The King and His Kingdom

The intent of this question is to further illustrate that we work as servants of the Master. We respond to His will and timeline for us. The apostles came from a wide variety of backgrounds possessing the raw materials to further the Kingdom of God. Left alone they had no specific interest or indication that they would become the instruments of God's will. As their knowledge of Jesus grew and their understanding of their role, they grew to be what God wanted them to become.

Today, each of us come from a variety of backgrounds and possess the raw materials for the Master to use. Our education, experience and abilities can be used to serve God as He needs. Part of the refining process we go through is how we learn to interact and support one another, adapt our abilities to meet each other's needs and to use them as a body to meet our mission for the Lord.

Paul teaches this in Romans 12. He begins by saying we present ourselves as a living sacrifice. We are transformed to learn and obey God's will. We grow in the grace God offers us. We develop the characteristics of true Christian servants. We then reach out to others, no matter the circumstances or abilities, to bring the gospel to them.

Paul teaches us in I Corinthians 12 that we possess gifts from God for use in His service. We sometimes want to be gifted with wonderful gifts and powers but that isn't God's plan. The simple and routine become magnified by God's power (II Corinthians 4:7).

Paul teaches us in Ephesians 4 that God has given us not only different gifts, but different roles. We are to use these to equip the saints to fulfill our role in God's Kingdom.

There will be various insights into this comparison but look for elements of the following. Both periods began with little resistance. His popularity first grew as God's power was seen in Him and what Jesus taught was heard. The miracles He performed, and the numbers of disciples grew as His ministry spread throughout the nation. In Acts 2 we see the apostles teaching and performing miracles and signs. The numbers of disciples grew significantly. In both cases, it did not take long for Satan to begin a counterattack. In both cases Satan worked through the established religion of the day to deliver his first attack against Jesus and His disciples and then, later on, against the young church.

This number symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel. Later, in Acts 1:15-18, Peter pointed this out as they chose Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot.

This title designates someone as a representative of the Master who has power from the Master and the right (and responsibility) to use it. Note: In this case, it was an additional indication of the deity of Jesus as He transferred spiritual and physical power to another. Later, the apostles could transfer some spiritual gifts to others, but they in turn were not able to transfer those powers to other disciples.

In each listing of the apostles, Peter is named first. The other apostles are sequenced according to their closeness to Jesus. The first four were His "inner-circle" that were with Him at significant events in His ministry. The lists that include Judas Iscariot always list him last and include the indictment of his role in the betrayal and death of Jesus. Note: Their ranking, however, does not indicate a lower level of power or responsibility.

They were eyewitnesses to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. They were instrumental in establishing and facilitating the growth of the church. They confirmed and recorded the teachings of Jesus for future generations.

They were to go to Jews only, not gentiles or Samaritans. This was to fulfill the prophecy from Joel 2:28-32.

They had the power to perform similar miracles that Jesus performed as a confirmation His message and demonstrate His authority over sin, disease and nature.

They were to take no money, luggage, extra clothing, shoes or staffs. This showed their reliance on the power and resources that Jesus provided them. This arrangement helped them place their entire reliance on God to supply their everyday needs.

They were to inquire who was worthy and stay at their house (worthy means willing to listen and believe). They were to bless the house if worthy and disregard those not worthy.

Some rejected their message and even persecuted them for it. However, they had to go anyways. This is still our charge today. Regardless of the situation or possible negative outcome, we are to look for opportunities to carry the gospel of Christ to all the world, where we can, when we can and as we can. This is the primary responsibility of disciples then, and now. The end result of this is that the preaching of the gospel will spread the borders of the Kingdom. The gospel will also cause division as some in families will believe and others will not. Division is not the purpose of the gospel but it is often the result.

They (and we) are not to be surprised by their response. Some at that time rejected our Lord and will also reject Him today. Those who carry the message should not be surprised or discouraged by this.

The gospel demands loyalty. Although the apostles had authority and power as representatives of Jesus, they did not have the authority or power to deviate from His message. Later, as the apostles took on the role Jesus intended for them, they did exercise authority given them by Jesus to carry out their mission. This also was power given to them by God (Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18). One thing that does not change is that those that receive our Lord will be rewarded. This is a promise that may not be fulfilled in one's lifetime, but like all promises by God, it will be fulfilled.

This passage reflects a charge given to the apostles that would eventually be made their mission. It is now our role to continue with this charge (Matthew 28:18-20) as faithful disciples. The charge to trust in our Lord and His message, and to stay faithful to the task will result in the same outcomes: God is glorified, souls are brought into a relationship with God and we will be rewarded as faithful servants.