1. Question
What were the qualifications for apostleship in the New Testament, and how were apostles recognised? Were signs such as witnessing the resurrection and performing miracles essential?
2. Introduction
In the New Testament, the term apostle (Greek: ἀπόστολος, apostolos) means “one who is sent” and is used in several senses:
- Narrowly for the Twelve Apostles of Jesus.
- Broader usage including Paul, Barnabas, and others.
- Occasionally for messengers of churches (e.g. 2 Corinthians 8:23).
The primary meaning of “apostle” in early Christianity referred to a divinely commissioned witness of Christ’s resurrection, entrusted with foundational authority in the Church.
3. Primary Qualifications for Apostleship
3.1 Personal Appointment by Christ
- Apostles were directly chosen or called by Jesus.
- Luke 6:13 – “He called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.”
- Galatians 1:1 – Paul defends his apostleship as “not from man nor through man, but through Jesus Christ…”
3.2 Eyewitness of the Resurrected Christ
- Essential to their authority was the experience of the risen Lord:
- Acts 1:21–22 – Replacement for Judas had to be “one of the men who have been with us… from John’s baptism to the time Jesus was taken up… a witness with us of his resurrection.”
- 1 Corinthians 9:1 – Paul asks rhetorically, “Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?”
3.3 Unique Commission to Preach the Gospel
- Apostles were entrusted with the initial proclamation and foundation of the Church:
- Matthew 28:19–20 – “Go and make disciples…” (Great Commission).
- Galatians 2:7–8 – Paul and Peter had respective apostleship to the Gentiles and Jews.
4. Authenticating Signs of Apostleship
4.1 Miraculous Signs and Wonders
- Miracles served as divine validation of apostolic authority:
- 2 Corinthians 12:12 – “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.”
- Acts 5:12 – “The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people.”
4.2 Foundational Teaching
- Apostles laid the doctrinal foundation of the Church:
- Ephesians 2:20 – “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.”
- Acts 2:42 – Early Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.”
4.3 Suffering and Endurance
- Apostles were often characterised by persecution and self-sacrificial suffering:
- 1 Corinthians 4:9–13 – Paul describes the apostles as “last of all,” “fools for Christ,” and “the scum of the earth.”
- 2 Corinthians 6:3–10 – Paul recounts afflictions, hardships, and patient endurance.
5. Apostles Beyond the Twelve
While the Twelve were uniquely tied to Jesus’ earthly ministry, others were recognised as apostles:
| Apostle | Justification |
|---|---|
| Paul | Saw the risen Christ (Acts 9), personally commissioned, validated by miracles and doctrine. |
| Barnabas | Called an apostle in Acts 14:14. Sent with Paul. |
| James (the Lord’s brother) | Referred to as an apostle by implication (Gal. 1:19). |
| Andronicus and Junia | Possibly “outstanding among the apostles” (Rom. 16:7), though interpretation debated. |
6. Summary Table of Apostolic Signs
| Qualification | Biblical Basis | Essential? |
|---|---|---|
| Personal appointment by Christ | Luke 6:13, Gal. 1:1 | Yes |
| Eyewitness of resurrection | Acts 1:21–22, 1 Cor. 9:1 | Yes (for foundational apostles) |
| Miracles and signs | 2 Cor. 12:12, Acts 5:12 | Expected |
| Foundational teaching | Eph. 2:20, Acts 2:42 | Yes |
| Endurance in suffering | 1 Cor. 4:9–13, 2 Cor. 6:3–10 | Characteristic |
| Church planting and oversight | Acts 13–20 | Often present |
7. Theological Implication: Unrepeatable Office?
Most Christian traditions hold that the original apostolic office was unique and unrepeatable, due to:
- Its role in establishing the canon and Church foundation (cf. Rev. 21:14).
- The requirement to have seen the risen Christ.
Contemporary Usage
Some Pentecostal, Charismatic, and Apostolic churches use the term “apostle” today to denote:
- Church planters
- Founders of networks
- Prophetic leaders with spiritual authority
However, these are often functional or spiritual offices, not equal to the New Testament apostles in authority or foundational role.
8. Conclusion
The New Testament apostle was not simply a messenger but a unique, divinely appointed witness of the resurrection, marked by miraculous power, foundational teaching, and personal commissioning by Christ. While the title continues in some church traditions, its original function as a foundation-laying office is understood by most theologians as historically unique and non-repeatable.
9. References
- Köstenberger, A. J., & O’Brien, P. T. (2001). Salvation to the Ends of the Earth. IVP.
- Marshall, I. H. (2004). New Testament Theology. IVP Academic.
- Carson, D. A. (1996). Showing the Spirit. Baker Academic.
- Bruce, F. F. (1988). The Spreading Flame. Paternoster.
- Dunn, J. D. G. (2006). The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Eerdmans.