shape its growth and success. The legacy of the apostles remains prominent in today’s Church, with apostolic writings and teaching still inspiring and informing many believers around the world.