------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christian_identity, #Gods_grace, #church_history, #apostolicity, #Christian_doctrine, #biblical_study, #New_Testament # [[The Apostolicity of the Church]]: Built on the Testimony of the [[Apostles]] ([Matthew 10:1–42](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10.1-42&version=AMP); [Ephesians 2:19–22](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2.19-22&version=AMP)) One of the key attributes of the [[Church]], according to [[Christian theology]], is **[[apostolicity]]**—the belief that the [[Church]]’s faith and ministry are grounded in the testimony of the [[Apostles]]. This means that the [[Church]], in its essence, is built on the teaching, witness, and mission of the [[Apostles]] who were personally chosen and commissioned by [[Jesus Christ]]. > “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with [[God’s people]] and also members of His household, built on the foundation of the [[Apostles]] and [[Prophets]], with [[Christ Jesus]] Himself as the chief cornerstone.” ([Ephesians 2:19–20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2.19-20&version=AMP)) In this post, we’ll explore what [[apostolicity]] means for the [[Church]], how it is rooted in [[Scripture]], and how this ancient doctrine still applies to the [[Church]] today. ## The [[Apostles]]: Commissioned by [[Christ]] ([Matthew 10:1–7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10.1-7&version=AMP)) The term **[[apostle]]** comes from the Greek word *apostolos*, meaning "one who is sent out." While [[Scripture]] sometimes uses this term broadly to describe missionaries or others sent out to preach the [[Gospel]], [[apostolicity]] refers specifically to those [[Apostles]] chosen and commissioned by [[Christ]] Himself. In [Matthew 10:1–7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10.1-7&version=AMP), we see [[Jesus]] calling His twelve [[Apostles]], giving them authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons. These men had a unique relationship with [[Jesus]]. They followed Him during His earthly ministry, witnessed His miracles, and were instructed in the "mysteries of the [[kingdom]]" ([Matthew 13:11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13.11&version=AMP)). Their firsthand experience with [[Jesus]] gave them a unique authority to testify about Him. > “These are the names of the twelve [[Apostles]]: first, [[Simon]] (who is called [[Peter]]) and his brother [[Andrew]]; [[James 1 Faith That Perseveres]] son of [[Zebedee]], and his brother [[01-Intro .John]]...” ([Matthew 10:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10.2&version=AMP)) The [[Apostles]] were not merely students of [[Jesus]]’ teachings; they were eyewitnesses to His life, death, and resurrection. This firsthand experience was critical because their testimony became the foundation of the [[Church]]’s doctrine. ### **Call to Action**: - Reflect on how the [[apostolic testimony]] about [[Jesus]]' life, death, and resurrection shapes your faith today. How can you deepen your understanding of their teachings in [[Scripture]]? ## The [[Apostolic Witness]] Preserved in [[Scripture]] ([John 16:12–15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16.12-15&version=AMP)) Before His ascension, [[Jesus]] promised His [[Apostles]] that the [[Holy Spirit]] would guide them into all truth, reminding them of everything He had taught ([John 16:12–15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16.12-15&version=AMP)). This was fulfilled as the [[Apostles]] went on to write down their testimony, which became the [[00.New Testament]]. The **[[apostolic witness]]**, preserved in [[Scripture]], is the [[Church]]’s foundation. The [[Apostles]] were the authoritative voice on the [[Gospel]] because they had received it directly from [[Christ]]. As the [[Apostle Paul]] reminds the Galatians: > “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the [[Gospel]] I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from [[Jesus Christ]].” ([Galatians 1:11–12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1.11-12&version=AMP)) Because the [[Apostles]] were directly commissioned by [[Jesus]], their writings carry the authority of [[Christ]] Himself. The early [[Church]] recognized this, devoting themselves to the [[Apostles]]’ teaching ([Acts 2:42](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2.42&version=AMP)). The [[Church]] continues to be grounded in these teachings today. ### **Call to Action**: - Take time this week to read one of the letters of [[Paul]] or one of the [[Gospels]]. Reflect on the fact that these words come directly from [[Christ]]’s chosen witnesses and consider how they inform your understanding of [[Jesus]] and His mission. ## [[Apostolicity]] and the Mission of the [[Church]] ([Matthew 28:19–20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28.19-20&version=AMP)) The mission of the [[Apostles]] didn’t end with their preaching and writing. [[Jesus]] commissioned them with a specific task: to make disciples of all nations and to teach them to obey everything He had commanded ([Matthew 28:19–20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28.19-20&version=AMP)). This mission, known as the **[[Great Commission]]**, is at the heart of [[apostolicity]]. > "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the [[Holy Spirit]], and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." ([Matthew 28:19–20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28.19-20&version=AMP)) The [[Apostles]]’ task was not only to bear witness but also to pass on that witness to others. They did this by planting [[churches]], training leaders, and writing letters that would guide future generations of Christians. The [[apostolic mission]] continues today in the [[Church]]’s ongoing work of proclaiming the [[Gospel]] and making disciples. ### **Call to Action**: - Consider your role in the mission of the [[Church]]. How are you participating in the [[Great Commission]] by sharing the [[Gospel]] and helping others grow in their faith? ## The [[Church]]’s Foundation: Built on the [[Apostolic Testimony]] ([Ephesians 2:19–22](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2.19-22&version=AMP)) The [[apostolicity]] of the [[Church]] means that the [[Church]] is built on the testimony of the [[Apostles]], with [[Jesus Christ]] as the **chief cornerstone**. The [[Peter]]’s confession in [Matthew 16:16](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16.16&version=AMP)—"You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God"—is foundational to the [[Church]]’s faith. [[Jesus]] responds to [[Peter]] by saying: > "And I tell you that you are [[Peter]], and on this rock I will build my [[Church]], and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." ([Matthew 16:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16.18&version=AMP)) While [[Peter]] plays a prominent role, it’s important to note that the **foundation** of the [[Church]] is built on all the [[Apostles]] and [[Prophets]], as [Paul](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2.19-22&version=AMP) writes in Ephesians 2:19–22. [[Christ]] is the cornerstone that holds everything together, but the [[Apostles]]’ witness provides the framework for the [[Church]]’s teaching and mission. The [[Church]] is not merely an institution; it is the **body of [[Christ]]** ([1 Corinthians 12:27](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12.27&version=AMP)), built on the foundation of the [[apostolic witness]]. This is why the [[Church]] has fiercely defended the teachings of the [[Apostles]] and rejected anything that contradicts the [[Gospel]] they proclaimed ([Galatians 1:6–9](https://www.biblegateway.com /passage/?search=Galatians+1.6-9&version=AMP)). ### **Call to Action**: - How are you building your life on the foundation of the [[Apostles]]’ teaching? Think about how you can deepen your understanding of [[Scripture]] and the historic faith of the [[Church]]. ## [[Apostolicity]]: Continuity Through Word and [[Spirit]] ([Acts 2:42–43](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2.42-43&version=AMP)) [[Apostolicity]] is not about a purely **organizational succession** or leadership structure but is more fundamentally about **continuity in teaching** and faith. The [[Church]]’s task is to receive, defend, and pass down the [[Gospel]] as testified by the [[Apostles]]. This means that the true [[apostolic church]] is the one that holds fast to the [[apostolic teaching]], as the earliest Christian communities did: > “They devoted themselves to the [[Apostles]]' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” ([Acts 2:42](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2.42&version=AMP)) In this way, [[apostolicity]] is about remaining faithful to the **[[gospel of Jesus Christ]]** and the teaching of His [[Apostles]]. It is not confined to institutional continuity but to a continuity in **doctrine** and **mission**.