The word “apostle” is
a fascinating word.
Though it is primarily a religious word today, it was a common word
in the first century.
Today we would likely use the word “representative.”
The word basically meant “to send someone on a mission.”
In that world typically a person of superiority would send
someone to represent him.
This was much as the President might send his ambassador.
The ambassador does not represent himself (or herself) or
personal interest, but represents the voice and interest of the
President. The word was
not limited to political considerations.
One might be represented in a number of matters.
It takes a special person to accurately represent
another. Much more is involved than mouthing the sender’s words on
the occasion you serve as his (her) spokesman.
The spokesperson may say precisely what he (she) was told to
say in “the meeting,” but behave offensively outside “the meeting”
leaving an awful impression.
To be a good representative requires thoughtfulness and
unselfishness that considers detail and implication all the time—it
requires being and
saying.
The word “apostle” was used by the New Testament
writers to refer to the 12 men Jesus selected and to all who
represented Jesus.
Though none of us would ever be qualified to be one of the 12 (Acts
1:21, 22), all we who live by faith in Jesus represent Jesus to
others. It is no small
task to represent Jesus Christ to others
every day in all of life.
As Jesus’ representative, what impression do you leave?
Link to other Writings of David Chadwell