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Close Topic Options2 Sets Of 12 Apostles?
2 Sets 12 Apostles - Mormon Doctrine Studies - Posted: 1st Oct, 2008 - 5:41am
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Post Date: 29th Sep, 2008 - 8:58pm / Post ID: #
2 Sets Of 12 Apostles?
In reading 3 Nephi again recently, a new thought occurred to me (not sure why I hadn't thought of it before) that when Christ visited the American continent, he called 12 apostles in forming his church. But in doing so, doesn't that mean that two sets of 12 apostles (in Jerusalem and the American continent) were in existence? And furthermore, he promised the Nephites in the Book of Mormon that he was leaving to visit the lost tribes. Did he call 12 apostles among them as well?
I suppose part of the reason for this "doubling up" may be geographical (no telecommunication back then), maybe similar to Quorums of 70 these days. Any other thoughts on this?
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Apostles Sets
Sadly I have had this same thought and never followed through on finding out more. I wondered as well about the other 12 called in the Americas. I do remember once someone saying that they were "disciples" not "Apostles" as if they were lesser then the title Apostle but I dropped the ball and never found out if that was even truth or not. I am looking forward to any responses here.
Apostles Sets
That is the original question we are discussing is why.
I do understand that we can all be disciples but those 12 were definitely called and set apart by Jesus Christ to lead the church and it seems they had some distinction rather than the type of disciple that is just a follower. Well, at least it seems that way to me, maybe I am wrong.
Apostles Sets
The answer is simple in my mind, in fact I think we already have a Thread on this...
1. In Jerusalem he called and chose 12 Apostles
2. In the Americas he called and chose 12 Disciples
3. A study of the Old testament will also show that many Prophets were called at the same time because they could not be everywhere at once as they are now.
Post Date: 30th Sep, 2008 - 6:07pm / Post ID: #
2 Sets Of 12 Apostles?
JB, I understand where you're coming from, and it seems to be a plausible explanation, but it seems to be more a matter of semantics. The terms "apostles" and "disciples" in the scriptures are often used interchangeably. For instance, in Matthew 10:1 it reads,
| QUOTE |
| "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." |
Then in the very next verse, He calls them "apostles."
From what I recall, the word "apostles" is never used in the Book of Mormon with reference to the 12 called in the Americas, but still, it seems the intent was to organize the Church here by calling 12 apostles/disciples.
 Message Edited...Persephone: Please look at how we use the Quote Tags here. When you do not use these tags source material that is not your own may appear to be yours when it is not. See our Constructive Posting Policy. |
2 Sets 12 Apostles
Here is an easy explanation:
1. We are all baptized Members and become Disciples
2. Does that mean we all become Bishops too?
3. Is a Branch President the same as a Bishop? No, they have select callings, but do they both minister in a similar capacity? Yes!
This is the easiest way to explain it other than not having the Institute Manual reference to go by at the moment that talks about the same Disciple / Apostle example I gave.
2 Sets 12 Apostles Mormon Doctrine Studies
| QUOTE |
| BIBLE DICTIONARY Apostle The word means "one sent forth." It was the title Jesus gave (Luke 6: 13) to the twelve whom he chose and ordained (John 15: 16) to be his closest disciples during his ministry on earth, and whom he sent forth to represent him after his ascension into heaven. The calling of an apostle is to be a special witness of the name of Jesus Christ in all the world, particularly of his divinity and of his bodily resurrection from the dead (Acts 1: 22; D&C 107: 23). Twelve men with this high calling constitute an administrative council in the work of the ministry. When a vacancy occurred with the death of Judas Iscariot, Matthias was divinely appointed to that special office as a member of the council (Acts 1: 15-26). Today twelve men with this same divine calling and ordination constitute the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The title was also applied to others who, though not of the number of the original twelve, yet were called to serve as special witnesses of the Lord. Paul repeatedly spoke of himself as an apostle (Rom. 1: 1; 1 Cor. 1: 1; 1 Cor. 9: 1; Gal. 1: 1). He applied the titles to James, the Lord's brother (Gal. 1: 19), and also to Barnabas (1 Cor. 9: 5-6; cf. Acts 14: 4, 14). The New Testament does not inform us whether these three brethren also served in the council of the Twelve as vacancies occurred therein, or whether they were apostles strictly in the sense of being special witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to as an apostle in Heb. 3: 1-2, a designation meaning that he is the personal and select representative of the Father. |
| QUOTE |
| BIBLE DICTIONARY Disciple A pupil or learner; a name used to denote1 the twelve, also called apostles,2 all followers of Jesus Christ. We also read of disciples of John the Baptist and of the Pharisees (Mark 2: 18). |
I'm kind of playing devils advocate here, but this doesn't tell me anything to make me think there can't be more than 12 apostles at any given time. According to the Bible Dictionary the Lord can call anyone who is a special witness as an apostle. They may or may not be a part of the 12. Why wouldn't he have two sets of apostles? Especially back then without the technology we have today.
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