|
|
|
APOSTLE GIFT
DEFINITION Apostle is apostolos meaning a set apart one; one who is sent out; messenger; sent forth one; one sent on a mission; commissioned one, ambassador.
I. ORIGINAL APOSTLES A. Technical or narrow use of the term: Called directly by Jesus! 1. Original twelve a. Luke 6:13 “Of his disciples, He chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.” 1. Qualifications a. Acts 1:21-22“Of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto the same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.” 3. Verification a. Matthew 10:1,7-8 “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. cleanse lepers, raise the dead. And as ye go, preach, saying the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” b. Acts 2:43 “And many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.” c. Acts 5:12 “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;” d. II Corinthians 12:12 “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” 1.) A sign is intended to appeal to the understanding. 2.) A wonder appeals to the imagination. 3.) A power indicates its source as supernatural. 4. LIMITED TO TWELVE a. Ephesians 2:20 “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” b. Revelations 21:14 “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” 5. PAUL THE APOSTLE a. I Corinthians 15:8-9 “And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that I am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” 6. FALSE APOSTLES a. Matthew 24:24(Mark 13:22) “For there shall arise false Christ, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” b. II Corinthians 11:13-15 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” b. II Thessalonians 2:9 “Even that Wicked, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” II. GENERAL OR BROAD USE OF TERM APOSTLES A. Continuing Gift 1. Ephesians 4:11-16 “And He gave some apostles…for the equipping of the saints…till we all come in the unity of the faith…” a. Barnabas and Saul(Acts 14:4) “Apostles” b. Andronicus and Junias(Romans 16:7) “Apostles” c. Two unnamed apostles(II Corinthians 8:23) “Messengers” (apostolos) d. Ephaproditus(Philippians 2:25) “Messengers”(apostolos) e. Paul, Silas, Timothy(I Thessalonians 1:1;2:6) “Apostles of Christ” f. James the brother of the Lord(Galatians 1:19) “Apostle” g. Titus(II Corinthians 8:23; Titus 1:5) “Messenger”(apostolos) h. Apollos(I Corinthians 4:6,9) “Apostle” III. BIBLICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF APOSTLES A. Called of God 1. Romans 1:1 “Called to be an apostle.” 2. Romans 1:5 “By Jesus we received apostleship.” 3. I Corinthians 1:1 “Called to be an apostle through the will of God.” 4. Galatians 1:1 “Apostle not of men, neither by man but by Jesus Christ.” 5. I Peter 1:1 “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.” 6. Romans 1:5 “By Jesus we received apostleship.” B. Father’s Heart 1. I Corinthians 4:15 “Ye have not many fathers.” 2. Philippians 2:2 “As a son with a father.” 3. I Thessalonians 2:6-8,11 “As a father doth his children.” C. Servant Heart 1. Romans 1:1 “Servant of Jesus Christ.” 2. Titus 1:1 “Servant of God” 3. II Peter 1:1 “A servant and apostle.” D. Set Apart 1. Acts 13:3-4 “And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed.” 2. I Timothy 2:7 “Ordained(tithemi=to set apart)a preacher, apostle, teacher.” 3. II Timothy 1:11 “Appointed(tithemi=to set apart) a preacher, apostle, teacher.” E. Apostolic Ministry 1. Acts 1:25 “This ministry and apostleship.” 2. Romans 11:13 “Apostle…magnify mine office (diakonia=ministration).” F. Apostolic Work 1. Acts 13:2 “For the work(ergon=work) whereunto I have called them.” 2. Acts 14:26 “For the work(ergon=work) which they fulfilled.” G. Laying on of Hands 1. Acts 6:6 “They set the seven before the apostles and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.” 2. I Timothy 4:14 “The gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” 3. II Timothy 2:6 “Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” H. Apostles and Elders Listed Separately 1. Acts 15:2 “Apostles and elders.” 2. Acts 15:4,6,2,23;16:4 “Apostles and elders.” I. Apostles and Elders Listed as Same 1. I Peter 5:1 “I Peter am also an elder.” 2. II John 1:1 “John, the elder.” 3. III John 1:1 “John, the elder.” J. Traveled With Sisters and Wives 1. I Corinthians 9:5 “Lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles.” K. Apostles Were Set in the Church 1. I Corinthians 12:28 “God hath set some in the church, first apostles…” L. Apostles Were a Gift to the Church 1. Ephesians 4:11 “Jesus gave some, apostles…” M. Apostles Were a Part of the Foundation 1. Romans 15:20 “Built upon another man’s foundation.” 2. Ephesians 2:20 “Built upon the foundation of the apostles.” N. Apostles were Recommended by the Brethren 1. Acts 13:3 “They sent them(Barnabas and Saul) away.” 2. Acts 15:40 “Recommended(Paul and Silas) by the brethren unto the grace of God.” O. Money Laid at Apostles’ Feet and Distribution Made l. Acts 4:35 “Laid them(prices) down at the apostles’ feet and distribution was made.” 2. Acts 5:2 “Laid it(price) at the apostles feet.” 3. Acts 11:29-30 “Sent(relief) to elders by hands of Barnabas and Saul.” P. Apostles Sent Church Decrees 1. Acts 16:4 “They(Paul, Silas, Timothy)went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees(dogma) for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.” Q. Apostles Gave Commands and Doctrines 1. Acts 2:42 “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.” 2. II Peter 3:2 “That ye be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord.” 3. II Peter 3:15-16 “Even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” R. Apostles Rebuked Elders and Other Apostles 1. Galatians 2:11 “I(Paul)withstood him(Peter)to the face, because he was to be blamed.” 2. I Timothy 5:19-22 “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin, rebuke before all.” S. Apostles Received Special Revelations 1. Ephesians 3:5 “Revealed (mystery)unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” T. Apostles Equip the Saints 1. Ephesians 4:11-12 “And he(Christ)gave some apostles for the perfecting(equipping)of the saints.” U. Apostles were Sent Forth by the Spirit 1. Acts 13:4 “So they(Barnabas and Saul) being sent forth by the Holy Ghost…” V. Apostles Strengthened the Disciples 1. Acts 18:23 “Paul went all over the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.” W. Apostles Disciplined Others 1. I Corinthians 5:1-13 “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you…I have judged already…Deliver such an one unto Satan, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” X. Apostles Rehearsed to Churches 1. Acts 14:27 “They gathered the church together, they rehearsed(anaggello=to tell back or again) all that God had done with them.” Y. Apostles Cared for the Churches 1. II Corinthians 11:28 “That which cometh upon me daily, the care (merimna=concern, pressure)of all the churches.” Z. Apostles Worked Together 1. Romans 15:20 “Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, let I should build upon another man’s foundation.” 2. I Corinthians 3:6-9 “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 3. I Corinthians 3:10-15 “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay that that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 4. Ephesians 2:20 “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” IV. Signs and Wonders A. Matthew 12:38-40; 16:1-4; Mark 8:11-12; Luke 11:16-30; John 2:18-21 “We would see a sign from thee. But Jesus answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:” B. Matthew 24:24;Mark 13:22; Luke 21:11,25 “For there shall arise false Christ’s, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” C. Mark 16:17-20 “These signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly things, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. They went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” D. Acts 8:5-13 “Phillip(deacon/servant & evangelist)went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits came out of many; and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.” E. Acts 14:3 “Paul and Barnabus in Iconium long time there abode speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted(didomi=to give) signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” F. Romans 15:19 “Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about, I(Paul) have fully preached the Gospel of Christ.” G. II Corinthians 12:12 “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” H. II Thessalonians 2:9-10 “Him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and sings and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” I. Hebrews 2:4 “Was confirmed unto us by them that heard the Lord; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.” J. James 5:14-15 “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” V. Recognition of Apostles A. Know God’s call B. Local leaders recognized apostleship C. Local church recognized apostleship D. Newly organized churches recognized apostleship E. Fruit of their ministry VI. Main Thrust A. Apostles, prophets and evangelists got things started with focus on birth. B. Pastor-teachers kept things going with focus on growth. C. Comparison by acronym 1. Apostles govern 2. Prophets guide 3. Evangelists gather 4. Pastor-teachers ground and guard VII. Other Attributes A. Ministers of new work B. Doing ministries no one else had done C. Beginners, starters, getting things started, energizers D. Foundation builders E. Preached Christ where He is not known F. Focus on birth G. “Missionaries” H. Traveling ministers planting churches I. Special call of God J. Strong sense of mission K. Men on a mission L. Pioneer spirit M. Balance ministry to lost and saved N. One sent to minister trans-culturally planting New Testament churches O. One who works himself out of a job and then moves on VIII. Character Study on General or Broad Use of Term Apostles P. Paul 1. Acts 9:1-30 a. “I am Jesus. Lord what wilt thou have me to do?” b. “Saul is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name before the gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.” c. “Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.” d. Straightway Paul preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.” e. “Saul increased the more in strength.” f. “Saul came to Jerusalem. Barnabas brought Saul to the apostles. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. Paul spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus.” g. “The brethren brought Saul down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.” 2. Acts 11:25-30;12:25 a. “Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul.” b. “When Barnabas found Saul, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people.” c. “The sent relief to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” d. “Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.” 3. Acts 13:6-12 “A certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus withstood Saul and Barnabas, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Saul, filled with the Holy Ghost said, The hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.” 4. Acts 14:3-4 “Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.” 5. Acts 14:8f “There sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly beholding him, perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.” 6. Acts 16:16-18 “A certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us. She cried out and did this many days. But Paul being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.” 7. Acts 16:19-40 “A great earthquake…jailer believing in God with all his house.” 8. Acts 18:9 “Then spake to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee:” 9. Acts 19:6 “Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied.” 10. Acts 20:7-12 “Eutychus fell down and was taken up dead. Paul fell on him, and embraced him and they brought the young man alive.” 11. Acts 23:11 “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” 12. Acts 27:23-24 “For there stood by me this night the angel of God.” 13. Acts 28:1-6 “A viper fastened on his hand. He shook off the beast and felt no harm.” 14. Acts 28:7-9 “Father of Publius lay sick. Paul entered in, and prayed and laid his hands on him, and healed him. Others also which had diseases in the island, came and were healed:” 15. I Corinthians 15:8 “And last of all He was seen of me also, as one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles.” 16. II Corinthians 12:11-12 “I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” 17. Galatians 1:17-24; 2:1 “Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria; and was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.” B. Barnabas 1. Refer also to all the above passages related to Saul/Paul. 2. Acts 4:36-37 “Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” 3. Acts 11:22-24 “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.” 4. Acts 14:3 “Long time therefore abode Barnabas and Paul speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” 5. Acts 14:4,14 “But the multitude of the city of Iconium was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out.” 6. Acts 15:36-39 “Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. Barnabas determined to take with them John Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other. Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And Paul and Silas went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.” C. Andronicus and Junias 1. Romans 16:7 “Salute Adronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” D. Unnamed Apostle 1. II Corinthians 8:23 “Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers(apostolos) of the churches, and the glory of Christ.” E. Epaphroditus 1. Philippians 2:25 “Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger(apostolos), and he that ministered to my wants.” F. Silas 1. Acts 15:22,27,32,34,40 a. “Then please it the apostles and elders, with the whole church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas, surnamed Barsabas, Silas, chief men among the brethren.” b. “We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.” c. “And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Not withstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.” d. “Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of god. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.” 2. Acts 16:19,25,29 a. “They caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. And suddenly there was a great earthquake. The jailer fell down before Paul and Silas.” 3. Acts 17:4,10,14 a. Some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas. And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea. Silas and Timotheus abode there still.” 4. Acts 18:5 a. “And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.” 5. I Thessalonians 1:1;2:6 a. “Paul, and Silvanus(Silas), and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians. Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.” G. Timothy 1. Acts 16:1 a. “Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain, woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek.” 2. Acts 17:14-15 a. “Silas and Timotheus abode there still(Berea). Receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to Paul with all speed, departed.” 3. Acts 19:22 a. “So Paul sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.” 4. Acts 20:4 a. “There accompanied Paul into Asia, Timotheus.” 5. Romans 16:21 a. “Timotheus my workfellow.” 6. I Corinthians 4:17; 16:10-11 a. “I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.” 7. II Corinthians 1:1,19 a. “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus(Silas)and Timotheus.” 8. Philippians 1:1; 2:19 a. “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.” 9. Colossians 1:1-2 a. “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosee.” 10. I Thessalonians 1:1; 2:6; 3:2,6 a. “Paul and Silvanus(Silas), and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians as the apostles of Christ, sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: But now Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and love.” 11. II Thessalonians 1:1 a. “Paul, and Silvanus(Silas), and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians.” 12. I Timothy 1:2,18; 6:20 a. “Paul, an apostle unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to they trust.” 13. II Timothy 1:2 a. “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ to Timothy, my dearly beloved son:” 14. Philemon 1:1 a. “Paul and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon.” 15. Hebrews 13:23 a. “Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.” H. James the brother of the Lord 1. Galatians 1:19 a. “But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.” I. Titus 1. II Corinthians 2:13 a. “I had not rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother:” 2. II Corinthians 7:6,13-14,15 a. “God comforted us by the coming of Titus; Exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remebereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.” 3. II Corinthians 12:17-18 a. “Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother: Did Titus make a gain of you?” 4. Galatians 2:1,3 a. “Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:” 5. II Timothy 4:10-11 a. “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crecens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” 6. Titus 1:4-5 a. “To Titus, mine own son after the common faith. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:” J. Apollos 1. Acts 18:24-28; 19:1 a. “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the Spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla expounded(eklithemi=to put forth) unto him the way of God more perfectly. He mightily convinced the Jews shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. And it came to pass, that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through.” 2. I Corinthians 1:12 a. “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos.” 3. I Corinthians 3:4-6,22 a. “For one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed. I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, all are yours; and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 4. I Corinthians 4:6 a. “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” 5. I Corinthians 16:12 a. “As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren; but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.” 6. Titus 3:13 a. “Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.” K. Other Apostles(Inferred as co-laborers and traveling companions) 1. Luke a. Colossians 4:14 “Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.” b. II Timothy 4:11 “Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” c. Philemon 24 “Marcus(Mark)Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas(Luke), my fellowlaborers.” 2. Epaphras a. Philemon 23 “There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; 3. Mark a. Philemon 24 “Marcus(Mark)… my fellowlaborers.” 4. Aristarchus a. Philemon 24 “Aristarchus…my fellowlaborers.” b. Acts 20:4 “And there accompanied him(Paul)into Asia the Thessalonians…Aristarchus.” 5. Demas a. Philemon 24 “Demas…my fellowlaborers.” 6. Sopater a. Acts 20:4 “And there accompanied him(Paul)into Asia, Sopater of Berea;” 7. Secundus a. Acts 20:4 “And there accompanied him(Paul)into Asia, the Thessalonians…Secundus.” 8. Gaius a. Acts 20:4 “And there accompanied him(Paul)into Asia Gaius of Derbe.” 9. Tychicus a. Acts 20:4 “And there accompanied him(Paul)into Asia Tychicus of Asia.” 10. Trophimus a. Acts 20:4 “And there accompanied him(Paul)into Asia Trophimus of Asia.” NOTE: (Signs, wonders and miracles among the original twelve as in Acts 5:12 “Hands of apostles were many signs and wonders wrought.”) 1. Peter- Acts 2:41; 3:6; 5:5,10 15,16,19; 9:34,40; 12:7; I & II Peter 2. Andrew- Acts 1:13 “Upper room, where abode…Andrew.” 3. James- Acts 1:13 “Upper room, where abode…James.” Acts 12:2 “Herod killed James the brother of John with the sword.” 4. John- Acts 1:13; 3:1; 8:14-15; I, II, III John “Upper room, where abode…John.” 5. Philip- Acts 1:13 “Upper room, where abode…Philip.” 6. Bartholomew- Acts 1:13 “Upper room, where abode…Bartholomew.” 7. Matthew- Acts 1:13 “Upper room, where abode…Matthew.” 8. Thomas- Acts 1:13 “Upper room, where abode…Thomas.” 9. James the son of Alphaeus- Acts 1:13 “Upper room, where abode…James.” 10. Simon called Zelotes- Acts 1:13 “Upper room, where abode…Simon.” 11. Judas the brother of James- Acts 1:13 “Upper room, where abode…Judas.” 12. Judas Iscariot- Acts 1:16 “Upper room, where abode…Judas.” Acts 1:25 “Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. Ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell.” I Corinthians 4:9-14 “God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honorable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.”
|
