The Apostles in brief
2 Cor 3:18
And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit. AMP
We, just as the Apostles, are called to a state of salvation out of darkness characterized by idolatry, superstition, and ungodliness, fear , doubt, hatred , timidity, and greediness into the Gospel dispensation, which is God, his nature, will, and gracious promises toward mankind.
We are to exhibit a holy and useful life being transformed into the image of God, and walking as Christ himself our leader walked.
Anyone who becomes a disciple of Jesus Christ automatically becomes a leader. We are called and disciples to evangelize and disciple those we call through the Holy Spirit.
Although Andrew was the first disciple who introduced Peter to the Master he was not resentful or jealous as Peter became their leader, he was content in a second place. This is a virtue of a Christian should learn.
Bartholomew was the only disciple from a royal blood however, some scholars disagree, but he laid aside the pride of royalty. He was a great scholar among the prophets, and a man of prayer, he completely surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ which is a treasured virtue of all Christians.
James the brother of John was a man of courage and forgiveness; he was not a man of jealousy, as he lived in the shadow of John. John, mellowed with time and at the latter part of his life, he had forgotten everything, including his ambition and explosive temper, except his Lord’s command of love .This is a transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the Christian.
Judas Iscariot is the mystery of the New Testament because he was close to Jesus, and saw so many miracles and heard so much from the Master’s teaching, yet he betrayed the Lord into the hands of his enemies. As Christians we are to learn from the example of Judas.
Jude was a Nationalistic with a dream of world power and through his interactions with Jesus; Jesus indicated that the way to power is love. Christians are called to love and not to lord it over others.
Matthew was educated and rich yet it was possible to reform a man like Matthew, with God all things are possible. Matthew became a missionary of the Gospel who lay down his life for the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ.
No matter how many times Peter had fallen and failed, he always recovered his courage and integrity.
He always had the Grace from the Lord. This is a great virtue of a Christian.
Philip teaches us two things about leadership; first it teaches us not to argue with our prospects and to show simplicity of faith in Christ.
Thomas became known as Doubting Thomas. Thomas became certain by doubting, he was a man who could not believe until he has seen .Thomas doubts were transformed into faith.
These short falls in the lives of the Apostles during their transformation period will help us to see the work of the Holy Spirit in our live as we are being transformed.
