THE TWELVE APOSTLES. The word Apostle signifies one sent, while the word disciple means only a learner. The twelve Apostles were sent into the world for a definite purpose, with explicit instructions from the Lord.

      (1). Nationality and early life. They were all of the stock of Abraham, and their early lives were spent in their native land (Matt., 4:18-25; 20:1-11).

      (2). Their opportunities. Jesus spake to the multitude in parables, but in secret places He explained [212] everything to His apostles (Matt., 13:33-43; John, 14:1-9).

      (3). Their ordination. Jesus called them, ordained them and sent them into the world even as His Father had sent Him (John, 15:16; 17:6-18).

      (4). The first commission. The first time Jesus sent the apostles to preach He restricted their labors to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel." and their preaching to the simple announcement that the kingdom of God was at hand (Matt., 10:1-7).

      (5). The second commission. After Jesus had broken down the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile by his death on the cross, He gave His apostles a new commission (Eph., 2:11-16). According to Matthew, this commission embraced, (a) the announcement that all authority in heaven and in earth had been given unto Him; (b) the command to go and teach; (c) the command to baptize those who were taught; (d) the command to continue to teach the baptized disciples; (e) the assurance that He would be with them to the end (Matt., 28:18-20). According to Mark it embraced, (a) the command to preach the gospel to the whole world; (b) the promise of salvation to those who believe and obey it (Mark, 16:15, 16). According to Luke it embraced, (a) the command to preach repentance in His name; (b) to begin at Jerusalem; (c) the assurance that the apostles were witnesses of these things (Luke, 24:45-48). According to John it embraced, under the condition laid down by Jesus, the power to remit and retain sins (John, 20:22, 23).

      (6). Important facts. (a) The apostles, pre-eminently Peter, were given the [213] Keys of the Kingdom, with the assurance that whatsoever they should bind on earth should be bound in heaven, and whatsoever they should loose on earth should be loosed in heaven (Matt., 16:13-19; 18:18; John, 20:22, 23); (b) the apostles went forth under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit (Matt., 10:16-20; John, 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-11; Acts, 2:6-8); and they spoke as He gave them utterance (Acts, 2:1-4). Were they not qualified to preach an infallible gospel for all generations?

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