What Did the Apostle Do After Jesus’s Resurrection? A Biblical Exploration
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. But what happened next? What did the apostles do after Jesus’s resurrection? This question is not only historically significant but also spiritually enriching. The Bible provides a detailed account of the apostles’ actions, their transformation, and their mission to spread the Gospel. In this post, we will explore their journey step by step, supported by evidence from the Word of God.
What Did the Apostle Do After Jesus Resurrection? An Overview
After Jesus resurrection, the apostles transitioned from being fearful followers to bold proclaimers of the Gospel. Their actions were guided by Jesus’s teachings, His appearances, and the Great Commission. Let’s dive into the biblical evidence to understand their post-resurrection activities.
What Did the Apostle Do After Jesus Resurrection
The Apostle Witnessed the Risen Christ
The first thing the apostles did after Jesus’s resurrection was to witness His appearances. Jesus appeared to them multiple times, proving He was alive and fulfilling His promises.
Appearance to Mary Magdalene and the Disciples
After His resurrection, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18). Later, He appeared to the disciples, showing them His wounds and eating with them to prove He was not a ghost (Luke 24:36-43).
Appearance to Thomas
Thomas, who initially doubted the resurrection, was invited by Jesus to touch His wounds. This encounter led Thomas to declare, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:24-29).
Appearance to the Eleven Apostles Jesus appeared to the eleven apostles on a mountain in Galilee, where He gave them the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).
These appearances strengthened the apostles’ faith and prepared them for their mission.
What Did the Apostle Do After Jesus Resurrection
The Apostles Received the Great Commission
One of the most significant actions of the apostles after Jesus’s resurrection was receiving the Great Commission. Jesus commanded them to spread the Gospel to all nations.
Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Mark 16:15
Jesus instructed, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
The apostles took this command seriously and began their mission to share the Good News.
What Did the Apostle Do After Jesus Resurrection
The Apostles Waited for the Holy Spirit
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus instructed the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:4-5
Jesus said, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 1:8
He added, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The apostles obeyed and waited in Jerusalem, devoting themselves to prayer (Acts 1:14).
What Did the Apostle Do After Jesus Resurrection
The Apostles Preached the Gospel Boldly
After receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the apostles began preaching the Gospel with boldness and power.
Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost
In Acts 2:14-41, Peter delivered a powerful sermon, explaining Jesus’s death and resurrection. About 3,000 people were baptized that day.
What Did the Apostle Do After Jesus Resurrection
Healing in Jesus’s Name
The apostles performed miracles in Jesus’s name, such as healing a lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10).
What Did the Apostle Do After Jesus Resurrection
Facing Persecution
Despite opposition from religious leaders, the apostles continued to preach. Peter and John declared, “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
What Did the Apostle Do After Jesus Resurrection
The Apostles Established the Early Church
The apostles played a crucial role in establishing and nurturing the early Christian church.
Acts 2:42-47
The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their possessions and met daily in the temple.
Appointing Leaders
The apostles appointed deacons to manage the distribution of food, ensuring the church’s needs were met (Acts 6:1-7).
Spreading the Gospel Beyond Jerusalem
As persecution increased, the apostles and other believers spread the Gospel to Judea, Samaria, and beyond (Acts 8:1-4).
What Did the Apostle Do After Jesus Resurrection
The Apostles Wrote the New Testament
The apostles’ teachings and experiences were recorded in the New Testament, guiding future generations.
Paul’s Letters
Although not one of the original twelve, Paul became an apostle and wrote many letters to early churches, such as the Romans, Corinthians, and Ephesians.
Peter’s Letters
Peter wrote two epistles, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith (1 Peter 1:1-2).
John’s Writings
John wrote the Gospel of John, three letters, and the Book of Revelation, emphasizing love and truth.
What Did the Apostle Do After Jesus Resurrection
The Apostles Suffered for Their Faith
The apostles faced immense suffering and persecution for their faith, yet they remained steadfast.
Acts 5:40-42
After being flogged, the apostles rejoiced “because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”
Martyrdom
Many apostles, including Peter and Paul, were martyred for their faith. Their courage inspired countless believers.
Conclusion:
What Did the Apostles Do After Jesus Resurrection?
The apostle actions after Jesus’s resurrection were transformative. They witnessed the risen Christ, received the Great Commission, waited for the Holy Spirit, preached boldly, established the early church, wrote the New Testament, and suffered for their faith. Their dedication and obedience laid the foundation for Christianity as we know it today.
By studying their journey, we are reminded of the power of the resurrection and the importance of sharing the Gospel. What did the apostles do after Jesus’s resurrection? They changed the world, and their legacy continues to inspire us.
