Learning More About the 12 Apostles

Who were the 12 Apostles?

1. Peter
2. Andrew
3. James son of Z.
4. John
5. Philip
6. Bartholmew
7. Thomas
8. Matthew
9. James son of Alphaeus &
10. Lebbaeus
11. Simon the Canaanite
12. Judas

What is an Apostle?

An Apostle is one who is called to serve as a special witness to Jesus Christ in all the world—mainly his divinity and of his bodily resurrection from the dead.

Facts about three of Christ's Apostles (choosen randomly):

Andrew was one of the earliest to be a called a disciple of Jesus Christ, and was one of the 12.

Matthew was able to see in every detail the Lord’s life the fulfillment of prophecy.

Peter was one of the three apostles present on several important occasions, such as the raising of the dead, the Sermon on the Mount, Gethsemane, and so on.

How did the teachings to His Apostles in Matthew 10:5-42 prepare them to go out and proclaim the gospel?

It seems almost as Christ was giving his apostles a pep talk. Christ’s Apostles were important to all men, for they had the power to heal, cast out devils, and teach those who wanted to hear the message of the Lord. Christ wanted his Apostles to go and preach to the people who were lost, and to come unto the Lord. Knowing that you have the power to heal people and to preach the gospel to those who have faith was a privilege to these men. It was because of Christ that these men were able to perform these miracles.

Christ did warn them, though, that there would be those who would not believe, and even hate them because they were the Apostles of Christ. However, he promised them in Matthew 10:22, “He that endureth to the end shall be saved.” For me to hear those words of being hated, I would be mortified, but knowing that I would be saved for enduring to the end would’ve given me great faith to continue on the Lord’s work. I know the Lord blesses those who remain faithful and are diligent in performing the Lord’s work. We are on this earth to be tested, and will be here for a short time. We should be more concerned about what happens to us after this life, for it is in the eternities where we will receive our reward if we are obedient.

 

What I've Learned:

What I learned from Luke 5:1-11 is to never doubt the Lord. If he tells you to do something, you do it without question. He would not do something that would make you upset, embarrass or hurt you in any way. I know the Lord knows what’s best for me, and whatever he asks of me, I need to be obedient and do what he says. He knows what is going to happen, and we should never doubt him.