disciples and apostles (sent ones) 531-1 - 9 - 2

A disciple is an apprentice and a follower.  When Disciples are sent, they become an “apostle”; a “sent one” with delegated authority.

Jesus sent the disciples out to preach the Gospel, a test of their becoming apostles, sent ones. They went out on what could be called “a wing and a prayer.” Luke 9:3, “And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.”

Jesus had given the apostles power and authority. Luke 9:1, “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power (G1411) and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.” 

Power, G1411, From G1410; force; specifically, miraculous power ability, abundance, worker of miracles, power, strength, violence, mighty work. G1410, be able, can do, could, may, might, be possible, be of power.

Authority, G1849, in the sense of ability; privilege, subjectively force, capacity, competency, mastery concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control, delegated influence: - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

“The Lord not only had power and authority to perform miracles, but He conferred this power and authority on others. Power means strength or ability. Authority means the right to use it. The message of the disciples was confirmed by signs and wonders (Hebrews 2:3-4) in the absence of the complete Bible in written form. God can heal miraculously, but whether healing should still accompany the preaching of the gospel is certainly questionable.”

 [Believer’s Bible Commentary]

Hebrews 2:4, “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?”

The gospel was given directly by Jesus to the apostles who shared the Gospel with the early Christians.

The apostles returned with many success stories, nevertheless, at least one failure. Jesus had to heal the boy with an Unclean Spirit. The boy’s father cried out saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son for he is mine only son.” Luke 9:40, “And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.” So the apostles were still a work in progress.

Where do I fit in? I’m a disciple, an apprentice and a follower of Jesus. I’m a work in progress.