And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 2 Timothy 1:11
First, let us remember that the word "gospel" translated here means "good news". Now, with that said, let's look at the words Paul used to describe us - I mean Paul...
This short verse tells not only why Paul served, but the three key roles in which he served. He served because of the gospel, as noted in the prior verse. He was "appointed" or called to be "a preacher and apostle and teacher." Though closely related, these three terms are each rich in meaning.
Paul's role as "preacher" is from the Greek kēryx. This term specifically refers to a herald: a person who declares news, especially on behalf of a king. The modern world would define this role somewhat like an ambassador.
The term "apostle" comes directly from the Greek apostolos, and literally means a "sent one." The original 12 disciples - excluding Judas Iscariot but including Matthias - served as the first apostles (Acts 1). Others, including Paul, were mentioned as apostles in the early church in an official sense. In Ephesians 4:11, apostles were mentioned alongside prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers as those called to equip the saints.
Paul was literally an apostle - a "sent one" - in the sense of being sent by God to deliver the gospel to new lands. Today, people may serve in missionary roles like Paul but do not serve in the same manner as an early apostle. The official office of an "apostle," a person who authenticated the gospel of Christ, as Paul and Peter did, is no longer active in the church.
Paul's role as a "teacher," the Greek word didaskalos, referred to someone who gave instruction. In the Jewish tradition, this was the same meaning of the title Rabbi, an honor often bestowed on Jesus during His ministry.
So, what are you? Well, we all are each a little of all of them. All of these words should describe each of us as followers of Christ. We don't have to be the most polished speaker to proclaim to someone the good news. Just tell your story and share your experience in your own words and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.
- Pray for the understanding of what each of our roles are from today's descriptions.
- Pray for the city, state and country as we seek to exit the world crisis we've been through.
- Pray that things would be different for the good as we begin again and for us not to forget the things we've learned - this is for us and the entire planet as all people worldwide were affected.
A NOTE FROM ME: Very special thanks to the contributors to/of www.gotquestions.org as the source of the italicized reading material today. They pretty much said the way I would have said, everything I wanted us to think on today. I have read every word of today's reading and to the best of my ability, I have vetted the people and website used today. I give you my word as a follower of Christ, that in EVERY other instance of my contributions to the Daily Devotional Readings before today, I have NEVER simply "cut-and-paste" anyone else's words or thoughts and passed them off as my own. When I have quoted Pastor Floyd or Brother Clayton, I have credited them. This long disclaimer is just to say to you my church family and friends and to anyone who happens upon this post, please say a prayer for me as I have been under attack from 'ole you-know-who and haven't been able to think straight some days. PLUS, these guys really did say it the way I wanted to today :-)
- John