In Christianity, the term “apostolic” refers to the idea that every Christian is called to be a messenger or ambassador of the Gospel, just as the original apostles were. The word “apostle” referred to someone who is sent. To say then that we are all apostolic refers to our inherent DNA as Jesus Followers as being those sent and commissioned by Jesus. We are sent into our society with the message and hope of the Gospel as ambassadors. Paul makes this clear in his letter to the Corinthian Christians. He says,

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

This entire understanding of Christians being apostolic comes from Matthew 28:18-20 when Jesus gives the command to “Go.” He instructed all of them to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. This commission is not limited to the apostles of Jesus’ time, but extends to all believers throughout history. This truth that all of us are apostolic should not be confused with those called by God into the ministry of Apostle as seen in Ephesians 4:11. This is something similar but different. It would be considered a “governmental office” within church leadership. It is not a title, but a servanthood function. More on this in another post.

I encourage you to remember your identity as a Christian. That you and I both are to be actively sharing the message of salvation, demonstrating God’s love through compassionate action, and living a life aligned with the fruit of the Spirit and power of God. We are all meant to be vessels of God’s grace and presence.

I encourage you to recognize that wherever you are in your life; you were sent there to be on a mission. As Christians, we do not merely exist… we advance. The challenge is are we advancing our own agenda or the Kingdom agenda? Being apostolic, it should be clear we are to be all about the Father’s business.

Keep your eyes and ears open.

Be available for the Holy Spirit to use you for His purposes.

Be baptized in the Holy Spirit to better move forward in power in your apostolic calling as a follower of Jesus.

At the end of the day, no matter what, you are an ambassador.

Who are you representing?