Understanding Apostleship: Authority, Partnership, and Humility

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Commission and Apostolic Authority

The apostles were foundational figures in the early church, chosen by Jesus to bear witness to His resurrection and to preach the gospel with authority. This authority was not self-appointed but was a divine commission, as seen in Paul's encounter with Christ on the Damascus road. The apostles' unique role was to establish the church and spread the teachings of Jesus with the authority given to them directly by Him. Understanding this helps us appreciate the weight and responsibility of their mission and the authenticity of their message. [04:46]

Acts 1:21-22 (ESV): "So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection."

Reflection: In what ways can you recognize and respond to the divine commissions in your own life, even if they seem small or insignificant?

Day 2: The Broader Application of Apostleship

While the term "apostle" primarily refers to the original twelve and Paul, it also has a broader application. It can refer to messengers sent by churches, such as Titus and Epaphroditus. This broader use highlights the importance of being sent with a purpose, even if not with the same authority as the original apostles. It reminds us that each believer has a role in spreading the message of Christ, and that being sent by God or the church carries its own significance and responsibility. [06:18]

2 Corinthians 8:23 (ESV): "As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ."

Reflection: Who in your life has been a messenger of God's love and truth to you, and how can you express gratitude or reciprocate that message today?

Day 3: Collaborative Ministry and Shared Authority

Paul includes Silvanus and Timothy as co-apostles, emphasizing the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry. Their authority is derived from their close association with Paul, the primary apostolic figure. This partnership reflects the shared responsibility and unity in the mission of the church. It teaches us the value of working together in ministry, recognizing that each person brings unique gifts and strengths to the mission of spreading the gospel. [08:51]

Philippians 2:25 (ESV): "I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need."

Reflection: How can you actively support and collaborate with others in your church or community to further the mission of the gospel?

Day 4: Humility and Restraint in Leadership

Despite having the authority to make demands, Paul and his associates chose not to wield their power for personal gain. This humility and restraint are essential qualities of Christian leadership, focusing on serving others with sincerity and love rather than seeking glory from people. It challenges us to examine our own motives in leadership and service, ensuring that we prioritize the well-being of others over personal recognition or gain. [09:49]

1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."

Reflection: In what areas of your life can you practice greater humility and restraint, choosing to serve others selflessly?

Day 5: The Personal Touch in Ministry

Paul often personalizes his letters, as seen in his desire to visit the Thessalonians and his acknowledgment of being hindered by Satan. This personal touch underscores the relational aspect of his ministry, where he deeply cares for the spiritual well-being of the churches he serves. It reminds us of the importance of building genuine relationships in ministry, where care and concern for others are evident in our actions and words. [09:32]

1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 (ESV): "But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us."

Reflection: How can you intentionally build deeper, more personal relationships with those you serve or minister to, showing them the love and care of Christ?

Sermon Summary

In this session, we delve into the concept of apostleship as presented in 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8. The term "we" in this passage refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, who are identified as apostles. This raises the question of what it means to be an apostle and who qualifies as one. The apostles were foundational figures in the early church, chosen by Jesus to bear witness to His resurrection and to preach the gospel with authority. Jesus selected the original twelve apostles after a night of prayer, signifying their unique role and authority. Paul, although not one of the original twelve, claims his apostleship through a direct commission from Jesus Christ, as evidenced by his encounter on the Damascus road.

The term "apostle" is not exclusive to the twelve or to Paul. It is a broader term that can also refer to messengers sent by churches, as seen with figures like Titus and Epaphroditus. However, the authority of the original apostles and Paul is distinct due to their direct commissioning by Christ and their witness to His resurrection. Paul includes Silvanus and Timothy as co-apostles, not because they were directly commissioned by Christ, but because they share in Paul's mission and authority as his close associates. This highlights the importance of understanding the different levels of authority and roles within the early church.

Paul's inclusion of Silvanus and Timothy as co-authors of the letter to the Thessalonians underscores their partnership in ministry, even though Paul is the primary apostolic authority. This partnership reflects the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry, where authority and responsibility were shared among trusted leaders. The session concludes with a reflection on the humility and restraint exercised by Paul and his associates, as they chose not to wield their apostolic authority for personal gain or to make demands, but rather to serve the Thessalonian church with sincerity and love.

Key Takeaways

1. Understanding Apostolic Authority: Apostolic authority in the early church was unique and foundational. The apostles were chosen by Jesus to be witnesses of His resurrection and to preach the gospel with authority. This authority was not self-appointed but was a divine commission, as seen in Paul's encounter with Christ on the Damascus road. [04:46]
2. The Broader Use of "Apostle": While the term "apostle" primarily refers to the original twelve and Paul, it also has a broader application. It can refer to messengers sent by churches, such as Titus and Epaphroditus. This broader use highlights the importance of being sent with a purpose, even if not with the same authority as the original apostles. [06:18]
3. Partnership in Ministry: Paul includes Silvanus and Timothy as co-apostles, emphasizing the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry. Their authority is derived from their close association with Paul, the primary apostolic figure. This partnership reflects the shared responsibility and unity in the mission of the church. [08:51]
4. Humility in Leadership: Despite having the authority to make demands, Paul and his associates chose not to wield their power for personal gain. This humility and restraint are essential qualities of Christian leadership, focusing on serving others with sincerity and love rather than seeking glory from people. [09:49]
5. The Personal Nature of Paul's Ministry: Paul often personalizes his letters, as seen in his desire to visit the Thessalonians and his acknowledgment of being hindered by Satan. This personal touch underscores the relational aspect of his ministry, where he deeply cares for the spiritual well-being of the churches he serves. [09:32]
** [09:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - Introduction to Apostleship
[01:04] - Apostolic Authority and Its Significance
[02:23] - Jesus' Selection of the Twelve Apostles
[03:49] - Paul's Unique Apostolic Claim
[05:00] - Criteria for Apostleship
[06:18] - Broader Use of the Term "Apostle"
[07:11] - Distinction Between Apostolic Authority and Messengers
[08:09] - Inclusion of Silvanus and Timothy
[09:05] - Partnership in Ministry
[09:32] - Personal Nature of Paul's Ministry
[09:49] - Humility in Apostolic Leadership

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 2:5-8
Luke 6:12-13
Galatians 1:1

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Observation Questions:

In 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8, Paul mentions that he, Silvanus, and Timothy could have made demands as apostles. What does this suggest about their approach to leadership? [02:11]
According to Luke 6:12-13, how did Jesus prepare for selecting the twelve apostles, and what does this indicate about the significance of their role?
In Galatians 1:1, Paul emphasizes that his apostleship is not from men but through Jesus Christ. How does this claim support his authority as an apostle? [04:18]
The sermon mentions that the term "apostle" can also refer to messengers sent by churches, such as Titus and Epaphroditus. How does this broader use of the term affect our understanding of apostleship? [06:18]

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Interpretation Questions:

What does the selection process of the twelve apostles in Luke 6:12-13 reveal about the nature of divine calling and authority in the early church?
How does Paul's claim of apostleship in Galatians 1:1 challenge the traditional understanding of apostolic authority, and what implications does this have for the early church's structure? [04:18]
The sermon highlights the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry. How does the inclusion of Silvanus and Timothy as co-authors of the letter to the Thessalonians reflect this partnership? [09:05]
In what ways does the humility and restraint shown by Paul and his associates in 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 serve as a model for Christian leadership today? [09:49]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you were in a position of authority. How did you balance exercising your authority with humility and restraint, similar to Paul and his associates? [09:49]
Considering the broader use of the term "apostle," how can you identify and embrace your role as a messenger or representative of your faith community in your daily life? [06:18]
Paul emphasizes the personal nature of his ministry. How can you cultivate deeper, more personal relationships within your church or faith community, as Paul did with the Thessalonians? [09:32]
The sermon discusses the importance of being sent with a purpose. What is a specific mission or purpose you feel called to pursue, and how can you take steps to fulfill it this week? [06:18]
How can you foster a spirit of collaboration and partnership in your ministry or service, similar to the relationship between Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy? [09:05]
Reflect on the qualities of humility and sincerity in leadership. What specific actions can you take to demonstrate these qualities in your interactions with others this week? [09:49]
Paul and his associates chose not to seek glory from people. How can you ensure that your motivations in serving others are aligned with sincerity and love rather than seeking recognition? [02:11]

Sermon Clips

Paul, although not one of the original twelve, claims his apostleship through a direct commission from Jesus Christ, as evidenced by his encounter on the Damascus road. This is a very high claim that Christ had set him apart from his mother's womb and now on the Damascus road he lays claim on him and he makes him one of his authoritative apostles. [00:44:08]

The apostles are those who are chosen out from disciples and given unique authority. They are the ones who are closest to Jesus. They will follow with him all the way through and be witnesses of the resurrection. He gives them authority over demons and to preach the gospel and they become a unique band of people. [00:03:02]

Paul includes Silvanus and Timothy as co-apostles, who have their authority indirectly as associates of Paul, the main apostle, in the same way that he calls them authors of this letter. Paul, Silvanus, Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians, we are together writing to you even though several times in the letter it becomes very clear that Paul's the writer. [00:08:13]

The word apostle is just an ordinary word for one who is sent, and so there can be some confusion. Here in Second Corinthians eight, it says as for Titus, he's my partner, my fellow worker, and for your benefit and as for our brothers, they are usually translated messengers which is appropriate but it's the same word. [00:05:51]

Paul's inclusion of Silvanus and Timothy as co-authors of the letter to the Thessalonians underscores their partnership in ministry, even though Paul is the primary apostolic authority. This partnership reflects the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry, where authority and responsibility were shared among trusted leaders. [00:00:45]

Despite having the authority to make demands, Paul and his associates chose not to wield their power for personal gain. This humility and restraint are essential qualities of Christian leadership, focusing on serving others with sincerity and love rather than seeking glory from people. [00:01:58]

Paul was granted the sight of the glory of Christ on the Damascus road. Jesus was setting him apart not only by commissioning him as an apostle but by granting him to see the risen Christ. The twelve had the criterion that they had to have borne witness to the resurrection. [00:05:14]

The church at Philippi had simply chosen one of their number, namely Epaphroditus, and made him a messenger to send some things to Paul while he's in prison in Rome. So don't base the uniqueness of the select group of apostles merely on the word apostle because the word apostle is broad. [00:06:35]

Paul's personal touch underscores the relational aspect of his ministry, where he deeply cares for the spiritual well-being of the churches he serves. Since we were torn away from you, brothers, in Thessalonica, for a short time in person, not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face. [00:09:15]

Paul is claiming to be on a par with the original twelve. Nevertheless, the word apostle is just an ordinary word for one who is sent, and so there can be some confusion. Here in Second Corinthians eight, it says as for Titus, he's my partner, my fellow worker, and for your benefit. [00:05:51]

Paul's inclusion of Silvanus and Timothy as co-authors of the letter to the Thessalonians underscores their partnership in ministry, even though Paul is the primary apostolic authority. This partnership reflects the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry, where authority and responsibility were shared among trusted leaders. [00:08:13]

Paul's personal touch underscores the relational aspect of his ministry, where he deeply cares for the spiritual well-being of the churches he serves. Since we were torn away from you, brothers, in Thessalonica, for a short time in person, not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face. [00:09:15]

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