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TEXT: John 14:25-26
SUBJECT: Doctrine of the Holy Spirit #6: The Spirit in the Apostolate
Today brings us to the sixth sermon in our study of the Holy Spirit. And, from a chronological standpoint, to His work within and among the Apostles.
That He worked in these holy men is obvious. They were "born again", weren't they? Then they must have been "born of the Spirit". They understood the things of God, didn't they? Then they must have "received the Spirit of God that (they) might know the things given to (them) by God". And, of course, they preached Christ--and nobody can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit".
But these works are common among the Lord's people. All Christians are "born again", have insight into God's mind, and profess the Lordship of Christ. Are the Apostles, then, no different that anyone else? Or--to frame it better--Is the Spirit's work in their lives identical to His work in our lives?
To this, we must answer: "No!" The Spirit gives gifts to all of His people. But some are reserved for the Apostles alone. I can think of no other way to interpret our text: "But the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your rembrance, whatever I have said to you".
Now, to whom are these words addressed? To all Christians or to the Apostles only? The preceding verse answers the question: "These things I have spoken to you, being yet present with you". Who was present with Christ and heard the Word fall from His lips? All Christians? Let two Apostles speak to the subject:
Peter: "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty".
John: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life...that which we have seen and heard, we declare to you."
This is why--it seems to me--that Paul distinguishes this gift (and class of men) from all others. One example will do:
"For God has set some in the church: first Apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, and after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues" (I Corinthians 12:28). The early church was possessed of wonderful gifts, all of which Paul recognized and esteemed. But first among these gifts (in order of importance) was the Apostles. They were--in some way--superior to prophets, teachers, miracle-workers, and the like.
And so, the Apostles "had" something that we don't have--that nobody else has. And what is that "something"? Authority. Absolute, final authority.
1.They claimed it for themselves. Peter thought his own testimony "the sure word of prophecy"--which he later equates with the Old Testament--a Book to which the Jewish mind bowed in reverence. But in doing this, he is not claiming a priority among the Apostles--not making himself into a Pope. For two chapters later, he makes an identical claim for Paul: "Our beloved brother...wrote many things and hard to be understood, which those who are untaught and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of Scripture". The Apostles were so secure in this knowledge, that they could even speak ironically of their gift: "And I think also that I have the Spirit of God" shrugged Paul.
2.The Church instantly received their authority. The New Testament canon was never composed--but only recognized. It was assumed in the early Church that the Apostles uniquely spoke for Christ. That is one reason that Paul's Apostolate was so hotly debated. Not because it made him "a preacher" or "a missionary" (there were a lot of them), but because it made him--what he claimed to be--"An Ambassador of Jesus Christ"--one who speaks with the authority of his King.
And so, the Apostles had power; a power which nobody else shared in at the time--or today. And so they exercised it:
1.In person. They taught the truth, exposed error, commanded obedience, and expelled sinners from the Church. The power they wielded did not come from the civil authority, personal charisma, or the consent of the church. It came directly from Christ. "Whoever heard (the Apostles) heard Christ; whoever rejected (the Apostles) rejected Christ and the One who sent Him." Their authority, therefore, was absolute and infallible. But this authority was not passed on to successors. It died out with the men themselves. When John "gave up the ghost", Apostolic authority expired with him.
2.It would seem, therefore, that we are at a distinct disadvantage when compared to the early church. They had the Apostles, we don't. And so it would be...if they hadn't left a collection of their writings. But they did. We call it "The New Testament". Thus, the Apostolic authority continues in the Church to this day! And it is exercised, not by Church Fathers, Bishops, Councils, Popes, or charismatic leaders--but by the Apostles' themselves--in their inspired writings.
But what gives special authority to their works--above all others? In a word: "inspiration". All good teachers are enlightened by God's Spirit, but only the prophets and Apostles are inspired. This means that their findings are not a result of human study and thought--but a direct revelation of God's Spirit. And because the Holy Spirit is perfectly and at all times true--then so are the products of His Inspiration. "Thy Word is very pure; therefore, thy servant loveth it".
But not only is is abstractly true, but it is practical and edifying. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto every good work".
But, again, not only is the Word true and practical--but it is always so. It is not subject to the erosion of time; history never passes it by; it needn't be altered due to the "latest discovery". "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My word shall not pass away". And what is this "my word"--but the words of Christ recorded for us by--or under the supervision of--the Apostles?
And so, what did the Holy Spirit do in the Apostolate? Many things, of course, chief among which is this: He inspired them to remember, record, interpret, and apply the Words of Jesus Christ. And so, in this way, "He will guide you into all truth".
Now, "this truth" revealed by the Spirit and written down by the Apostles makes certain demands on us. It demands our careful study and our humble sumission, too: "Speak LORD, for thy servant heareth".
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