The Apostles

By: Nicolas Simon

Narrator: TSS William Genthree

Duration: 9min

• 6 min. read • grade level: 10

“And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James” (Acts 1:13¹³And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. (Acts 1:13)). Matthias was elected to fill the place of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26²⁶And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:26)).

An apostle was a messenger, a sent one, and so we read in Luke 9: “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And He sent (apostello) them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick” (Luke 9:1-2¹Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. ²And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1‑2)). The Lord only applies the term apostles to the twelve: “And when it was day, He called [unto Him] His disciples: and of them He chose twelve, whom also He named apostles” (Luke 6:13¹³And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; (Luke 6:13)). An apostle was one that had seen the Lord, especially in resurrection. We see this in particular in the choosing of Matthias. “Wherefore 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 that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection” (Acts 1:21-22²¹Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, ²²Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. (Acts 1:21‑22)). We also read it of the apostle Paul: “Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?” (1 Corinthians 9:1¹Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? (1 Corinthians 9:1)).

With their apostleship restated in the first chapter of Acts, the only apostles mentioned again are Peter, James, John, James the son of Alphaeus,3 and Judas the brother of James. And of James the brother of John, the only detail we have concerns his death: “And he [Herod] killed James the brother of John with the sword” (Acts 12:2²And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. (Acts 12:2)). This is not to say that the apostles did not continue on the ministry, but rather, they did it quietly and for their Lord. Secular history has various accounts of each apostle, with all but the apostle John suffering a martyr’s death. The apostles laid the foundation. Once the work of the apostles was complete, they passed from the scene. There are no apostles today.

“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner [stone]” (Ephesians 2:20²⁰And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (Ephesians 2:20)).

The Apostle Paul

There is one other apostle aside from the twelve, the apostle Paul. Paul’s apostleship was unique. Like the twelve, he had seen the Lord, but his view was of a heavenly Christ: “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 am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Corinthians 15:8-9⁸And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ⁹For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. (1 Corinthians 15:8‑9)). His apostleship was not connected with Jerusalem or with the twelve, as he emphasizes in his letter to the Galatians (Galatians 1-2). “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8⁸Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; (Ephesians 3:8)). Called to be an apostle by the Lord from heaven (see Acts 9), he is charged with the gospel of the glory. It not only brings salvation, great as that is, but it separates the believer from earth, and conforms him to Christ as He is in glory.4 An outline of the apostle’s life from Miller’s Church History is presented below:

AD 36 Conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9).

36-39 At Damascus — preaches in the synagogue, goes into Arabia, returns to Damascus, flight from Damascus. His First Visit to Jerusalem, three years after his conversion. Thence to Tarsus (Acts 9:23-26²³And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: ²⁴But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. ²⁵Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. ²⁶And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. (Acts 9:23‑26); Gal 1:18¹⁸Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. (Galatians 1:18)).

39-40 The Jewish churches have rest. (Acts 9:31³¹Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. (Acts 9:31)).

40-43 Paul preaches the gospel in Syria and Cilicia (Galatians 1:21²¹Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; (Galatians 1:21)), a period of uncertain length. During this time he probably undergoes the chief part of the perils and sufferings, which he recounts to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11:24-28²⁴Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. ²⁵Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; ²⁶In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; ²⁷In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. ²⁸Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. (2 Corinthians 11:24‑28)). He is brought from Tarsus to Antioch by Barnabas; and stays there a year before the famine (Acts 11:26²⁶And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26)).

44 Paul’s Second Visit to Jerusalem, with the collection (Acts 11:30³⁰Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11:30)).

45 Paul returns to Antioch (Acts 12:25²⁵And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. (Acts 12:25)).

“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them” (Acts 13:2²As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:2)).

46-49 Paul’s First Missionary Journey with Barnabas — goes to Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and back through the same places to Antioch. Dissension and disputation about circumcision (Acts 13-15:2).

50 Paul’s Third Visit to Jerusalem with Barnabas, fourteen years after his conversion (Galatians 2:1¹Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. (Galatians 2:1)). They attend the council at Jerusalem (Acts 15). Return of Paul and Barnabas to Antioch, with Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32-35³²And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. ³³And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. ³⁴Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. ³⁵Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. (Acts 15:32‑35)).

“That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well” (Acts 15:29²⁹That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. (Acts 15:29)).

51 Paul’s Second Missionary Journey with Silas and Timothy. He goes from Antioch to Syria, Cilicia, Derbe, Lystra, Phrygia, Galatia, and Troas. Luke joins the apostolic band (Acts 16:10¹⁰And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. (Acts 16:10)).

52 Entrance of the gospel into Europe (Acts 16:11-13¹¹Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; ¹²And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. ¹³And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. (Acts 16:11‑13)). Paul visits Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth (Acts 18:11¹¹And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (Acts 18:11)). First Epistle to the Thessalonians written.

53 Second Epistle to the Thessalonians written. Paul leaves Corinth and sails to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19¹⁸And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. ¹⁹And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. (Acts 18:18‑19)).

54 Paul’s Fourth Visit to Jerusalem at the feast. Returns to Antioch.

54-56 Paul’s Third Missionary Journey. He departs from Antioch — visits Galatia and Phrygia, and reaches Ephesus, where he stays two years and three months. Here Paul separates the disciples from the Jewish synagogue. Epistle to the Galatians written.

“When divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he [Paul] departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus” (Acts 19:8-9⁸And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. ⁹But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. (Acts 19:8‑9)).

57 (Spring) First Epistle to the Corinthians written. The tumult at Ephesus — Paul leaves for Macedonia (Acts 19:23; 20:1²³And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. (Acts 19:23)
¹And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. (Acts 20:1)).
(Autumn) Second Epistle to the Corinthians written (2 Corinthians 1:8; 2:13-14; 7:5; 8:1; 9:1⁸For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: (2 Corinthians 1:8)
¹³I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. ¹⁴Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:13‑14)
⁵For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. (2 Corinthians 7:5)
¹Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; (2 Corinthians 8:1)
¹For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: (2 Corinthians 9:1)). Paul visits Illyricum — goes to Corinth — winters there (Romans 15:19¹⁹Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:19); 1 Corinthians 16:6⁶And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. (1 Corinthians 16:6)).

59 (Spring) The Epistle to the Romans written (Romans 15:25-28; 16:21-23²⁵But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. ²⁶For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. ²⁷It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. ²⁸When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. (Romans 15:25‑28)
²¹Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. ²²I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. ²³Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. (Romans 16:21‑23); Acts 20:4). Paul leaves Corinth — passes through Macedonia — sails from Philippi — preaches at Troas — addresses the elders at Miletus — visits Tyre and Caesarea (Acts 20; 21:1-14).

58-60 Paul’s Fifth Visit to Jerusalem before Pentecost. He is arrested in the Temple, brought before Ananias and the Sanhedrim, sent by Lysias to Caesarea, where he is kept in bonds two years (Acts 22-24).

60 Paul heard by Felix and Festus. He appeals unto Caesar — preaches before Agrippa, Bernice, and the men of Caesarea (Acts 25-26).
(Autumn) Paul sails for Italy. (Winter) Shipwrecked at Malta
(Acts 27).

61 (Spring) Arrives at Rome — dwells two years in his own hired house.

62 (Spring) Epistles to Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians written. (Autumn) Epistle to the Philippians written.

63 (Spring) Paul acquitted and released. Epistle to the Hebrews written. Paul takes another journey, intending to visit Asia Minor and Greece (Philemon 22²²But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. (Philemon 22); Philippians 2:24²⁴But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. (Philippians 2:24)).

64 Visits Crete and leaves Titus there — exhorts Timothy to abide at Ephesus. First Epistle to Timothy written. Epistle to Titus written.