Vision for Mission: Nurturing an Apostolic Heart

Append i x

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Apostleship as an Ongoing Spiritual Gift, continued

The designation of the Twelve as ‘the apostles,’ which occurs only here in Mark’s Gospel, has specific reference to the mission they have just under taken. In this context the term is descriptive of the disciples’ function rather than an official title and could be rendered ‘missionaries.’ It was in consequence of their mission of preaching and exorcism in Galilee that the Twelve were designated ‘apostles,’ i.e. those who had been sent forth and empowered by Jesus. ~ William L. Lane. The Gospel of Mark. The New International Commentary on the New Testament . Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1974. p. 224.

Although it is clear that apostles were “sent” people, there is vigorous dispute as to whether the term means a “missionary” generally or whether it should be confined to the Twelve (with a few additions like Paul).

~ Leon Morris. New Testament Theology . Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986. p. 78.