The twelve apostles: their post-Pentecost mission

This continues my series on apostleship.

The mission of the twelve apostles expands after Pentecost. While there is continuity with their pre-Easter role and mission, two factors mark a decisive new beginning: the resurrection, and the bestowal of the Spirit. Hence, the disciples are re-commissioned for world mission (Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 24:44-49; John 20:21; Acts 1:8) and re-empowered with a new dispensation of the Spirit (John 20:22; Acts 2:1-4; 4:8; 5:32). Their mission is just like Jesus’: as the Father sent (apostello) Christ, so Christ sends (pempo) them, and whoever receives them receives Christ, and in him, the Father (John 13:20; 17:18; 20:21 cf Matt. 10:40; Luke 9:48; 10:16).

The apostles therefore play a vital role in the book of Acts. The risen Christ met with and taught them (1:2). Matthias took Judas’ position (1:26). They preached fearlessly at Pentecost (2:37) and afterwards (4:33), even in the face of persecution (5:18, 29, 40; 8:1, 14). The early church was founded upon their teaching (2:42). They performed miracles (2:43; 5:12), and administered the welfare of the poor until handing it over to others (4:35-37; 5:2; 6:6). They investigated the expansion of the gospel to the Samaritans, and God demonstrated the unity of the church through giving the Spirit through their hands (8:14, 18). They played a key role in accepting Paul (9:27) and, along with the elders, accepting Gentile converts (11:1; 15:4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4). The apostolic-presbyterial decree concerning Gentiles indicates that its human authors, and the messengers entrusted to deliver it, regard the decree as being ultimately authored by God and therefore divinely binding upon believing communities: “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” (Acts 15:28). All of this was under the direction and empowerment of the Spirit (eg: Acts 4:31; 15:28; 16:7).

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