“Men On A Mission”

Monday, August 11, 2014

     In Acts 14:14, Paul and Barnabas are specifically referred to as "apostles".  They both don't seem to fit the qualifications of being an apostle from Acts 1:21-26.  Can you explain?

Sincerely,
Skeptical

Dear Skeptical,

The word ‘apostle’ means ‘one sent forth’.  We associate the word apostle with the apostles of Christ, but technically speaking, anyone sent forth by another is a type of apostle.  Paul was an apostle of Jesus because Jesus specifically sent him forth to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15), and the Bible often refers to him as an apostle of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:1, Gal 1:1).  However, there is debate over whether or not Barnabas was an apostle of Christ.  Acts 14:14 is the only place that Barnabas is referred to as an apostle, and we are still left with the question of who sent Barnabas.  Acts 13:3-4 says that Barnabas and Paul were sent forth by the church in Antioch and the Holy Spirit to preach throughout Cyprus and Galatia.  It is most likely that “sending forth” that is referred to in Acts 14:14.  That would make Barnabas an apostle of the church in Antioch, but not Jesus’ apostle.

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