Apostles

Unit 2, Choice 3

• Review Matthew 10:1-4 and Mark 3:13-19 and highlight the names of the original Twelve Apostles.  Look up the names of three Apostles in the Bible Dictionary and write one sentence describing something you learned about each one you selected.

Matthew 10:1-4

1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 
3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphæus, and Lebbæus, whose surname was Thaddæus;
4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Simon Peter - The Lord honored Peter by selecting him to hold the keys of the kingdom on earth and despite his weaknesses, he is shown to overcome them through Christ.
James - He was one of the inner circle of three chosen to be with Jesus on certain special occasions.
Andrew - He was a disciple of John the Baptist when he met Jesus and then brought Peter to meet Jesus.  He was one of the earliest apostles.

•   Read Acts 4:33; Doctrine and Covenants 107:23; and the entry for “Apostle” in the Bible Dictionary (p. 612).  Then, write a definition for what an Apostle is.

Apostle means "one sent forth" and is not reserved for only the original Twelve, as it means one who is called to serve and be a special witness of Christ.

•  Describe in writing how the Savior’s teachings to his Apostles in Matthew 10:5-42 prepared them to be sent out to proclaim the gospel.

Christ instructs his Apostles to go in search of lost sheep.  He tells them that there will be people who deny them and their message.  He also tells them that they are a rarity and that they will be ‘as sheep amidst wolves’.  But despite the hardships, troubles, and persecution that will come, the Spirit will speak to people and that they need not worry about what to say.  He tells them of his purpose here on the earth and tells them that he will be aware of them.  At the end, he promises them divine blessings.  I believe by telling them what to generally expect, that prepares them, as well as knowing the blessings that will come because of their service.

• Read Luke 5:1-11. Explain in writing what you learn from the responses made by Peter, James, and John to the Savior’s call.  How would you apply their actions and examples in their own life?
  
  Even though they know they are sinners and probably feel inadequate of the calling, the scriptures say they 'forsook all, and followed him'.  I can do exactly as they did and when he asks me to do something, instead of second guessing or rethinking things, I can immediately obey.