Matthew: The 12 Apostles

What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle? In Matthew 10:1-23, Jesus chooses twelve ordinary men, gives them His authority, and sends them out. Dr. Toby Holt explains what set the apostles apart and what Jesus warned them to expect. Moved with compassion for crowds like sheep without a shepherd, Jesus called twelve unlikely men — fishermen, a tax collector, even Judas. Holt distinguishes a disciple, who patterns his life after his teacher, from an apostle, uniquely sent with the sender's authority. Jesus sent them first to Israel and warned they would be "sheep among wolves," facing rejection. Those who endure to the end will be saved. Questions this study answers: 1. What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle? A disciple follows and imitates his teacher — true of every believer. An apostle was specially sent with Christ's own authority, a unique office. 2. What warnings did Jesus give? That they would be like sheep among wolves, facing rejection, arrest, even betrayal by family. He told them to be wise and to endure. 3. What were the apostles sent to do? To preach, heal, and call people to repentance with Christ's authority, beginning with Israel — carrying His message as His representatives. "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." — Matthew 10:16 (NKJV) Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.