Mark 3:13-15, Acts 1:21-26, Galatians 1:15-17, 1 Corinthians 9:1-2
We see the words Apostle all throughout the New Testament. There is even a book of the Bible called The Acts of the Apostles. So what does it mean if your top APEST result is the Apostle? Before we dive into what that means for us I think we need to dive into who the Apostles were in the bible.
The word Apostle means “sent one.” We see God first use this word in Mark 3, and as we continue reading the New Testament scriptures we continue to see this word referenced. The apostles were the “sent ones”. Chosen by God to be with Him, and to go out and teach with authority. The apostles of old are even described as the foundations of the church, and their teaching were meant to uphold and guide the church.
So what does that mean for those of us with the spiritual gift of “Apostle”?
The spiritual gifts test isn’t meant to be a defining calling on our lives, it is a tool to help us understand our ministry style. It measures our ministry motivations and the ways our ministry is expressed in the world around us. As “Apostles” we often operate as the “sent ones”, naturally extending the Gospel to the places around us. As Apostles we are often drawn toward the next thing. New people, new places, new ideas, we love the change and fast paced nature of ministry. It is often those with the Apostle gifting who are planning out ways to reach new people or dreaming about planting a new village.
As Apostles we challenge the church. We are able to influence and remind our brothers and sisters of the Gospel and why it’s important to share it. We are willing to take risks and try new things. But we must be careful, as the pioneers, we often don’t love being the “finishers.” We need the shepherd/teacher’s voices to help us care for the needs of those around us and not just bulldoze them on our way to starting the next best thing.
As you read these scriptures today, spend some time thanking God for the Apostles that have gone before us. Ask Him to reveal where He is working around you and pray for wisdom on what needs to be started at your site.
