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The Holy Spirit and the Apostle
Keith Sharp
    Introduction
  1. We must note to whom Scripture is speaking. - e.g., Genesis 6:14
  2. Many "Holy Spirit passages" were intended for the apostles alone.
  3. What was the mission and work of the Holy Spirit through the apostles?
  1. What are "apostles"?
    1. definition of apostolos (78 NT occurrences) "a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders" (SeedMaster computer Bible program, quoting Theological Dictionary of the New Testament)
    2. Jesus is God's apostle to the world. - Hebrews 3:1
    3. Jesus selected 12 to be His apostles to Israel (Limited Commission). - Luke 6:12-16; Matthew 10:1-7
    4. Eleven of these, plus Matthias, He later sent as His apostles to the world (Great Commission). - Mark 16:14-16; Acts 1:15-26
      1. They were eye-witnesses of the raised Lord. - Acts 1:21-22; 10:36-42; 1 Corinthians 9:1
      2. They were 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
      3. He equipped them with authoritative signs as the badge of their office. - 2 Corinthians 12:12
      4. Paul was the last of the apostles of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:8-10
    5. Other men besides the apostles of Christ were apostles of the churches, i.e., they were sent out by congregations. - e.g., Acts 14:14; Romans 16:7
    6. Our study pertains to the apostles of Christ to the world under the Great Commission.

  2. What was their mission?
    1. Jesus promised to send them a "Helper" to take His place. - John 14:16
      1. definition: parakletos: 1) summoned, called to one's side, esp. called to one's aid 1a) one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate 1b) one who pleads another's cause with one, an intercessor .... 1c) in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant 1c1) of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father (SeedMaster, quoting TDNT).
      2. The promise of the "Helper" ("Comforter," King James Version) was specifically to the apostles. - John 13:1-4, 21-30; cf. Mark 14:17-21; John 14:16-18
    2. By the help of the Holy Spirit the apostles of Christ:
      1. received all the truth of the gospel. - John 14:26; 16:13-15
      2. were able to bear witness of Christ. - John 15:26-27
      3. were able to prophesy the future. - John 16:13
  3. Did they fulfill their mission?
    1. They received, revealed, and wrote down for us all the truth of the gospel. - Ephesians 3:1-7
      1. This is a once-for-all-time revelation. - Jude 3
      2. It is not to be altered. - Galatians 1:6-9
      3. It is completely sufficient for our spiritual needs. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3-4
    2. They bore witness to Christ. - Acts 2:22-42; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
    3. They prophesied the future. - e.g. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4; 2 Peter 3:1-10
    4. Their teaching and testimony were miraculously confirmed. - Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:1-4
    Conclusion
  1. The apostles by the help of the Holy Spirit completed their work.
  2. The result of their work, the New Testament, is our complete rule of faith and practice, and all the guidance we need to please God and go to heaven.
  3. Make it your guide and stay.
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