Who / What
The Apostles are described as Jesus' principal disciples and teachers of the gospel message. They were his closest followers during his ministry and became responsible for spreading Christianity after his death, resurrection, and ascension.
Background & History
According to New Testament accounts, particularly in Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:13-17, and Acts of the Apostles, Jesus appointed twelve apostles as leaders for his fledgling Church. Following Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death around Pentecost (AD 30), Matthias was chosen to replace him. The New Testament also includes accounts of Paul's conversion and subsequent calling as an Apostle by Jesus, which is considered separate from the original twelve but equally foundational for early Christianity.
Why Notable
The Apostles are central figures in Christian theology due to their direct association with Jesus Christ during his ministry and resurrection. Their teachings, recorded extensively in the New Testament epistles (e.g., Paul's letters), form a crucial part of early Christian doctrine and practice. The tradition derived from Luke 10:1-2 mentions seventy additional apostles alongside the twelve, further emphasizing their significance as foundational teachers for understanding Christianity.
In the News
The concept of apostleship remains highly relevant in discussions about church authority structures across various denominations today. Contemporary theological debates often touch upon the nature and function of apostolic roles mentioned in New Testament texts like 2 Corinthians 1:1, where Paul identifies himself as an Apostle (separate from Judas) by Christ's will. The existence and precise number of these seventy disciples, while acknowledged in some Eastern traditions, is less emphasized in mainstream Western Christianity compared to the twelve.
