Paul & Barnabas

I believe there are different shades of meaning to apostle. Technically, an apostle is one sent by Christ. When we think of an official apostolic office, we think of one who was sent directly by the risen person of Christ. Paul was converted on the road to Damascus and was given his commission by the manifestation of Christ, but Paul and Barnabas were sent for their missionary journeys by the Holy Spirit.

 

They are distinct Persons of the same Being that is God.

The typical understanding of an apostle is one who has been commissioned directly by Jesus Christ Himself in a manifestation of some sort.

Paul and Barnabas were "separated" and sent out by the Holy Spirit.

 

There were actually quite a few other apostles besides the 12, including Paul and Barnabas: Andronicus and Junia (Rom. 16:7), James the Lord's brother (Gal. 1:19), Epaphroditus (the original of Phil. 2:25 is apostolos, apostle), the messengers (apostles) of the church at Corinth (2 Cor. 8:23), etc.? In fact, Jesus Christ Himself was an Apostle (Heb. 3:1).

The 12 were special, since they will sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes, and their names will be inscribed in the foundation of the New Jerusalem. However, there is obviously a 2nd class of apostles. Most missiologists equate this second class with church-planting missionaries. (For the record, I disagree strongly with the modern Charismatic view of apostles, which is based on the heretical Manifest Sons of God doctrine of the Latter Rain movement.)

P. S. Welcome to the Baptist Board! :wavey:

 

I've done karate, judo (the avatar is me in a judo gi), etc., but my main style is a kung fu style started by Christians for ministry (evangelism and church classes). Do you practice a martial art?

 

Excellent answer.

However, this part of your response intrigued me:

Which 12? Obviously you mean the 11 who did not betray Jesus plus:

a.) Judas Iscariot?
b.) Matthias?
c.) Saul/Paul?
d.) someone else?

 

I go with Matthias, since the Scripture specifically says he was "numbered with the eleven apostles." Early church pastor Irenaeus said he was ordained to be one of the 12.

 

http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?p=1794309#post1794309

 

John I know that this was not directed to me but every time I see your avatar it reminds me of my martial arts past. I studied TKD for 6 years. Not to derail this thread but the first time I stepped foot into the dojang, this total non-athleate had a decision to make, do I quit before making a total fool out of myself or do I tough it out?

It took me 4 years to make rank. Two years later, right before testing for 2nd Dan we moved out of state. I tried a few schools in my new local but none of them really felt like home. I got involved in other things so needless to say it's all history now.

I do get the urge from time to time and if I ever get back into it would have no problem and in fact would insist on starting from square one.

 

Sounds like you have good memories! About being a non-athelete, that's the great thing about the martial arts--everyone starts ignorant! One of my best friends is a non-athlete 6th degree black belt!

 

Hopefully you got enough training to defend yourself. Of course, "music hath charms to soothe the savage breast." :type: