Apostolic Ministry

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 02:09)

Index:

I. Characteristics of Apostles
II. The Personality Attributes of Apostolic People
2.1 Disciples of Jesus
III. Knowing the Second Call
IV. 1 Thessalonians 02: 1-20 (A study of Paul’s apostolic ministry)
4.1 History of Thessalonica
4.2 Verses
V. 1 & 2 Timothy versus Titus (Apostolic Study based on Paul’s fellow workers)
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Personality Attributes of the two Apostles
5.3 Mission


I. Characteristics of Apostles:

Called out of (Sin and slavery) and called into (God’s Kingdom).

They are chosen people. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear

fruit – fruit that will last…” (John 15:16).

Their place and status is Royal. (Made by Jesus). They are extra ordinary and super natural people.

God has special tailor-made programmes for them in life. They enjoy one – off status.

An Apostle is a sent one. “As for Titus, he is my partner and a fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honour to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 08:23) - Those sent to the churches to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom. APOSTELLO (Greek) means the sent one from father, on a mission. APO means ‘from’ and STELLO means ‘to send’. John 03:17 and 34 gives the idea of sending. “For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through Him” & “For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.” Therefore 1 John 04:14 state that apostolic people have direct knowledge and are sent as authorised agents. “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His son to be the saviour of the world.” The apostles in the New Testament were the sent ones with the task as the ambassadors to make disciples. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 05:20). The Great Commission makes their purpose as sent ones clear and visible. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Mathew 28:19)

Apostles exercised great authority in the Early Church to write the Word of God. The Words of Apostles became the Scripture. They were important people within the Church. “I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Saviour through your apostles.” (2 Peter 03:02)

They were known as to be the pillars of the Church. “James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognised the grace given to me.” (Galatians 02:09).

They were the Founders of the Church. “…built on the foundations of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as himself as the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 02:20)

They were eye-witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus. “…until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.”(Acts 01:02-03). “Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?” (1 Corinthians 09:01). In 1 Corinthians chap 15 Paul says that He appeared to me. The apostles had the privilege to testify the works of Jesus’ ministry on earth. “The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” & “The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl…” (Revelations 21:14 and 21).

The Noun apostolis is mentioned 79 times in the New Testament (10 times in the Gospels, 28 times in the Acts, 38 times in the Epistles and 03 in the Revelation). They referred to appointments made by Jesus. “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest whom we confess.” (Hebrews 03:01) – Jesus is the apostolis, the centre one. He was the Chief Apostle whom God sent for a special mission. Because of this, God in His wisdom said, “I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.” (Luke 11:49).

In the New Testament in Philippians 02:25 and 2 Corinthians 08:23 the term APOSTOLIS appears not connected with a specific office in the Church. They are messengers but do not have an office inside the Church. “But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you send to take care of my needs.” & “As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers they are representatives of the churches and an honour to Christ.”

Approval comes from the Lord. He is the one who audits us. We need to earn the right to speak the gospel. An Apostle is the person with just two fish and five loaves and has to feed five thousand people. In Acts 20:17-37, Paul reveals the hardships, trials and tribulations in his apostolic journey. Walk with Jesus is a journey measured with faithfulness and obedience and these keys made him on of the most outstanding apostles mentioned in the Bible. “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in death.” (Philippians 03:10)

Everyone in the Church has different ministries according to Ephesians 04:11. Prophets fall under the authority of an apostle. “And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:28-29). Paul knew the Old Testament but did not have its understanding. God in His sovereign grace came on Paul and chose him to become an Apostle. He realised that Jesus is the Messiah about whom the Old Testament was all. “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 04:11-13).

II. The Personality Attributes of Apostolic People:

They have deep spirituality
Humbleness – Brokenness
Do not Compromise
Quiet/ Good Listeners
They can see through people
They allow / invite. Do not force
Prophetic is Active in them
Their love is real
Fruits
Authority
Reflect Jesus
Teachable
Meekness
They know who they are.

2.1 Disciples of Jesus:

They were all Leaders
Jesus chose them
Showed them the Father
Lived with them
Taught them
Showed them Signs and Wonders
Gave them Mission Work
Was responsible for them
Released them.

III. Knowing the Second Call:

The second call is anointed by God and is the final call. The first call can be the one that has our own self-interest. It is the seed that God puts inside us that leads us towards maturity. The sea comes to a Leader when he stands and faces it; he does not run after it.

God gives us gifts to go along-with the call. These are the inward witnesses. The inward witness is the foundation and the reason for living.

These are the ‘desires’ of our lives. Our gifting includes work and jobs that we like doing. These are the jobs that give us satisfaction & comfort; with a sense of accomplishment. There is a burden to do the call and achieve results.

Apostolic ministry confirms that the chosen ones are already engaged in works; which are their gifting and calling. With this follows a sense of peace, assurance and a sense of flowing with God and moving on with God. God in His divine wisdom has specific plans for such people; for He knows the talents of His people. “But it is God who judges; He brings one down, he exalts another.” (Psalm 75:07). He prepares them with skills, knowledge and wisdom which are necessary to fulfil the call. Mostly apostolic people are pioneers, because they have the skill to initiate a business or a ministry. In order to teach them to be successful pioneers, God provides them with an educational background, experience in related calling areas (e.g. administration, teaching, business etc.). Paul and Moses are the characters in the NT and OT with such a ministry.

We should not claim to have a Ministry unless we get fruitful. We are always fruitful in the areas of our call. This means that God makes us fruitful in those areas where He wants us to work. Therefore being effective and fruitful is a good sign that the call of the Lord is operating in our life.

The time of hearing about the call and actually working in that can be different. In between these two time - periods is a time (valley) in which God breaks us. In this valley God gives us the ability to grow roses in the hard soil. During this time he prepares us to grow in the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit. He teaches us to maintain a firm foothold on the ground and to develop the ability to stand for His name’s sake. He teaches us to face trials, tribulations, rejections and carry our cross. This is a moulding, re-shaping, transformational and transitional process in our lives. In business studies this downward valley is referred to as a phase of depression, in which business performance is at its minimum and new strategies are required to carry it further; bringing it up to recession and finally reaching the peak. The same implies in lives of those whom God chooses for His mighty works. He prepares to let go our past and develop new strategies to move on with Him. It is a difficult face but the one to pass this valley comes out like refined gold; strong, powerful and having the faith to face all circumstances in life.

IV. 1 Thessalonians 02: 1-20

(A study of Paul’s apostolic ministry)

“My faith becomes effective when I first became obedient to the Word of God.”

4.1 History of Thessalonica:

Thessalonica was a bustling seaport city at the head of the Thermaic Gulf. It was an important communication and trade centre located at the junction of the great Egnatian Way and the road leading north to the Danube. Its population numbered about 200,000, making it the largest city in Macedonia. It was also the capital of the province.

Paul states his ministry to the Church of Thessalonica. This chapter gives a clear insight to the Characteristics of Apostolic Ministry. This chapter is Paul’s reply to those who had accused him of number of things because he had to leave abruptly from Thessalonica. Paul and Silas fled from Thessalonica to Berea because of the persecution at Thessalonica. The Church members were the Gentiles including some Jews as well. Early Church members were recent converts from paganism and Paul’s purpose in writing this letter was to encourage the early converts. They were undergoing trials and thus needed instruction.

4.2 Verses:

1. He is single-minded, clear and focused. He knows his purpose very well that his ministry is not in vein but is for the glory of God. The term know in this verse indicates the vital union with Christ and the brotherly relationship that Christians had with one another.

2. He understands that part of his ministry is suffering and misery. Trials, tribulation and suffering are in the lives of leaders to help achieve maturity and remove rough corners from their lives. God chooses those men who are bold and can stand firm. He does not choose men who fall back. Paul states clearly that despite of the entire adversary and mistreatment, he possesses the courage to proclaim the Word of God. He does not fear man for he knows that God is his shelter, fortress and his refuge.

3. He is clear that his persuasion to share the Gospel is from God and does not come from the enemy. He does not minister for any worldly desires. His ministry is not an error or a result of impurity (sex, money, and power). This means that he does not minister for these. He denies the cosmos rule here. He does not have any hidden agendas. He is clear and transparent. He has openness in his life and his ministry.

4. Furthermore he knows that God approves his ministry, i.e. he is an apostle of Christ. He knows what he is doing. He is clear about the fact that God wants to use him and has approved his character and his lifestyle to be entrusted the work of God. For this divine purpose God transformed him from Saul to Paul, at the road towards Damascus, when He had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Earlier he was against the believers and was engaged in dragging them out of their houses and putting them to jail. “Meanwhile Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against Lord’s disciples...” (Acts 09:01-18). God had divine plan to hand over the immense task of proclaiming gospel to him. In the New Testament he is observed as a bold leader and knows that with the approval of God, Satan cannot bring in doubts in his life and cannot get a foothold in His ministry. Satan enters the lives of Leaders and creates a foothold. He captures a geographical area (TOPOS) in weak areas of our lives and sets forth his force. (This geographical area is in terms of relationships with people, desires, thought life etc). But a ministry that is directly authorised by God, Satan cannot claim his authority. Paul finds it an honour to be entrusted with the Word of God for he knows that only few are chosen and he is amongst them. He therefore does not feel the need to please men but rather God who has authorised him. He is therefore accountable to God and knows that God examines his heart and thoughts all the time.

5. He further makes the Church clear about the fact that he does not appreciate flattering speech and does not use it to please men. He does not have any greed for He believes that Jesus is the provider. He does not need to convince men for God is his witness that whatever he says is all true and based on facts. His words and the gospel that he brings out by the power of the Holy Spirit.

6. He does not expect glory or honour from men for all of that belongs to God. He has never expected expensive gifts or money from the churches rather he is self-sufficient and supports his own ministry. Although many people wanted to help him financially but he did not accept any support. Being an apostle he could have asserted his authority but he was humble in his deeds and words. This verse makes it clear that worldly fame and power mean nothing to an apostle of Christ. (Paul was a professional tentmaker and earned an income that helped him pay his rent and everyday expenses, “…and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.” (Acts 18:03). Furthermore he supported other churches with the income he received from his ministry. “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ ” (Acts 20:33-35).

7. The heart of his ministry is based on true love. He gives the example of a loving mother who has motherly love for her children. She loves them and feeds them and keeps them safe in her arms. The Church is like his own children and he loves them dearly and therefore has love and compassion for them. He wants them to grow in Christ and serve him. This verse gives another characteristic of an apostle and that is his gentleness. It is associated with meekness and compassion towards the people of God.

8. Paul states that his love for the church is high and to the extent that he desires to impart his life in them. This is a magnificent statement because he wants to give them his life along with the teachings of the Gospel. The people of the Church have developed a powerful relationship with Paul and have given a positive response to all of his teaching. Imparting his life means that he wants to impart his character and attitude – his life style to his disciples in the Church. The Master imparts all his knowledge to his disciple by showing him examples from his own life. He eats, drinks, walks and remains with them to teach them everything. Paul therefore has set an example before them and is clear that people of the Church consider him as an exemplary.

9. Paul made tents and that was his source of income. He was an independent man and did not depend upon the Church for his income. This verse indicates his hardship of working day and night for his ministry to meet the ends. His deepest desire was to spread the gospel and for the new converts to remain strengthened in Christ. For as in James 01: 02-04 the writer considers it a joy to encounter trials and tribulations for the glory of the Lord. God allows us to go through difficult times to mould us and reshape us. God was working in the life of the New Born Christians at Thessalonica and Paul wanted to strengthen them and wanted them to imitate him as he imitates Christ.

10. In this verse Paul is confident of the fact that his relationship with God, and people was upright and blameless. Being his brothers in Christ he is confident that people are ready to obey his instructions. He is sure of this brotherly relation and therefore puts them as witness and God, above all as his witness. This verse shows that an Apostle is a blameless, devoted and an upright man. He is a man who can stand firm in difficult situations and take quick and prompt decisions. He is a man of a strong character and holds no blame against that. He is devoted to his mission and gives it the highest priority. His love for his mission prepares him for persecution.

11. Paul being an apostle of Christ and a Leader had an encouraging and a comforting attitude towards the people of his church. Since he was their teacher he implored them to remove the hard bits from their lives. He makes it clear in this verse that his attitude towards the people had been encouraging. He had been there with them to comfort them and as their teacher implored them on one to one basis so as to impart openness and transparency in their lives. As a father wants his children to be his imitators and to follow his footsteps. Similarly he wants the Church members to follow him and imitate him. He therefore shows his fatherly love for his people as well.

12. The first eleven verses are instructions to bring change in lives so as to become eligible for the Kingdom of God. He sums up all his instructions in this verse. Church needs to adopt change in their individual lives so as to be a pleasing sacrifice for the Lord. God does not want us to live in the past although 80 percent of the people live in their past. He wants us to look ahead to the Kingdom of God, which is in abundance. We are made in the image and likeness of God and He wants us to give him all the glory. Our life itself should be a source of worship for the Lord. This is what Paul expects from the members of the Early Church who were recent converts. They lacked faith because of their immaturity; being infant Christians. He wants them to realise that their lives are to glorify God and for his pleasure. In this verse it is clear that an apostle plays the role of catching the fish and preparing it for the feast.

13. Paul at the same time thanks God for the people of Thessalonica Church to receive the Word of God in their lives. He thanks them for accepting it from him; for he is entrusted with the Gospel. He declares the power of the Gospel for it can work in them like a two edged sword. He wants to develop their faith that the Gospel is powerful enough to fulfil their spiritual needs and to bring a break-through in their lives. This verse indicates another aspect in the life of an apostle that the Word of God is active in him.

14. He teaches the church about endurance and patience, perseverance and tenacity. He encourages them to keep their spirits high for suffering shows that Jesus is working in their lives. Life for Paul means Christ and death is gain for him. He teaches them to hold on no matter what life shows them ahead. The Jews were mistreating the gentiles. Those who did not accept the Gospel were creating barriers for The Early Church. There was severe persecution and for infant Christians this meant to suffer for Jesus. Paul makes it clear in this verse that following the path towards the cross is not easy and one has to be prepared to carry his own cross. He was preparing them for future trials and tribulations. He had undergone a difficult time and understood what it means to be persecuted.

15. Such men who cause suffering and persecution in the life of the believers are certainly not pleasing to God. They crucified Jesus and were against all the prophets. Such men are under the influence of Satan, who controls and directs them. God threw Satan into the world for his disobedience as a result of His wrath on him. In other words Paul uses an example of these ungodly men to differentiate the church from them. He is giving them words of encouragement so that people of the Church understand their security and their position in the Kingdom of God.

16. The burden of sin of these ungodly men has infuriated God and has stirred up His wrath. They are in a judgement from the Lord. They had hindered the gospel from being spread among the Gentiles. God desires that all are saved as a result of His love and compassion for man. He wants to restore the broken relationship from Adam and the incarnation of Jesus has finally restored that. But the enemy is against any work of God. Those who hinder the Word come under His utmost judgement.

17. In the end of the chapter Paul comforts the people of the Church for he is always with them in spirit. This shows his love and affection for them in his spirit. Though he cannot come to them physically but remembers them all in his prayers. This is a quality of an apostle that he pioneers a church and sets its government. He them moves ahead but is one in spirit with the Church.

18. Paul admits that Satan hindered him for he wanted to come to them more than once for the enemy does not want the Gospel to spread and creates barriers.

19. Nevertheless Church is the crown of glory for our Lord. Paul says that the church of Thessalonica will add to his glory and joy when Jesus comes back. Paul prepared them and showed them the path to Jesus - the Church therefore is his glory and joy.

20. The Church is his glory for Jesus. On His Second Coming Paul will present the church to Jesus for he showed them the path. Paul finds his joy in them because his joy is to bring the people in the Kingdom of God. Thus the mission statement of an Apostle is to bring people into the Kingdom of God and follow the Great Commission. Paul understood his mission and despite of all the opposition and adversary he continued with his mission. God wants this zeal and enthusiasm from all of his men.

V. 1 & 2 Timothy versus Titus:

(Apostolic Study based on Paul’s fellow workers)

5.1 Introduction:

These three letters are the last letters of Paul to Timothy and Titus. Paul was facing old age and could foresee his death. The Church at the same time was facing death.
These letters are not Pastoral Epistles. Although these letters have the qualities of a handbook for Pastors but these are apostolic letters because Paul sent Timothy and Titus as delegates. Paul used three strategies in His Ministry. He went himself, sent letters or left behind a team member to build the Church. Titus in Crete and Timothy in Ephesus were commissioned as trouble-shooters, temporarily to develop the Church Structure and then join Paul in Rome. Paul wanted to see both of them at Rome for he knew that his time is near and that he will not survive. He was betrayed by one of the brethren, Alexander. He left in such a hurry from Crete that he left his notes and overcoat behind. He could have called them earlier but he realised that the Church in Ephesus and Crete needs them more than he does.

5.2 Personality Attributes of the two Apostles:

Timothy was closer to Paul. They had a father-son relationship. Timothy was nearer to Paul more than anyone. He was timid and needed encouragement. In, 2 Timothy 02:24, Paul wanted him to be his successor and carry on the work. Timothy had a Jewish Background and was circumcised later to join Paul in preaching at the Synagogues. He was born in Galatia. The Church of Galatia recommended him to go and travel with Paul. He was set apart by prophecy. He had been preaching in the Churches of Thessalonica, Corinth & Philippians before Ephesus.

Titus on the other hand was tough and with a mature attitude of accomplishing the task handed over to him. He was an excellent worker and did his job well. He was a tough gentile, uncircumcised with a pagan-background.

Paul had fatherly love for both Timothy and Titus. In first and second Timothy, Paul relates with Timothy like a son and an intimate relationship with him is clear. “To Timothy my true son in the faith…” & “To Timothy my dear son…” (1 & 2 Timothy 01:02). Since Timothy had travelled with him before in missionary work and also shared in his sufferings, Paul was able to develop a closer relationship with him. “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings…” (Timothy 03:10).

5.3 Mission:

Timothy and Titus were part of an Apostolic Team. They were pioneers in Church Planting. Their mission was to complete the Apostolic Work in the two places with sound and a quality leadership.
The mission handed over to Titus was to discipline and change Church Authority at Crete. They needed counselling so as to solve their differences and confrontations as required. The people of Crete were known to be notorious people and were under the influence of false teaching. Paul was not satisfied with the church members for they lacked teaching. They had immoral and sinful habits. Paul wanted them to receive better teaching so as to develop their character.
The mission handed over to Timothy at Ephesus was to change the Church Order and Structure completely. This meant to handle over authority from Apostolic to Church Leadership. He wanted to develop trans-local leadership. Therefore new leaders were required with qualities as described by Paul. They needed right man for the right job inside the Church. The Church in Ephesus had wrong elders giving false teaching. This was negative for the heath of the Body of Christ. In Ephesus the emphasis was more on the Leaders and therefore a completely new set-up was required.
Paul wanted Titus to exercise his authority over people. In Titus 03:08 he says “speak with the authority…” He wanted to reassure Titus that he has been given the authority. In Titus 03:10 – “divisive person should be thrown out…” In verses 02:15 – “reprove with all authority…” “Let no one disregard you.” Titus was a man of firm nature and could deal with the people creating all sorts of problems in the church. “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.” (Titus 02:01). This was a true apostolic quality to recognise the part of body where Satan sets TOPOS (geographical areas). He was blunt and straightforward. Whereas Timothy had more of a Pastoral nature. It was about applied discipleship. “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as if he were your father.” (1 Timothy 05:01). Paul knew that Timothy could not handle confrontations and was therefore sent to Ephesus where his task was to organise the structure of the Church.
Paul asks Timothy ‘to retain my set standards’. That means that he wanted Timothy to follow and maintain the standards that he had set in Ephesus. This shows that Paul could not completely rely on Timothy’s work for any change brought out by Timothy could be inappropriate. Whereas to Titus he says “show yourself” in Titus 02:07. He had confidence on Titus that his character is appropriate for the Church people. This proves that Titus is more Apostolic whereas Timothy was moving in Pastoral Leadership.

Timothy and Titus were to complete their missions respectively, in allowing the churches to operate independently. Firstly, to complete the transition in church functioning, they wanted to engage quality leadership and quality membership to follow on from there. Secondly, to confront the troublemakers as in the case of Titus. Thirdly to communicate the truth – constant systematic teaching according to the Bible, otherwise they could have been vulnerable. They needed the Word and the Spirit.

Paul was more interested in quality rather than quantity. He knew that quality itself would bring about quantity in the Church. Therefore he emphasised on Quality Leadership and was concerned that the right man for the right job be placed in the structure. Paul gives them set of qualities and qualifications of elders and deacons. These are the character attributes and not gifting. For example he says that ‘the elders should be reputable both inside and outside the Church’. All these attributes were the Greek list of virtues. He used the pagan list to discipline the Christians. He wanted Christians to live above the standards of the world. Men had to be manly men and women, womanly women. He wanted Christians to become real men.