from disciples to apostles

The 12 disciples (11 faithful ones, of course) had followed Jesus through three years of ministry.  They had walked with Him, eaten with Him, observed Him teach and heal.  As followers of Jesus they had been disciples, or students.  In Acts, chapter 5 it is clear that they have transitioned from followers and pupils to "action agents".  We see them performing miracles, standing strong before the "Temple establishment" of sadduccees, pharisees and high priest declaring: "We ought to obey God rather than men" when they were commanded not to speak any more of Jesus in public.  They are leaders of the fast-growing church of new believers and they are filled with the Holy Spirit as their source of energy and drive.  Something has happened and those who "followed" now are carrying the flag in the front of the battle for faith.  There is a time to learn in the classroom and there is a time to 'charge into action'.  Sometimes I think that it is easier...perhaps more comfortable...to remain a follower.  But this generation needs agents of action just like the generation of Peter and John.  So we see a new word used to describe them: apostles!  They have become "sent ones" on a mission and they even have angels coming alongside like cavalry to enable them to succeed.  It is good to be reminded, as we begin a new year, that we are followers of Jesus that we might be sent by Him to be like the early days of the church.  It is exciting to consider the words of the angels in chapter 5: ¹⁹ But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ²⁰ "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life."  (because the people really in prison were outside those doors).

 

blessings,

Rob Smith