Have you started building your ark yet? The Lord plainly commanded the construction of an ark. “Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch” (Genesis 6:14). “Oh, that’s not for us!,” you say. “That was God’s command to Noah because of the imminent Flood!” You’re right. It’s important to discern to whom a passage is directed.

Many “Holy Spirit passages” were intended for the apostles alone. What were the mission and work of the Holy Spirit through the apostles?

What are "apostles"?

The word “apostle” transliterates the Greek term “apostolos,” which occurs 78 times in the New Testament and means “a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders” (SeedMaster computer Bible program, quoting Theological Dictionary of the New Testament).

There are various kinds of apostles recorded in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is God’s one and only apostle to the world (Hebrews 3:1). Jesus selected 12 men to be His apostles to Israel under the Limited Commission (Matthew 10:1-7; Luke 6:12-16). Eleven of these, plus Matthias, He later sent as His apostles to the world under the Great Commission (Mark 16:14-16; Acts 1:15-26).

The apostles of the Great Commission had very important roles in the divine plan of salvation. They were the divinely chosen eye-witnesses of the raised Lord (Acts 1:21-22; 10:36-42; 1 Corinthians 9:1). They were also His ambassadors to deliver with authority His will to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20; 2 Peter 3:1-2; Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). The Lord equipped them with authoritative signs (miracles, wonders) as the badge of their office (2 Corinthians 12:12). Paul was the last apostle of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:8-10).

Other men besides the apostles of Christ were apostles of the churches, i.e., they were sent out by congregations (Acts 14:14).

Our study pertains to the apostles of Christ to the world under the Great Commission.

What was their mission?

The Lord Jesus promised to send them a “Helper” (“Comforter,” King James Version) to take His place (John 14:16). The word “Helper” translates the Greek term “parakletos” which means “in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant” (SeedMaster, quoting TDNT).

The promise of the “Helper” was specifically to the apostles (John 13:1-4, 21-30; cf. Luke 22:14; John 14:16-18). By the help of the Holy Spirit the apostles of Christ received all the truth of the gospel (John 14:26; 16:13-15), were able to bear witness of Christ (John 15:26-27), and were able to prophesy the future (John 16:13).

Did the apostles fulfill their mission?

They received, revealed, and wrote down for us all the truth of the gospel (Ephesians 3:1-7). This is a once-for-all-time revelation (Jude 3), it is not to be altered (Galatians 1:6-9), and it is completely sufficient for our spiritual needs (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3-4). They also bore witness to Christ (Acts 2:22-42; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8) and prophesied the future (e.g., 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4; 2 Peter 3:1-10). Their teaching and testimony were miraculously confirmed (Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:1-4) and preserved in Scripture for all time (1 Peter 1:22-25).

Conclusion

The apostles by the help of the Holy Spirit completed their task. Thus, the work of the Holy Spirit as the Helper or Comforter has been completed. The result of their work, the New Testament, is our complete rule of faith and practice, and provides all the guidance we need to please God and go to heaven. Make it your guide and stay.