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THE APOSTLE’S QUALIFICATION
LORD’S DAY, JULY 12
Acts 1:21-22

Ephesians 4:11-13

 

“For the perfecting of the saints,

for the work of the ministry…”

 

THE APOSTLE’S QUALIFICATION
 
What is an apostle? The Greek word apostolos signifies “a messenger,” or the “one sent.” It is also used in a much higher and more emphatic sense, implying a divine commission in the one sent, first of the Lord Himself and then of the twelve disciples whom He chose to be with Him during the time of His ministry on earth.
 
Have companied with: Peter took the charge from Scripture that one should take the place of Judas. The qualification is hereby prescribed: He was to be one who had companied with the disciples all the time that the Lord Jesus was with them. This means that he must have been a member of the “band of disciples.” He must have seen, heard and experienced being with Jesus. Thus, an important criterion was the direct and immediate commissioning to the office by Christ Himself. And God had His purposes when “…he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and 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, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph 4:11-13).
 
Have companied when: The time was given in Acts 1:22: “Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us…” And he must also “be a witness with us of his resurrection.” This man would function as a witness to the fact of the bodily resurrection of Jesus.
 
Based on these mentioned qualifications, no one today can qualify to be an Apostle. But why should one be so ambitious as to desire the title “Apostle” when we have equally important work to do? We have important roles in our economy as Christians, we are all in the royal priesthood and have been indwelt by the Spirit of God to do His will.
 
Are you fulfilling the Lord’s appointed role for you in your church? Are you giving your best to this service that you are called into? Have you consecrated yourself to the holy service of God?
 
THOUGHT: Am I qualified to serve the Lord?

PRAYER: O Master, grant me the strength to fulfil my tasks.

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