Description
GLOSSARY
accuser, see the satan
age to come, see present age
apostle, disciple, the Twelve
‘Apostle’ means ‘one who is sent’. It could be used of an ambassador or official delegate. In the New Testament it is sometimes used specifically of Jesus’ inner circle of twelve; but Paul sees not only himself but several others outside the Twelve as ‘apostles’, the criterion being whether the person had personally seen the risen Jesus. Jesus’ own choice of twelve close associates symbolized his plan to renew God’s people, Israel; after the death of Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27.5; Acts 1.18) Matthias was chosen by lot to take his place, preserving the symbolic meaning. During Jesus’ lifetime they, and many other followers, were seen as his ‘disciples’, which means ‘pupils’ or ‘apprentices’...