Weird Ideas: Apostolic Churchনমুনা

As Christians, we share in the apostolic ministry. That’s not to say we’re apostles in the strict sense. The New Testament seems to reserve that term for those early eye-witnesses of Jesus commissioned by him: people like Peter and John, Andrew and Thomas, Bartholomew and Paul, Matthias, and possibly others like Andronicus and Junia. But like them, we are ambassadors. And like them, we have the authority to speak for Jesus today.

I grew up in a liturgical church where, after a time of confession, the pastor would say, “I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” It gives some people hives. How can a mere man have the audacity to think he has the authority to forgive sins? (Jesus was once challenged in the same way.)

He has the authority because Jesus gave him the authority. Every Christian, speaking wisely, can say with authority to a repentant person, “You are forgiven!” Not “I think you’re forgiven” or “I hope God forgives you.” No. With the full authority of Jesus and the voice of Jesus on their lips, “Forgiven!” They can speak as the mouthpiece of Christ, as though Jesus is speaking through them. That’s what an ambassador does.

It doesn’t stop there. It’s also authority to speak words of truth. Words of comfort. Words of assurance. Words of warning. Words of hope. We are not left guessing. God revealed something to his apostles that has been handed down to us. When God’s word is clear, we can tell people with certainty, this is true for you! And like the apostles, God may establish that authority through gifts he gives us to exercise his power and presence in people’s lives too.

Jesus told his disciples, “You will do greater things than these” (John 14:12). This, through ordinary believers like the original apostles, and people like you and me. It’s the apostolic church in action. Ordinary people through whom God does extraordinary things.