SPECIAL TOPIC: SEND (apostellō), FROM WHICH COMES "APOSTLE"
This is a common Greek word for "send" (i.e., apostellō). This term has
several theological usages:
- In Classical Greek and in the rabbis this term is used as one called and sent as an official representative
of another, something like our English "ambassador" (cf. 2 Cor. 5:20)
- The Gospels often use this VERB of Jesus being sent by the Father. In John
the term takes on Messianic overtones (cf. Matt. 10:40; 15:24; Mark 9:37; Luke 9:48 and especially
John 5:36,38; 6:29,57; 7:29; 8:42; 10:36; 11:42; 17:3,8,18,21,23,25; 20:21 [both "apostle" and its
SYNONYM pempō used in v. 21]).
- It is used of Jesus sending believers (cf. John 17:18; 20:21 [both "apostellō and its
SYNONYM "pempō" in John 20:21]).
- The NT used the NOUN "apostle" for disciples
- the original twelve inner circle of disciples (e.g., Mark 6:30; Luke 6:13; Acts 1:2,26)
- a special group of Apostolic helpers and co-workers
(1) Barnabas (cf. Acts 14:4,14)
(2) Andronicus and Junias (KJV, Junia, cf. Rom. 16:7)
(3) Apollos (cf. 1 Cor. 4:6-9)
(4) James the Lord's brother
(5) Silvanus and Timothy (cf. 1 Thess. 2:6)
(6) possibly Titus (cf. 2 Cor. 8:23)
(7) possibly Epaphroditus (cf. Phil. 2:25)
- an ongoing gift in the church (cf. 1 Cor. 12:28-29; Eph. 4:11)
- Paul uses this title for himself in most of his letters as a way of asserting his God-given
authority as Christ's representative (cf. Rom. 1:1; 1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; Gal. 1:1; Eph. 1:1;
Col. 1:1; 1 Tim. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1; Titus 1:1).
- The problem we face as modern believers is that the NT never defines what this ongoing gift
involves or how it is identified in believers. Obviously one must distinguish between the original
Twelve (#4a) and the later usage (#4b). If modern "apostles" are not inspired to write more Scripture
(i.e., the canon is closed, cf. Jude v. 3), then what do they do that is different from NT prophets
or evangelists (cf. Eph. 4:11)? Here are some possibilities.
- missionary church starters in unevangelized areas (used as such in the Didache)
- leaders of pastors in a given area or denomination
- no one knows, but as the term "prophet" has to be reinterpreted in light of NT usage, so too, "apostles"
SPECIAL TOPIC: INSPIRATION
SPECIAL TOPIC: ILLUMINATION
SPECIAL TOPIC: CANON
SPECIAL TOPIC: PROPHET NT)
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