Who is an apostle according to the Bible? This question delves into the profound and historical role of apostles in the Christian faith. The term “apostle” originates from the Greek word “apostolos,” meaning “one sent.” In the context of the Bible, apostles were chosen by Jesus Christ to spread His teachings and establish the early Christian church. Their role was crucial in the formation and growth of the faith, and their legacy continues to influence Christianity today.
Apostles were not just followers of Jesus; they were His closest companions and witnesses to His ministry. The Bible identifies twelve apostles, with the addition of Matthias as the twelfth apostle after Judas Iscariot’s betrayal and crucifixion. These apostles were chosen by Jesus to be His disciples and to continue His work after His resurrection. They were instrumental in the early spread of the Christian faith, both through their teachings and their miracles.
The twelve apostles are as follows:
1. Simon Peter: Known as the “rock” upon which Jesus built His church, Peter was a fisherman from Galilee and the first apostle called by Jesus.
2. Andrew: Peter’s brother, Andrew was also a fisherman and a close friend of Peter.
3. James, son of Zebedee: A fisherman and one of the original twelve apostles.
4. John, son of Zebedee: James’ brother, John was also a fisherman and a close friend of Peter.
5. Philip: A native of Bethsaida, Philip was a close friend of Andrew and Peter.
6. Bartholomew: Also known as Nathanael, Bartholomew was a close friend of Jesus.
7. Thomas: Known as “Doubting Thomas,” Thomas was a close friend of Jesus and one of the twelve apostles.
8. Matthew: A tax collector before becoming an apostle, Matthew was one of the twelve.
9. James, son of Alphaeus: Also known as James the Less, he was a close relative of Jesus.
10. Levi: Another tax collector, Levi was also known as Matthew.
11. Simon the Zealot: A member of the Zealots, a Jewish revolutionary group, Simon was one of the twelve apostles.
12. Judas Iscariot: The apostle who betrayed Jesus, Judas Iscariot was replaced by Matthias.
These apostles played a vital role in the establishment of the Christian church. They were witnesses to Jesus’ miracles, His teachings, and His resurrection. After Jesus’ ascension, they traveled to various parts of the world, spreading the good news and establishing churches. Their writings, known as the New Testament, have become the cornerstone of Christian faith and practice.
In conclusion, an apostle according to the Bible is a chosen follower of Jesus Christ, an essential figure in the early Christian church. Their role was to spread the teachings of Jesus, perform miracles, and establish the faith. The apostles’ legacy continues to shape the Christian world today, as their writings and teachings continue to inspire and guide believers.
