The Apostles and the Word
Today, and for the next several weeks, the theme of the messages is Jesus’ choice of twelve men who would assist Him in gospel ministry and would continue His work after His death, resurrection, and ascension back to His Heavenly Father. They were remarkable men, although not recognized by anyone in their time as such. At least not until God demonstrated His power in them, they had nothing to claim in education, wealth, or worldly wisdom.
The apostle Paul would later write, “Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called.” (1 Corinthians 1:26b) These twelve fit the description exactly with one of them being a traitorous, selfish, and contemptuous individual. What the Lord did with the others was not this one’s character. Jesus made the others wise, mighty, and noble in the only way these traits count—in the service of the Lord of lords and King of kings. After Jesus left them to continue His ministry, their opposition recognized them as all the above, as men who had been with Jesus. There was no explanation for their courage and abilities except that from Him they inherited the power to do as He did (John 14:12).
From these gospel accounts, the New Testament goes on to reveal a specialized calling of others to continue the works of Christ. The period of supernatural acts is over—at least in a physical sense. We do not need them today and must concentrate on the knowledge of the word and its power to accomplish everything God desires. If we miss the truth that the word is all sufficient, it will lead us into mistakes made by many who ignore the scriptures while they look for the next miracle. The scriptures are clear that they alone are sufficient to make us fit, completely equipped for any work God calls us to do (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Each week as we explain the scriptures verse by verse, we obey the Bible’s command to put on the whole armor of God. Each piece finds its foundation in the knowledge of scripture. It is the fool who does not hide the word of God in his heart and remains unprepared for the spiritual battles we face each day.
My point is that we do not need the formal calling of apostleship to accomplish the same end of the work as they did. We only need to be faithful to read the word, know the word, and apply the word. God does mighty works through it, and only through it. It is His method for the current world and shall preserve His people for eternity. I find it remarkable that heaven will apply God’s word continuously for the peace, safety, and eternal preservation of God’s people. Are you not amazed that God left us with such an incredibly powerful otherworldly tool to use for our aid and comfort, and yet for most, it lies gathering dust throughout the week?
Should we expect to experience the power of these apostles without their source? Their wisdom did nothing for them. It was not their natural abilities that caused their selection. It was what Jesus would speak into them as He taught them His words. This much, we still have. The necessary words—all the necessary words—preserved in the book we preach each week. As the Lord’s church, we are each chosen to be messengers of the truth and of the power it miraculously speaks. Use it and see the difference it will make in your life.
Pastor V. Mark Smith