The Apostles' Enduring Influence on Christian Discipleship
The apostles' enduring influence on Christian discipleship is rooted in their role as the foundational teachers and leaders of the early Christian community. As described in Acts 2:42, the early believers "continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer" [1]. This passage highlights the apostles' central role in shaping the faith and practices of the early Christians.
The apostles were chosen by Jesus Christ himself, receiving their title directly from Him [2, 3]. They were tasked with spreading the gospel to all nations, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15 [2]. The apostles' authority was not limited to their initial mission; they continued to guide and instruct the early Christian communities through their teachings and writings.
The apostles' teaching was characterized by a unified message, as noted by Adam Clarke in his commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:11. Clarke writes that "all the apostles of Christ agree in the same doctrines; we all preach one and the same thing" [4]. This unity in doctrine was essential for the establishment of a cohesive Christian identity.
The early Christian community's commitment to the apostles' teaching was not limited to doctrine alone; it also encompassed practices such as fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer [1, 5]. The apostles' influence extended beyond the initial spread of the gospel, as they continued to nurture and guide the growing community. As Adam Clarke notes on Acts 14:22, the apostles "confirm[ed] the souls of the disciples," providing ongoing instruction and support to the early believers [8].
The apostles' enduring influence is also evident in their writings, which became foundational texts for the Christian faith. The New Testament epistles, many of which were written by the apostles or their close associates, continue to shape Christian doctrine and practice to this day.
The apostles' legacy can be seen in the continued emphasis on discipleship and community within Christian traditions. As the Tyndale House commentary on Acts 6:7 notes, the apostles' "wise handling of the issue was growth and increase in the number of believers" [6]. This focus on community and discipleship remains a hallmark of Christian practice, with the apostles serving as a model for future generations of Christian leaders.
The apostolic tradition has been preserved and passed down through the centuries, with various Christian traditions continuing to draw on the apostles' teachings and example. As John Gill notes on 1 John 2:24, the apostles' doctrine concerning the Father and the Son remains foundational to Christian theology [7]. The apostles' enduring influence on Christian discipleship is a testament to the lasting impact of their ministry and the ongoing relevance of their teachings.
Sources
- Acts “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. -- Acts 2:42”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Apostles, The — Christ pre-eminently called "The Apostle" -- Heb 3:1. Ordained by Christ -- Mr 3:14; Joh 15:16. Received their title from Christ -- Lu 6:13. Called by God. -- 1Co 1:1; 12:28; Ga 1:1,15,16. Christ. -- Mt 10:1; Mr 3:13; Ac 20:24; Ro 1:5. The Holy Spirit. -- Ac 20:24; Ro 1:5. Were unlearned men -- Ac 4:13. Selected from obscure stations -- Mt 4:18. Sent first to the house of Israel -- Mt 10:5,6; Lu 24:47; Ac 13:46. Sent to preach the gospel to all nations -- Mt 28:19,20; Mr 16:15; 2Ti 1:11. Christ always present with -- Mt 28:20. Warned against a timid p”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Apostle — A person sent by another; a messenger; envoy. This word is once used as a descriptive designation of Jesus Christ, the Sent of the Father (Heb. 3:1; John 20:21). It is, however, generally used as designating the body of disciples to whom he intrusted the organization of his church and the dissemination of his gospel, "the twelve," as they are called (Matt. 10:1-5; Mark 3:14; 6:7; Luke 6:13; 9:1). We have four lists of the apostles, one by each of the synoptic evangelists (Matt. 10:2-4; Mark 3:16; Luke 6:14), and one in the Acts (1:13). No two of these lists”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 15:11: Whether it were I or they - All the apostles of Christ agree in the same doctrines; we all preach one and the same thing; and, as we preached, so ye believed; having received from us the true apostolical faith, that Jesus died for our sins, and rose again for our justification; and that his resurrection is the pledge and proof of ours. Whoever teaches contrary to this does not preach the true apostolic doctrine. Paul was the last of the primitive apostles. The primitive apostles were those who had seen Christ, and got their call to the apostolate immediately”
- Acts (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Acts 2:42: continued steadfastly in--"attended constantly upon." the apostles' doctrine--"teaching"; giving themselves up to the instructions which, in their raw state, would be indispensable to the consolidation of the immense multitude suddenly admitted to visible discipleship. fellowship--in its largest sense. breaking of bread--not certainly in the Lord's Supper alone, but rather in frugal repasts taken together, with which the Lord's Supper was probably conjoined until abuses and persecution led to the discontinuance of the common meal. prayers--probab”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 6:7: 6:7 The result of the apostles’ wise handling of the issue was growth and increase in the number of believers, including many of the Jewish priests. • This is the first of three places in Acts where Luke notes that God’s message continued to spread (see also 12:24; 19:20). When real difficulties arose, God’s message could overcome the challenges posed by internal strife, idolatry, and paganism, and the result was growth in the community. Acts is the story of the unhindered message of Good News (see 28:31).”
- 1 John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 John 2:24: Let that therefore abide in you,.... Meaning the word of God, 1Jo_2:14; the Gospel of Christ, which there was reason to believe had a place in their hearts, and which they had embraced and professed; and therefore the apostle exhorts them to perseverance in it; and particularly not to let go the doctrine concerning the Father and the Son, and this their relation to each other, which is the foundation of the doctrine of the Trinity, and of the distinct personality of Father, Son, and Spirit; the contrary to which leaves the three without either name, or distinction fro”
- Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 14:22: Confirming the souls of the disciples - The word disciple signifies literally a scholar. The Church of Christ was a school, in which Christ himself was chief Master; and his apostles subordinate teachers. All the converts were disciples or scholars, who came to this school to be instructed in the knowledge of themselves and of their God: of their duty to Him, to the Church, to society, and to themselves. After having been initiated in the principles of the heavenly doctrine, they needed line upon line, and precept upon precept, in order that they might be confirmed a”