Divine Authority: The Calling and Legacy of the Apostles

 

Summary

In our study of the Gospel according to Saint Luke, we delve into the profound moment when Jesus called the twelve apostles, a pivotal event in redemptive history. This passage, though brief, is rich in significance as it marks the appointment of those who would carry forward Jesus' ministry. Jesus, in a moment of deep spiritual preparation, spent an entire night in prayer before selecting these twelve from a larger group of disciples. This act underscores the gravity of the decision and the divine guidance sought in choosing those who would be entrusted with apostolic authority.

The distinction between disciples and apostles is crucial. While disciples are learners and followers, apostles are emissaries, carrying the authority of the one who sends them. Jesus, the supreme apostle, endowed these twelve with his authority, making their teachings and actions extensions of his own. This authority is foundational to the church, as the apostles, alongside the prophets, form the bedrock upon which the church is built, with Jesus as the chief cornerstone.

We explored the lives of some of these apostles, beginning with Simon Peter, who, despite his initial instability, became a pillar of the early church. His journey from denial to affirmation of Christ's love is a testament to the transformative power of faith. Andrew, Peter's brother, is celebrated for his role in bringing others to Jesus, a legacy that our church aspires to emulate. James, the first apostolic martyr, and John, the beloved disciple who suffered for his faith, exemplify the diverse paths of service and sacrifice among the apostles.

These apostles, through their teachings and sacrifices, have indeed turned the world upside down, laying the foundation for the church's growth and endurance. As we reflect on their lives, we are reminded of the enduring impact of their faithfulness and the authority they carried as representatives of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus' all-night prayer before selecting the apostles highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in significant decisions. This act of devotion underscores the weight of the responsibility given to the apostles, who were to carry forward Jesus' mission with his authority. [04:06]

- The distinction between disciples and apostles is significant. While disciples are learners, apostles are emissaries with authority. This authority, given by Jesus, is foundational to the church, emphasizing the importance of apostolic teaching and leadership. [07:37]

- Simon Peter's journey from denial to becoming a rock of the early church illustrates the transformative power of faith and forgiveness. His life reminds us that our failures do not define us, but rather our willingness to return to Christ and serve him. [18:24]

- Andrew's legacy of bringing others to Jesus serves as a model for evangelism. His actions demonstrate the impact of personal witness and the importance of leading others to Christ, a mission that continues to be vital for the church today. [21:50]

- The apostles' sacrifices, including martyrdom, highlight the cost of discipleship and the enduring impact of their faithfulness. Their lives remind us of the call to steadfastness in the face of trials and the eternal significance of our witness for Christ. [26:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:07] - Reading from Luke 6:12-16
- [00:25] - Jesus' Night of Prayer
- [01:12] - The Calling of the Twelve
- [02:10] - Historical Significance
- [03:00] - Jesus' Prayer and Judas
- [05:22] - Disciples vs. Apostles
- [07:37] - Apostolic Authority
- [10:58] - Foundation of the Church
- [12:20] - Biographical Sketches
- [13:04] - Simon Peter's Leadership
- [15:04] - Peter's Transformation
- [18:24] - Peter's Denial and Restoration
- [21:09] - Andrew's Evangelism
- [24:12] - James and John's Zeal
- [26:09] - Apostolic Sacrifices
- [29:09] - John's Legacy and Writings
- [31:02] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 6:12-16

Observation Questions:
1. What significant action did Jesus take before selecting the twelve apostles, and why is this detail important? [03:16]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between a disciple and an apostle? [05:35]
3. Who were the first four apostles mentioned in the sermon, and what unique roles or characteristics did they have? [12:49]
4. What was the significance of Simon Peter's transformation from denial to becoming a leader in the early church? [18:24]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Jesus have chosen to spend an entire night in prayer before selecting the apostles, and what does this suggest about the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making? [03:16]
2. How does the authority given to the apostles by Jesus impact the foundation and growth of the church, according to the sermon? [10:58]
3. In what ways did the apostles' sacrifices and martyrdom highlight the cost of discipleship and the enduring impact of their faithfulness? [26:09]
4. How does Andrew's role in bringing others to Jesus serve as a model for evangelism in the church today? [21:50]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a significant decision you need to make. How can you incorporate prayer into your decision-making process, similar to how Jesus did before selecting the apostles? [03:16]
2. Consider the distinction between being a disciple and an apostle. In what ways can you take on more responsibility and leadership in your faith community? [05:35]
3. Simon Peter's journey shows that failures do not define us. Can you identify a past failure that you can learn from and use to strengthen your faith and service? [18:24]
4. Andrew's legacy was bringing others to Jesus. Who in your life can you reach out to and share your faith with this week? [21:50]
5. The apostles faced significant sacrifices for their faith. What sacrifices are you willing to make to follow Christ more closely, and how can you prepare for them? [26:09]
6. Reflect on the authority of the apostles as representatives of Christ. How can you better respect and learn from the teachings of the apostles in your daily life? [10:58]
7. John was known as the apostle of love. How can you demonstrate love in your interactions with others, especially those who are difficult to love? [28:41]

Devotional

Day 1: Seeking Divine Guidance in Decision-Making
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus' decision to spend an entire night in prayer before selecting the twelve apostles highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in significant decisions. This act of devotion underscores the weight of the responsibility given to the apostles, who were to carry forward Jesus' mission with his authority. Jesus' example teaches us that before making pivotal choices, we should seek God's wisdom and direction through prayer. This practice not only aligns our will with God's but also prepares us spiritually for the responsibilities that come with our decisions. [04:06]

Luke 6:12-13 (ESV): "In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles."

Reflection: Think of a significant decision you are facing. How can you dedicate time to seek God's guidance through prayer before making this decision?


Day 2: Understanding Apostolic Authority
The distinction between disciples and apostles is significant. While disciples are learners, apostles are emissaries with authority. This authority, given by Jesus, is foundational to the church, emphasizing the importance of apostolic teaching and leadership. The apostles were entrusted with the mission to spread Jesus' teachings and establish the early church, making their role crucial in the history of Christianity. Understanding this distinction helps us appreciate the structure and authority within the church, as well as the responsibility of those who lead and teach in the faith community. [07:37]

Ephesians 2:19-20 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone."

Reflection: How can you support and pray for the leaders in your church who carry the responsibility of teaching and guiding the congregation?


Day 3: The Transformative Power of Faith and Forgiveness
Simon Peter's journey from denial to becoming a rock of the early church illustrates the transformative power of faith and forgiveness. His life reminds us that our failures do not define us, but rather our willingness to return to Christ and serve him. Peter's story is a powerful testament to the grace and redemption available to all believers, showing that even in our weakest moments, God can use us for His purposes if we are willing to repent and follow Him. [18:24]

John 21:17 (ESV): "He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, 'Do you love me?' and he said to him, 'Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep.'"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt you failed in your faith. How can you seek God's forgiveness and allow Him to transform that experience into a testimony of His grace?


Day 4: The Impact of Personal Witness
Andrew's legacy of bringing others to Jesus serves as a model for evangelism. His actions demonstrate the impact of personal witness and the importance of leading others to Christ, a mission that continues to be vital for the church today. Andrew's example shows that evangelism is not just about preaching to large crowds but also about personal relationships and inviting those around us to experience the love of Christ. [21:50]

John 1:40-42 (ESV): "One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus."

Reflection: Who in your life can you invite to experience the love of Christ? How can you take a step today to share your faith with them?


Day 5: The Cost and Reward of Discipleship
The apostles' sacrifices, including martyrdom, highlight the cost of discipleship and the enduring impact of their faithfulness. Their lives remind us of the call to steadfastness in the face of trials and the eternal significance of our witness for Christ. The apostles' willingness to suffer and even die for their faith challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitment to following Jesus and the legacy we leave behind. [26:09]

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."

Reflection: What sacrifices are you willing to make for your faith? How can you remain steadfast in your commitment to Christ, even in the face of challenges?

Quotes


Now it came to pass in those days that he went out to the mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose twelve whom he also named apostles. [00:00:21]

But the passage begins with the mention that it came to pass in those days that Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, that Jesus separated himself from his disciples and from the multitudes for seasons of prayer is not at all unusual but Luke adds the detail that he continued all night in prayer to God. [00:02:59]

Frequently we talk about the twelve disciples and the twelve apostles, as if a disciple was the same thing as an apostle, but of course that's not the case. Jesus had many more disciples than the twelve. On one occasion he sent 70 of them out on a preaching mission and yet from this larger band of 70 plus disciples that were following Jesus he selected 12 from that group to be apostles. [00:05:31]

A disciple the term in the New Testament means a learner, it's a student, but in this period in Jewish history, disciples were not merely students that they were also adherents to certain leaders, as for example to certain rabbis or in the case of John the Baptist those who were followers of him, they were also John's disciples. [00:06:17]

Now the role of an apostle was one of great significance and great authority. The role of a student was considered somewhat of a lowly position, a position similar to that of servanthood, but the role of an apostle was one that was bathed in authority. [00:07:10]

When Jesus separates 12 men and gives them apostolic authority what he's doing is assigning to them his own authority so that what they say and that what they teach carries with it the full weight of Jesus' own authority. [00:08:14]

The scriptures tells us that the foundation of the church is not Jesus, but it's the prophets and the apostles. In the building metaphor, it is the prophets and the apostles who were described as the foundation and Jesus is the chief cornerstone. [00:11:09]

Simon Peter's journey from denial to becoming a rock of the early church illustrates the transformative power of faith and forgiveness. His life reminds us that our failures do not define us, but rather our willingness to return to Christ and serve him. [00:15:04]

Andrew's legacy of bringing others to Jesus serves as a model for evangelism. His actions demonstrate the impact of personal witness and the importance of leading others to Christ, a mission that continues to be vital for the church today. [00:21:09]

James had the distinction of being the first apostolic martyr in Christian history. He was not the first Christian martyr; the first martyr of course was Stephen, but the first of the twelve, the first of the apostles to be martyred was James in the year 44 A.D. [00:25:14]

John was known as the disciple whom Jesus loved, and he was also known for being the disciple or the apostle of love as his admonishment to the Christian community would always be again and again, beloved, love one another. [00:28:32]

John experienced exile under the emperor Domitian and was exiled to the island of Patmos where there he received that heavenly vision that he recorded as Jesus instructed him to, which comes to us now as the book of the Revelation of Saint John. [00:28:55]

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