Jesus Christ, The Savior
Part I
The word Savior means "One who saves" or "Deliverer." In the Old Testament the word applied to God, who saves people from their trouble, sickness, enemies etc.. Yahweh the I AM that I AM God promised He would incarnate as Jesus the One who saves people from their sins. (Matthew 1:18-23) The angel told Joseph in a dream, "Fear NOT to take Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a SON, and thou shall call his name JESUS: for he shall Save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name "Emmanuel! who is interpreted is GOD, with us."God does not forget His chosen Israelites' worldly sorrows, but mostly He is the Savior who blots out their sins so they can fellowship with a righteous God. Jesus is not a political or military deliverer, but a spiritual liberator.Jesus Christ the Savior: In Jesus' day, most people did NOT have last names (though they might be referred to as, for example, "John the son of Zechariah"). The New Testament, many times, uses the phrases Jesus Christ, or Christ Jesus, and the Christ. Christ is not a name, but a title. It means, "Anointed One." Anointing---dabbing the head with small amounts of oil was a ritual that marked a person for some special purpose in life---King and priests for example. Calling Jesus the Christ meant that He was "God's anointed One," the One whom the Father had chosen for an extraordinary mission on earth.Christ, a Greek word, has the same meaning as the Old Testament's Hebrew word "Messiah." In the Old Testament "Messiah" can refer to any person. But, as time passed, the Jews began to believe God would send ONE special person, the "Messiah," who would restore the nation of Israel to its political and spiritual glory, like in the days of King David and Solomon's era. Jesus failed to meet these expectations. He told the Roman governor, Pilate, "My kingdom is NOT of this world" (John 18:36). Yet many people had become convinced that their expectation of a military-political strong man had been wrong, Jesus the Messiah was a "Spiritual Savior" One who would Save people, NOT from foreign armies, but from their OWN sins.Jesus the Son of Man: The name occurs many times in the Old Testament, with the simple meaning "Human Being" or "Mortal". It is used dozens of times in the Book of Ezekiel, who always has God addressing him as "the son of man." More importantly, it was the name Jesus used for Himself. People impressed with Him might refer to Him as "Son of God," but He used "Son of Man" as His own designation, probably because it emphasized His "Humanness" and His unity with mankind. He often used it in a "third person" form saying "the Son of Man" instead of "I." The New Testament continually stresses that Jesus was truly "Human" but also "God" in the flesh. It was appropriate that the divine Savior was One who identified with the people He had come to SAVE.Jesus, the Son of God: Mark's gospel opens by saying, "It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." Jesus NEVER called himself this, but many others did (including Satan when he tempted Jesus). In His teaching, healing, and casting out of demons, Jesus gave the impression that only the power of God could do such wonders. And, of course, Jesus almost always referred to God as "My Father." At Jesus' baptism and transfiguration, God audibly spoke of Jesus as "My Son." The ONE occasion when Jesus acknowledged Himself as the Son of God was His trial before the Jewish council: "They all said, 'Are you then the Son of God?' So, He said to them, 'You rightly say that I am' (Luke 22:70). The council used this admission to condemn Him. Belief in Jesus as the Son of God was a Key part of accepting the faith! The point is well stated in (I John 4:15) "Whosoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God."Jesus Christ the Lamb of God: Like many other animals, lambs were used in Israel's sacrifices for sins. The most notable slaughtering of lambs was in connection with the "Passover," in which each family was to kill and eat the Lamb for the Passover meal. Like all sacrificial animals, the Passover lamb was to be "without defect". In the people's mind, a lamb combined image of Innocence and Sacrifice! Thus, Jesus was referred to as the "Lamb of God" most memorably by John the Baptist, who pointed Jesus out and said, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the World!" (John 1:29). Since Jesus' crucifixion occurred near the time of Passover, the early Christians made a connection between His death and the killing of the Passover Lamb. Paul stated that Christ, our Passover Lamb, had been scarified (I Cor. 5:7). And (I Peter 1:19) refers to Christ as "a Lamb without blemish and without spot."The Book of Revelation could be called "the book of the Lamb." In its many symbolic visions, the Lamb represents Christ, who at the end of the world, triumphs over the power of evil. (Revelation 5:12) speaks of a hymn of praise to the Lamb: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!"Jesus Christ the Redeemer: To "Redeem" is to buy back - to purchase. In the Bible times slavery was common and many people became slaves because of debt or other problems. If a friend or relative could buy them out of slavery, they were said to be "redeemed." In the New Testament, "redeem" and "redemption" refer to being redeemed from "Slavery" to SIN. The words are frequently used in reference to Jesus, the great "Redeemer." Paul states that through Christ "we have redemption through His blood, the Forgiveness of Sin" (Eph.1:7), and we are "Justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus". (Romans 3:24).Ransom: A ransom was the price paid to free someone from slavery or captivity. It could also be the fine paid as a substitute for the person's own life. The New Testament states that Christ paid a spiritual ransom on behalf of Man's sins. Jesus made this clear Himself "The Son of Man did NOT come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Paul echoed this idea, saying that Christ "gave Himself a ransom for ALL." (I Timothy 2:6)Jesus Christ the Mediator: The New Testament uses many names to refer to Jesus' work as Savior. Because man's sin separates him from God, there is a need of a Mediator (the Greek word is mesites, meaning Middle man) to bring God and man together. Paul summarized this nicely: "There is One God and One Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (I Timothy 2:5). The epistle to the Hebrews refers several times to Jesus as the divine Mediator (Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24). Reconciliation: Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." The greatest peacemaker would be one who reconciles man and God. The Bible takes a serious view of SIN and of the holiness of God. Result: Man's sins alienate him from God. The New Testament speaks of Jesus as the One who heals the breach. According to Paul, "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them..." We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us (apostles), we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. (II Cor. 5:19-20)Atonement: Look at the word closely and you see its meaning: at-one-ment. It means bringing TWO separated parties together, making them at one---in other words, "Reconciliation." The word isn't used much anymore, except that Jews still celebrate the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). (Leviticus 16) spells out how ancient Israel observed the day, which included the ritual of the high priest symbolically placing his hands on the head of the scapegoat, transferring Israel's sin to it, by sending it away to the wilderness.The Key idea is that human sin offends a holy God, so something must occur to bring about the reconciliation between man and God. Israel, like most nations, practiced animal sacrifices. The dramatic change came with the New Testament, where Christians perceived that Christ, the perfect and innocence man, suffered a horrible death and became the final, "Once-for-All" sacrifice for human sin. Paul affirmed that God presented Jesus as an atonement sacrifice, through faith in His blood (Romans 3:25). Jesus' death on Calvary's Cross as the great sacrifice that reconciles man to God.Justification: It means "setting thing right" or "making valid." The New Testament teaches that because Jesus was a Perfect, sinless man, those who have faith in Him are also made righteous, with the penalty for their sins, Removed the idea that God is a righteous Judge, who has to punish human sin. Jesus, the innocent victim, takes the punishment Himself---the innocent suffering so the guilty won't have to. The Christian's awareness of this FREE gift of God---being "let off the hook" should lead to gratitude and love for God. Paul talks about justification a great deal in his letters, notably (Romans 4:6-8; 5:18,19; II Cor. 5:19-21; Gal. 2:16,17).What's The Difference Between A Disciple And An Apostle?What's a Disciple? The word "disciple" and "apostle" are often used interchangeably. but it means quite different things. The word "disciple" means "learners," or "students", especially one who believes in the doctrine of his teacher and follows him. The disciples of Jesus were those who listened and understood him, and believed what he taught.What's an Apostle? An apostle, from the Greek apostolos, for "One who is Sent forth," generally means a "Messenger/Preacher" of the gospel. To any of various other followers of Christ who did "Evangelistic work". (Romans 1:1) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an "apostle" separated unto the gospel of God. (Romans 15:15,16) because of the grace that is given to me of God that I (Paul) should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, minister of the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified through the Holy Ghost. (II Cor. 5:18-21) All things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us (Paul/Timothy) the ministry of "Reconciliation" to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, NOT imputing their "SINS" unto them; and has committed unto us (apostles) the word of reconciliation. Now, then, we are the "Ambassadors" for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us (apostles): we implore you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.(John 20:19-23) After Jesus had paid the ransom price on Calvary's cross for the "SINS" of all humanity, He said to the eleven (11) apostles, "Received ye the Holy Ghost: Whosoever Sins ye Remit (forgiven), they are Remitted unto them; and whosoever Sins ye "Retain" (NOT forgiven) they are "Retained."Those who proclaim the gospel are in effect forgiving or NOT forgiven sins, depending on whether the "Hearers" accept or reject Jesus Christ as their Savior or NOT. (I Cor. 1:18-21) For the preaching of the Cross (Calvary) is to them that Perish, foolishness; but unto us, who are SAVED, it is the power of God...It pleases God by the foolishness of "Preaching" to SAVE them that believe... Christ is the Power and the Wisdom of God. (NIV)It is God's intention that worldly wisdom should not be the means of knowing Him. NOT that the preaching is foolish, but that the message being preached (Christ crucified) is viewed by the world as foolish. The Jews expected a triumphant, political Messiah (Acts 1:6) NOT a crucified one. The Gentiles and Romans were sure that NO reputable person would be "Crucified", so it was unthinkable that a "Crucified" criminal could be the "SAVIOR"! (NIV)The word "Apostle" is later used in a wider sense to include Matthias, Barnabas, Paul, Timothy, Silas, Apollos, Titus, Tychicus, and many other preachers of the gospel through down the centuries. (Romans 1:7) To ALL that be in Rome, beloved of God called to be saints (holy ones/disciples). All apostles are disciples but not ALL disciples are apostles. The 12 and 70 disciples were chosen by Jesus to be apostles as His ambassadors of the Gospel. The 12 tribes of Israel were the foundation of the Hebrew nation. (Revelation 21:12-14) Twelve (12) apostles laid the foundation, and gates of the Great City the Holy Jerusalem. Moses had 70 elders. Sanhedrin had 70 members.The Twelve Apostles
Jesus took about a year and a half to complete his choice in choosing the 12 disciples sending them forth as his apostles (Messengers/Ambassadors) of the gospel to the "lost sheep house of Israel" and NOT to any city of the Samaritans during this short (a Month or so) Mission. A few weeks later, Jesus sent a second group of 70 apostles on similar short Missions, but at this time, it was to the JEWS in Every city and Place in Judea where He, himself would come. (Luke 10:1-40)A.D. 26 John, Andrew, Simon, Philip, Nathaniel believed on Jesus when he was baptized by John the Baptist (John 1:31-51); they accompanied Jesus to Canna; then went back to their occupations till a later call.A.D. 28 After Jesus had finished his early Judean ministry, he called Simon, Andrew, James, John to "LEAVE" their fishing business, and definitely associate themselves with him (Mark 1:16-20). Shortly thereafter, Matthew was asked to join the group (Matthew 9:9). The twelve were formally chosen (Luke 6:12-16). The 12 apostles (Matthew 10) and 70 apostles (Luke 10:1-17) were given power to heal, and sent out in pairs on a gospel tours of possibly a "MONTH" or so (Verse 17) And the 70 apostles returned again with JOY, saying to Jesus, "Lord, even the demons are subject unto us through thy name". After Jesus' resurrection, He commanded the 12/70 apostles and his disciples in the final commission to carry the Gospel to the "ENDS" of the earth. (Matthew 28:16-20)The choosing and training of the 12 men from Galilee, except Judas the betrayer.1) Peter, was the only one among the 12 apostles who had a wife (Matthew 8:14, Mark 1:30; Luke 4:38). She went about with him in his work (I Cor. 9:5). He was a partner in the fishing business with James and John Zebedee (Luke 5:10). Generally, the spokesman of the twelve apostles.Apostolic Fathers Writing About: Peter
Irenaeus (A.D.180) The universally known church was "Founded" and "Organized" at Rome by the TWO most glorious apostles, Peter and Paul.Clement of Alexandria (A.D.195) They say, accordingly that the blessed Peter, on seeing his wife led to death, rejoiced on account of her call and conveyance home. He called to her very encouraging and comfortingly, addressing her by name and saying, "Remember the Lord!" such was a marriage of the blessed and their perfect disposition toward those dearest to them.Tertullian (A.D.197) Under Nero, Christianity was ruthlessly condemned. At Rome, Nero was the first (Emperor) who stained the rising faith with blood. Lactanius (A.D.320) When Nero reigned, the apostle Peter came to Rome...and by turning many to the true religion, he built up a faithful and steadfast temple unto the Lord. When Nero heard of those things, and observed that, not only in Rome, but also in every other place, a great multitude turned daily from the worship of idols...he sprang forward to decimate the heavenly temple and to destroy the TRUE faith. For Nero was an abominable and Evil tyrant. It was he who first persecuted the servants of God. He crucified Peter and slew Paul. Yet, he did not escape with impunity. For God looked on the affliction of His people. Therefore, this tyrant, bereaved of authority and thrown headlong from the height of the empire, suddenly disappeared. Even the burial place of that noxious wild beast was nowhere to be seen. 2) Andrew, brought his brother Peter to Christ. He and John Zebedee were Jesus' first converts. Tradition says he preached in Asia Minor (Now Turkey), Greece, and Scythia (Russia).Jesus and John/James of Zebedee were "FIRST" cousins:
3) James of Zebedee, the older brother of John. Jesus named the two, Sons of thunder. Not much is known of James . He was the first of the Twelve to die; killed by Herod, A.D. 44.4) John of Zebedee, is the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23; 20:2). His father's name was Zebedee. His mother seems to have been Salome (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40), who by comparing (John 19:25), seems to have been a "SISTER" to Mary the mother of Jesus. If so, John and James were cousins to Jesus. James and John must have known Jesus from childhood. He was one of the three inner circle disciples of Jesus. John was one of five partners in a fishing business that employed "hired servant" (Mark 1:16-20). He was a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35,40). If he was a cousin to Jesus, as seems implied in passages above cited, then he was related to John the Baptist (Luke 1:36), and must have known of the angelic announcement about John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1:17; 32). So, when John the Baptist appeared, crying that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand, John the son of Zebedee was ready to take his stand with him.On John the Baptist's testimony he became an immediate disciple of Jesus (John 1:35-51), one of the first "Five" disciples, and returned with Jesus to Galilee. Later, probably about a year, Jesus called him to leave his fishing business, and go about with Him. John was, thenceforth, with Jesus continually, and thus was an eyewitness of what is written in his gospel. John was one of the inner "Three" circle disciples and recognized as the one closest of Jesus. Five times he is spoken of as the disciple "Whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7,20).(Matthew 20:24) Then came to Jesus the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons (John and James) and desiring a certain thing of him. She said unto Jesus, "Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom." But, Jesus answered and said, "Ye know NOT what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They say unto Jesus, "We are able." James of Zebedee was the FIRST to die; killed by Herod, (A.D. 44).Jesus said unto them, "Ye shall drink indeed, of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: But, to sit on my right hand, and on my left is NOT mine to give, but it shall be given to those prepared by my Father." And, when the ten (apostles) heard about it, they were moved with indignation with the two brothers.For a number of years, Jerusalem seems to have been his chief residence. According to tradition, his later years were spent at Ephesus. Nothing is known of his activities or whereabouts. At Ephesus, he lived to great age and wrote his Gospel of John, three epistles and the Book of Revelation. The date of his Gospel is usually assigned to about A.D. 90.Apostolic Fathers' writing about: John apostle.
Irenaeus (A.D.180) The church in Ephesus was founded by Paul, and John remained among them permanently until the time of Emperor Trajan (A.D. 98-117). It is a true witness of the tradition of the apostles. Tertullian (A.D.197) Rome is where the apostle John was first plunged into boiling oil, but was unhurt. He was then banished to the island of exile.Victorinus (A.D. 280) When John said these things (in Revelation), he was on the island of Patmos, condemned by Caesar Domitian to labor in the mines. Therefore, it was there that he saw the Apocalypse. When he had grown old, he thought he would eventually meet his end through suffering. However, Domitian was killed and all his judgments were thrown out. After he was released from the mines, John later delivered (to the 7 churches) this same Apocalypse that he had received from God. He later wrote the Gospel of the complete faith for the sake of our Salvation. When Valentinnus, Cerinthus, Ebion, and others of the school of Satan were scattered abroad throughout the world, all the bishops assembled together to John, from the neighboring provinces and compelled him to draw up his testimony.5) Philip of Bethsaida. Fellow-townsman of Peter and Andrew. Brought Nathaniel to Christ. According to tradition, he preached in Phrygia, and in Hierapolis. 6) Bartholomew. Thought to be the surname of Nathaniel, who was of Canna. Perhaps, it was through him that Jesus came to the wedding feast. Tradition says he preached in Parthia. 7) Thomas, was a cautious, skeptical man. Tradition says he labored in Syria, Parthia, Persia, and India. 8) James the son of Alpheaeus called "The little," probably because of his stature. Tradition says he preached in Palestine, and Egypt. 9) Thaddaeus, thought to be the same as Judas the son of James. Tradition says he was sent and preached to Abgarus, king of Edessa; and to Syria, Arabia, and Mesopotania. 10) Simon, the Zealot (Greek) or Cannaean. Nothing is known of him. The Zealots were an intensely nationalistic sect, the direct opposite of the publicans.11) Matthew, a Levi. A tax collector of Romans taxes. Luke tells us that Matthew made a great feast for Jesus and forsook ALL to follow him. Tradition says that Matthew preached in Palestine for some years, and then traveled to foreign countries; that he wrote his Gospel originally in Hebrew, and some years later, probably about A.D. 60.12) Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Kerioth, a town of Judah, the Only non-Galilean apostle. Expect rich reward when his Master was seated on the throne of David. Disappointed when he saw his worldly dream fade. After his hideous crime against Jesus, hanged himself, fell from the scaffold, and burst asunder.Sending Of The 12 Apostles
(Matthew 9:35-38; 10:1-42) Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in "Their" synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness, and every disease among the people but, when, he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as "Sheep" having "No Shepherd." Then said he unto the disciples, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the "Laborers" (workers) are FEW; pray ye the Lord (the Father) of the harvest that He will send forth laborers into his harvest." Sending of 70 More Apostles
(Luke 10:1-17) After these things, the Lord (Jesus) appointed other 70 also, and "Sent" or "Apostled" them two and two before his face into Every City and place, where he himself would come. Therefore, Jesus said unto them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are FEW: Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he (the Father) would send forth laborers into HIS harvest."....And the 70 returned again with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject unto us through thy name.(I Cor. 15:4-8) Jesus was buried, and He was raised the third day according to the scriptures. And, He was seen of Cephas (Peter), then of the Twelve: after that he was seen of above 500 brethren at same time. After that, Jesus was seen of James; and of "ALL" the apostles.The Apostolic Fathers Writing: On The 70 Apostles
Clement of Alexandria (A.D.195) The apostle Barnabas says, "From the portion I have received, I have done my diligence to send to you little by little. The apostolic Barnabas (he was one of the 70 apostles and a Fellow-Worker of Paul) who, in person, preached the Word along with the apostle in the ministry of the Gentiles, says, "I write to you most simply that you may understand." To James the Just, John and Peter, the Lord imparted knowledge after His resurrection. These imparted it to the rest of the apostles. And, the rest of the apostles imparted it to the 70 apostles, of whom Barnabas was one.Tertullian (A.D.207) Jesus chose also 70 other apostles besides the 12 apostles. A fter He was risen from the abode of the dead, and was received into heaven, Thomas, the apostle... by an impulse from God, sent Thaddaeus to Edessa to be a preacher and proclaimer of the teachings of Christ. Now, this Thaddaeus was, himself. also numbered among the 70 apostles of Christ.The 12 and 70 Apostle's Important Mission
The choosing and training of the 12 and 70 apostles to whom Jesus was to entrust his work was an extremely important part of His earthly mission. Jesus' "Primary" purpose in coming into the world, was to die as the Lamb of God, to atone for human sin, and to rise from the dead to bring eternal life to mankind. Bu,t his Life, Death, and Resurrection would be useless to the world unless the world KNOWS about it. If the disciples and apostles to whom he entrusted his work should fail him, then his coming to earth would have been in vain.The first sending out of the 12 apostles was a part of their "Training", intended possibly to give them practice work, and was a part of Jesus' method of advertising to the nation that the "Messiah" had arrived! There were no newspapers. The only means of spreading the news was by word of mouth. Later, the 70 apostles were sent out for the same purpose. These 82 apostles authenticated their message by special miracles, not only to attract attention, but to indicate to the nation the extraordinary nature of the "Messiah" whom they proclaimed had arrived among them. The disciples began to follow Jesus as politician, with no thought whatever of becoming preachers, as they turned out to be. They were expecting, that as Messiah, Jesus would establish a political world empire, of which they would be the administrators.Political Kingdom
A political kingdom, in which the Jewish nation, under their Messiah, would rule the world, is that they were expecting. Herod shared that notion, and tried to destroy Jesus in childhood; because he thought the Christ's kingdom would be a rival political kingdom to his own. John the Baptist shared the same notion, and when Jesus gave no indication of being that kind of king, John began to doubt whether, after all, Jesus was the Messiah (Matthew 11:3). The 12 apostles shared the same notion until after the resurrection. The last question they asked Jesus was, "Lord, will you now restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). Their minds were on political independence for their country from the Romans empire and bondage, rather than personal eternal salvation.When, at last, he told them that he was going to be crucified, instead of erecting a throne, it stunned them. But, they still persisted in thinking it was only a parable. Even at the Last Supper, their minds were still on which one of them was to have the greatest office. NOT until after his resurrection and the descent of the Holy Spirit, did they, at last, come to understand that it was NOT to be a political kingdom, but a Spiritual kingdom which Jesus would reign in the "Hearts" of men, women, boys, and girls, and that their part would be simply Telling the Story of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. That is ALL. The story would do its own work. I f men know about His love, life and sacrifice, they will LOVE him.Paul Called To Be An Apostle.
(Acts 9:1-16) There was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision. "Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas, for one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold he is praying and has seen a vision, a man named Ananias coming, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight." Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard, by many reports of this man, how much evil he has done to thy saints at Jerusalem..." But, the Lord said unto him, "Go your way: for he is a "Chosen Vessel" unto me, to "Bear MY name" before the Gentiles, Kings, and before the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake."Foundation of Apostles and Prophets.
(I Cor. 12:28) God has set some in the church, FIRST apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers...(Ephesians 1:1,13-14) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ ,by the WILL of God, to the Saints who are at Ephesus. In whom ye also Trusted after that ye Heard the word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation, in whom also after ye Believed, ye were Sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto praise of his glory.(Ephesians 2:19-21) Paul wrote: Now, therefore, ye (Gentiles), are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. And are BUILT upon the "Foundation of Apostles and Prophets" Jesus Christ, himself being the "Chief" cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord. In whom ye are building together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.(Ephesians 3:1-21) How that by revelation God made known unto me (Paul) the mystery of Christ, which in other ages was NOT made known unto the sons of men, as it is NOW revealed unto His holy "apostles" and "prophets" through the Spirit. That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body (Jews), and partakers of his promise in Christ "Through" the Gospel. This grace given to me (Paul) to PREACH among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ...Of whom the Whole family in heaven and earth are named. Unto Him, be glory in the church through Christ Jesus throughout ALL ages without END.The Ministry of the Apostles.
(Ephesians 4:1-14) Endeavoring to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is One Body, One Spirit, even as ye are called in One Hope of your calling, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of all...But, unto every of us (disciples and apostles) is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefor,e he, (Jesus) saith, "When he ascended up on high (heaven Acts 1:11), he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men". And, Jesus gave some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Pastors, and Teachers; for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the "Ministry", for the edifying of the body of Christ. Till we ALL come in the UNITY of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, and unto the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. The quotation from (Ps 68:18) has its ultimate meaning applied to Christ as the ascended Lord, who himself has given gifts. 1) Apostles mentioned here, because of their role in establishing and feeding the church of God. (I Cor. 3:10) According to a wise master builder, I, (Paul), have laid the foundation (founder of church in Corinth) and another (Apollos) builds thereon. I, (Paul), have planted (the gospel seed), Apollos (came later) and watered it; but God made it increases or grows. Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. 2) Prophets, People to whom God made known a message for his people that was appropriate to their particular need or situation. (NIV)The Apostolic Fathers Writing: The 12 Apostles
Aristides (A.D. 125) These Twelve disciples went forth throughout the known parts of the world and continue to show Jesus' greatness with all modesty and uprightness.Justin Martyr (A.D. 160) From Jerusalem there went out Twelve men into the world. These men were "Uneducated" and of no ability in speaking. Bu,t by the Power of God, they proclaimed to every Race of men that they were SENT by Christ to teach the word of God to everyone. Clement of Alexandria (A.D. 195) To James the Just, John and Peter, the Lord Jesus imparted knowledge after His resurrection. These imparted it to the rest of the apostles. And, the rest of the apostles imparted it to the 70 apostles, of whom Barnabas was one.Tertullian (A.D.197) His disciples also spreading over the world, did as their Divine Master commanded them. When He, the Spirit of Truth will come (Acts 2). He, thus, shows that there was nothing of which they (apostles) were ignorant, to whom He had promised the future attainment of all truth by the help of the Spirit of Truth. You have the work of the apostles predicted: "How beautiful are the feet of those who Preach the gospel of peace, which bring good tidings of good" NOT of war, nor evil tidings (Isa. 52:7). In response to which is the Psalm, "Their Voice has gone through all the earth, and their Words to the end of the world." (Ps. 19:5). Origin (A.D. 245) On this account, the apostles "LEFT" Israel and accompanied that which had been commanded them by the Savior: "Make disciples of all nations." It was, by hel,p of a divine power that these men taught Christianity and succeeded in leading others to embrace the word of God. For it was not any power of their speaking. At the request of their Master and God, the disciples scattered over the world and gave a forth His teaching of Salvation. The disciples, being dispersed throughout the provinces, laid the foundations of the church everywhere. Lactantius (A.D. 304-313) At that time (After the Ascension), his apostles were 11 in number. To them was added Matthias, in the place of the traitor Judas. And, afterwards Paul was added. Then they were dispersed throughout ALL the earth to preach the gospel as the Lord their Master had commanded them. For the next 25 years, until the beginning of the reign of Emperor Nero, they busied themselves in laying the foundations of the church in every province and city. 