Twelve Were Chosen
A Study of the Original Apostles
Introduction to the Apostles
Estrategia pedagógica
The focus of this lesson is to introduce the series of the study of the original apostles. Of special note is a discussion of the difference between a disciple and an apostle, how Jesus prepared himself for selecting the twelve, their makeup and task. The lesson concludes with what the apostles had to overcome and how we learn from this.
Resultados del aprendizaje de los estudiantes
- Know: Learn the characteristics of the apostles that enable us to influence others for Jesus.
- Feel: Value the apostles as role models in serving the Lord.
- Do: Apply the characteristics of the apostles in our life of faithful service to the Lord.
Cuerpo de la lección
Preguntas de discusión
A continuación se sugieren preguntas para utilizar durante la parte de debate guiado de la lección. También se sugieren respuestas a las preguntas para ayudar a los alumnos a comprender los distintos conceptos. Se proporcionan para ayudar al debate y no se consideran respuestas "correctas o incorrectas".
1. What is the difference between a disciple of Christ and an apostle?
A disciple is a follower of Christ. This person seeks to live by the teachings of Jesus. An apostle for Jesus is also a disciple but was specifically appointed by Jesus and given powers and gifts to fulfill their mission of proclaiming Him as the Son of God and Savior. A disciple is given salvation as a gift of the Holy Spirit upon baptism. A disciple does not possess miracles gifts. There are no more apostles today, but those who proclaim obedient faith in Jesus and are baptized by immersion in water become disciples and remain so as they live faithfully.
2. What is significant about Jesus praying before selecting the twelve disciples?
Although we don't have the text of that prayer, we know Jesus prayed to the Father continually for the success of His ministry and for His disciples. We can see a similar prayer in John 17 as He prepared for His torture and death. A key element of that prayer was for the disciples, and for us as we become disciples. We learn from this example to pray for guidance as we live for our Lord.
3. What is significant about Jesus selecting twelve apostles?
This number represents the twelve tribes of Israel and is symbolic of leaders in God's new Kingdom.
Jesus gave the apostles the authority to act on His behalf. The expression of "binding" is a strong statement meaning God will use their decision as the standard. Because of this granted authority, today we follow the teachings of the apostles (Acts 2:42) as revealed in the New Testament. For example, we see God's plan for our salvation stated by Peter in Acts 2:37-38 and the outcome of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. We further have examples throughout the New Testament of putting God's will into practice as citizens in His Kingdom.
Although we cannot become an apostle, we can and must become disciples. This means to commit to following Jesus on His terms and to commit to following His teachings. We do this by recognizing Him as the Son of God and confessing our need for His salvation. We then change the focus away from ourselves and onto Him. We follow this by being baptized by immersion in water symbolizing joining in His death, burial, and resurrection. Following that saving act, we commit to following His teachings as we grow spiritually to become more and more like Him.