Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession… (Hebrews 3:1)

Formally we think of apostles as the original twelve disciples identified in the gospel accounts (Matt 10:2, Mark 6:30, Luke 6:13). But the term “apostle” came to be used of a wider circle of disciples in the early church with the inclusion of Barnabas and Paul (Acts 14:14, Rom 1:1), James the half-brother of Jesus (Gal 1:19), Apollos (1 Cor 4:6-9) and Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25), among others.

The word “apostle” does not seem to be used as a title but as a description. Certainly, the Scripture speaks of the gift of apostle (Eph 4:11). In its most basic meaning, an apostle is a “sent one,” an ambassador who represents and carries the authority of the One who sent him. Clearly, the original twelve were called and sent by Christ. Paul understood clearly that he was appointed by God to be His representative to the Gentiles (read Galatians 1-2). And the church was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Eph 2:20).

As with many truths of the Christian faith, whatever God has called any of us to, He embodies to the fullest. Jesus Christ is “the Apostle” of our confession. Never is anyone else referred to as “the” apostle. Paul always referred to himself as “an” apostle. Peter the same. John simply never referred to himself with that term, although we read frequently in the Gospel According to John that Jesus was the sent One from God. Jesus is the sent one, who in turn sent out others to spread His message. He is the Apostle, par excellence!

John writes: “For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God” (John 3:34). And continually we read Jesus testifying about His apostleship, that is, His being sent from God:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24)

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” (John 6:29)

Our confession is this: We believe that Jesus is the sent One from God, who came into this world to save sinners. This is absolutely central to our faith for salvation. There is no other way of salvation. He is the Apostle, the sent One of our confession. And believing this we have been saved.

Lord, I believe the Father has sent You specifically to me, for You are the Apostle of my confession.