What is Apostolic Action?
Apostolic action refers to the work and ministry carried out by the apostles of Jesus Christ to spread the gospel message and establish the early Christian church. The term “apostolic” relates to the apostles who were the earliest followers of Jesus and the founders of the church. After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, he commanded his apostles to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This Great Commission launched the apostles into evangelistic action to preach the good news of salvation through Christ.
The book of Acts records the apostles’ work in taking the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the apostles boldly preached the resurrection of Jesus and performed miraculous signs and wonders to confirm their message (Acts 2:22-43). Their apostolic action included planting churches, appointing leaders, writing Scriptures that would guide future generations, and modeling lives of service, sacrifice and devotion to Christ.
Several important aspects characterized the apostles’ ministry:
Proclamation of the Gospel – The apostles’ primary activity was preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. They called people to repent, believe in Christ, and receive forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Their message focused on salvation through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Making Disciples – In addition to evangelism, the apostles taught new believers to obey Christ’s commands. They instructed converts on Christian doctrine and modeled a Christian way of life. Their goal was to make fully devoted followers of Jesus.
Planting Churches – Wherever people responded to the gospel, the apostles gathered them into local church communities for worship, teaching, fellowship and service. The churches provided structure for disciple-making.
Exercising Spiritual Gifts – As the early church expanded, the apostles appointed elders, deacons and evangelists to lead new congregations (Acts 14:23; Ephesians 4:11-12). They activated spiritual gifts among believers, such as prophecy, healing and tongues (1 Corinthians 12:7-10).
Performing Miracles – The apostles performed miraculous signs and wonders to confirm they were sent by God and to draw people to the gospel (Acts 5:12-16). Examples include healings, exorcisms and even raising the dead (Acts 3:1-10, 16:16-18, 20:7-12).
Writing Scripture – Apostles like Matthew, John, Paul and Peter contributed inspired writings to the New Testament. Their letters instructed the early churches and became part of the canon of Scripture.
Suffering Persecution – The apostles endured intense opposition, hardship, ridicule, beatings and imprisonment as they traveled spreading the faith (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Their example of joy and endurance amidst trials strengthened emerging Christianity.
The apostles launched Christianity from an obscure Jewish sect to a thriving religious movement that spread across the Roman empire. Their apostolic action established the foundational doctrines, practices, leadership and writings that shaped Christianity for future generations. The apostles fulfilled Christ’s commission by devoting their lives to preaching the gospel and making disciples throughout the world.
Biblical Examples of Apostolic Action
The book of Acts provides many examples of the apostles living out their God-given mission:
Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost – Recently filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter preaches the gospel to crowds in Jerusalem, proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Messiah. Thousands respond by repenting and getting baptized (Acts 2:14-41).
Healing the Lame Beggar – Peter heals a crippled beggar in Jesus’ name, demonstrating Christ’s power. Peter tells the astonished crowds to repent and turn to God (Acts 3:1-26).
Filling a Need in the Early Church – The apostles appoint seven Spirit-filled men to distribute food fairly to Greek and Hebraic widows, preserving unity and enabling the apostles to focus on preaching the word (Acts 6:1-7).
Taking the Gospel Outside Jerusalem – Persecution scatters believers from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria, spreading Christianity. Philip evangelizes Samaria and an Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:1-40).
Saul’s Conversion – The risen Christ appears to the persecuting Saul, converting him from enemy to apostle. Saul (Paul) is commissioned to preach the gospel to Gentiles (Acts 9:1-19).
Peter and the First Gentile Convert – Peter baptizes the Roman centurion Cornelius, signaling the gospel is for Gentiles too. The church realizes God grants repentance to everyone (Acts 10).
Paul’s Missionary Journeys – Paul and companions proclaim the gospel and plant churches throughout Asia Minor and Europe, spreading Christianity far beyond its Jewish origins (Acts 13-28).
These examples reveal how the apostles implemented Christ’s commission to make disciples of all nations through evangelism, church-planting, exercising spiritual gifts, teaching doctrine, appointing leaders and enduring persecution. Their apostolic action launched the growth and spread of Christianity in the first century.
The Apostles’ Teachings on Apostolic Action
In addition to the historical narratives in Acts, the New Testament letters provide insights into the apostles’ perspectives on ministry:
Paul on the Call to Preach – Paul describes his intense conviction to preach the gospel. He was entrusted with a commission from God to spread the word (1 Corinthians 9:16-17).
Peter on Using Gifts to Serve – Peter instructs fellow believers to use their spiritual gifts to serve one another. Each person has received a gift to be a good steward of (1 Peter 4:10).
John on the Need for Eyewitnesses – John emphasizes the authority of the apostles as eyewitnesses of Christ’s ministry. Their firsthand testimony is trustworthy (2 Peter 1:16-19).
Matthew on Teaching Obedience – Jesus instructs the apostles to teach disciples to obey everything he commanded. Their teaching role preserves his teachings (Matthew 28:20).
Paul on Enduring Hardship – Paul says that apostles are “fools for Christ,” facing hardship, dishonor, persecution and death for the ministry. Yet Christ strengthens them (1 Corinthians 4:9-13).
Peter on Shepherding the Flock – Peter exhorts fellow elders to be examples and shepherds to the flock, serving eagerly and exercising oversight willingly (1 Peter 5:1-4).
These passages provide theological grounding for the apostles’ practices. They saw themselves as eyewitnesses called by God to preach the gospel, make disciples, plant churches, serve using spiritual gifts, teach obedience, model sacrifice, and lead as humble shepherds. They endured immense challenges to fulfill their apostolic mission.
Principles and Characteristics of Apostolic Action
Drawing insights from Acts and the apostles’ writings, we can summarize principles and defining traits of apostolic ministry:
Empowered by the Holy Spirit – The apostles were filled with the Spirit to be Christ’s witnesses (Acts 1:8). The Spirit emboldened their preaching, affirmed their message through miracles, propelled missionary expansion, and guided decision-making.
Centered on Jesus’ Life and Teaching – The apostles focused on preaching Jesus’ death and resurrection, affirming his identity as Lord and Messiah. They taught obedience to his commands and sought to follow his example.
Marked by Sacrifice and Suffering – The apostles embraced a life of danger, difficulty, persecution, and self-denial in order to spread the gospel. They rejoiced to suffer for Christ’s name (Acts 5:41).
Driven by Urgent Mission – The apostles shared an intense, God-given conviction to advance the gospel, evidenced by their bold, far-reaching ministries. Paul felt obligated to preach the word (Romans 1:14-15).
Faithful to Jesus’ Commission – The apostles obeyed Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. Even persecution could not stop their apostolic action (Matthew 28:19-20).
Concerned with Doctrine and Teaching – The apostles instructed new believers in truth, appointed pastors, and wrote Scriptures to preserve sound doctrine for future generations. Right teaching accompanied evangelism.
Empowering New Leaders – The apostles developed a multiplication strategy by raising up elders, deacons and evangelists to lead new churches and carry on their mission.
Dependent on God’s Grace – Although diligent and faithful, the apostles relied on God’s grace and strength. They were servants through whom God worked mightily (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Their apostolic work flowed from intimacy with Christ, enabling ongoing gospel ministry for generations to come.
Keys to Apostolic Action Today
While the apostolic era ended with the first century, principles from the apostles’ ministry remain instructive for followers of Jesus today:
1. Be empowered by the Spirit – Carry out ministry in the Spirit’s wisdom and power, not merely human effort. Pray for boldness, purity and supernatural effectiveness.
2. Focus on Jesus – Build ministry on scriptural truth about Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, teachings and power. Worship and obey him wholeheartedly.
3. Live sacrificially – Be willing to sacrifice comforts and endure hardship for the sake of the gospel. Pour out your life serving God and others.
4. Pursue urgent mission – Cultivate an intense conviction that unbelievers need Jesus. Make gospel proclamation and disciple-making highest priorities.
5. Multiply workers – Develop new leaders and release them to plant churches, teach truth, use gifts and advance the mission. Mentor faithful workers.
6. Value doctrine – Combine evangelism with sound biblical instruction to produce mature disciples rooted in truth. Appoint doctrinally qualified leaders.
7. Depend on God’s grace – Rely fully on God rather than self-effort. Pray for supernatural results only God can produce. Give him all the glory.
By following these principles, believers today can carry forward the apostles’ missional legacy as the gospel continues spreading across the earth to all peoples and nations, just as Jesus commanded.
Conclusion
Apostolic action describes the pioneering first-century ministry of Christ’s apostles as they fulfilled their God-given mission. With boldness, urgency and self-sacrifice, they devoted themselves to preaching the gospel, making disciples, planting churches, writing Scriptures and suffering persecution, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The apostles’ example provides a model for gospel ministry. By studying their practices, teachings and principles, we gain insights into the essence of ministry as envisioned by Jesus’ earliest followers. These apostolic patterns laid the foundation for Christianity and can help guide our obedience to Christ’s Great Commission today. Just as the apostles’ ministry sparked a movement that turned the world upside down, apostolic action remains key to advancing God’s kingdom worldwide until Christ returns.