APOSTLES
THE SENT ONES, FOUNDATIONS OF THE CHURCH
(Matthew 10:1–15; Mark 3:13–19; Luke 6:12–16; Luke 10:1; John 20:21–23; Acts 1–5)
Who the Apostles Were
The Apostles were a distinct group personally chosen and appointed by Jesus Christ to be His constant companions, eyewitnesses, and authoritative messengers. The word apostle comes from the Greek apostolos, meaning “one who is sent.” An apostle was not merely a student but a commissioned representative who carried the authority of the one who sent him.
Jesus had many disciples, traditionally numbered as seventy[-two], whom He sent ahead in pairs to towns He intended to visit (Lk 10:1). From among these disciples, after prayerful discernment, Jesus selected twelve men to be with Him permanently (Mk 3:14). These twelve were chosen to learn directly from His teaching, witness His miracles, share His daily life, and later continue His mission to the ends of the earth.
Selection by Jesus and Apostolic Formation
The calling of the apostles was entirely Jesus’ initiative. He made this clear when He said, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you” (Jn 15:16). Apostleship was not a career but a divine vocation demanding total surrender.
During His public ministry, Jesus sent them out in pairs, giving them authority over unclean spirits and power to heal (Mt 10:1; Mk 6:7–13). After each mission, they returned to Him and reported what they had done (Mk 6:30). Jesus corrected them, deepened their understanding, and reshaped their hearts. They were formed not only by instruction but by living with Him.
Why Jesus Selected the Apostles
Jesus’ fame spread quickly, reaching beyond Galilee. By sharing His authority with selected disciples, He extended His ministry beyond His physical presence.
Jesus also knew that His public ministry would be brief. Without books, printing, or mass communication, the Gospel could spread only through living witnesses. The apostles were trained to continue His mission after His death, Resurrection, and Ascension.
Jesus deliberately chose twelve to symbolize the reconstitution of Israel. Just as ancient Israel was founded on twelve tribes, the Church would be founded on twelve apostles. This choice reveals Jesus’ intention to form a renewed people of God.
Ordination and Authority After the Resurrection
The formal commissioning of the apostles took place on Easter evening. Jesus appeared to them and said, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you,” and He breathed on them, giving them authority to forgive sins (Jn 20:21–23). This moment marks the birth of apostolic ministry.
After Judas’ death, the apostles insisted on restoring the number twelve by choosing Matthias (Acts 1:15–26). This action shows their understanding that apostolic office was divinely structured and not merely symbolic.
Common Features of the Apostles
The apostles were ordinary men, not religious elites. Most were working-class Galileans. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen. Matthew was a tax collector, despised for collaborating with Rome. Simon the Zealot had belonged to a revolutionary movement.
Jesus did not choose scribes, Pharisees, or members of the Sanhedrin. Instead, He chose men of simple backgrounds, proving that divine mission does not depend on social status or formal learning.
All left their professions, families, and security to follow Jesus (Mt 19:27; Lk 18:28). They formed a new family around Him, living in radical dependence on God and on the generosity of supporters (Lk 8:3).
Life With Jesus and Gradual Transformation
Unlike other disciples who came and went, the apostles lived with Jesus continuously. They observed His prayer, compassion, suffering, and obedience. Jesus entrusted them with private teachings about the mysteries of the Kingdom (Mt 13:11; Mk 4:11).
At first, they misunderstood His mission. They expected a political kingdom, argued about status, and fled during His Passion. Yet Jesus did not abandon them. After the Resurrection, He patiently restored them. At Pentecost, filled with the Holy Spirit, they were transformed into fearless witnesses.
All except John the Evangelist died as martyrs.
Mission of the Apostles
The apostles’ primary mission was to proclaim the Word of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Their miracles were not for display but to strengthen faith and continue Jesus’ works of mercy.
During Jesus’ lifetime, their mission was local. After Pentecost, it became universal: “repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached in his name to all the nations” (Lk 24:47).
Jesus empowered them to heal, cast out demons, and proclaim salvation. After Pentecost, they even raised the dead—Peter restored Tabitha (Acts 9:36–42), and Paul revived Eutychus (Acts 20:7–12).
Shared and Distinct Features of the Apostles
Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen.
Peter, James, and John formed Jesus’ inner circle.
There were two James, two Simon, and two Judas.
Matthew and John wrote Gospels; Mark and Luke were not apostles.
Andrew and Philip were first disciples of John the Baptist.
Peter received a new name and the keys of the Kingdom (Mt 16:18–19).
Only John stood at the foot of the Cross (Jn 19:26).
Only Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus.
KEY COMPARATIVE THEMES
Background Diversity
The apostles came from diverse backgrounds—fishermen, tax collectors, political activists, skeptics, and ordinary laborers. This reveals that Jesus does not choose based on status, education, or social power.
Personality Differences
Some were outspoken (Peter), some contemplative (John), some questioning (Thomas), and some nearly invisible (James the Less). Yet all were chosen.
Transformation
None were perfect when called. Christ formed them.
Unity in Mission
Despite differences, all proclaimed the same Gospel.
Suffering and Martyrdom
Almost all died for Christ, proving their testimony was not invented.
Why Twelve Apostles?
The number twelve symbolizes completeness and divine order. Israel was founded on twelve tribes. By choosing twelve apostles, Jesus formed a new Israel. He told them they would “sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Lk 22:30).
Though Jewish by birth, they represented all nations, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham that all peoples would be blessed through his descendants (Gen 26:4).
Feast Days and Martyrdom
The Church honors each apostle with feast days. Tradition holds that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome, James the Greater was beheaded in Jerusalem, Andrew on an X-shaped cross, Thomas in India, and most others died violent deaths for Christ. Only John died a natural death.
What Makes the Apostles Unique in the Bible
The apostles alone were eyewitnesses of the Resurrection and recipients of Christ’s direct commission. Their authority is foundational and unrepeatable. Through apostolic succession, their mission continues in the bishops of the Church (cf. CCC 857–860).
Reflection
Jesus chose the apostles not because they were perfect, but because they were willing. Through obedience and the Holy Spirit, ordinary men became extraordinary witnesses. Their lives remind the Church that ministry is not self-appointed but God-given. Every Christian, united with apostolic teaching, is called to live with humility, sacrifice, perseverance, and missionary zeal.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You chose the apostles through Your Son and formed them with patience, mercy, and the power of the Holy Spirit; grant us hearts open to Your call, courage to surrender our lives to Your Kingdom, and fidelity to apostolic teaching, so that, like the apostles, we may be faithful witnesses of Christ to the ends of the earth. Amen.
