Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary
Episode: The Call of the Disciples
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Release Date: March 2, 2025

1. Introduction to the Apostles

In the episode titled "The Call of the Disciples," R.C. Sproul delves into the significant moment when Jesus Christ calls and commissions His twelve apostles, as detailed in Matthew 10. Sproul begins by highlighting the duality within the list of apostles: while some, like Peter and John, are well-known and frequently mentioned in the New Testament, others remain obscure with minimal historical records of their activities. Despite this, Sproul emphasizes that these twelve men, entrusted with divine authority, played a pivotal role in transforming the world.

Notable Quote:
R.C. Sproul at [00:00]:
"These 12 men to whom the Lord Jesus delegates this authority turned the world upside down. I think that we could extract from Winston Churchill an evaluation of the importance of these 12 men that never have so many owed so much to so few."

2. The Unique Calling of the Apostles

Sproul distinguishes between general believers and the specific calling of the twelve apostles. While all believers are called by God, the apostleship bestowed upon the twelve was unique, accompanied by authority that had profound global implications. This episode marks the beginning of a new series focusing on the Gospel of Matthew, where Sproul intends to explore the depths of Scripture and its application to Christian life.

Notable Quote:
Nathan W. Bingham at [00:50]:
"All believers are called by God, but the calling of the disciples and the commissioning of the twelve apostles was unique, and it came with authority that resulted in, as you just heard R.C. Sproul say, the world being turned upside down."

3. From Disciples to Apostles: Understanding the Transition

Sproul elaborates on the transition from being a disciple (Amathetes) to becoming an apostle. While many followed Jesus as disciples, the twelve were specifically chosen and commissioned for a distinct mission. An apostle is defined as one who is sent with authority, reflecting the authority of the one who commissions them. Jesus, being the supreme apostle, delegated His authority to the twelve, empowering them to carry out His mission.

Notable Quote:
R.C. Sproul at [01:44]:
"An apostle, by definition, is one who is sent, one who is commissioned by someone in authority who then delegates his authority to those whom he sends, so that the ones who are commissioned bear the same authority of the one who sent them by delegation and are to be obeyed as much as the one who commissioned them."

4. Authority vs. Power: A Theological Exploration

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the concepts of authority and power. Sproul contrasts these two, explaining that while they are often used interchangeably, they carry distinct meanings. He prefers the term "authority" over "power" in the context of the apostles' commission because authority implies a sanctioned right to command, whereas power merely denotes the ability to act.

Notable Quote:
R.C. Sproul at [15:20]:
"The word exousia means not just any kind of authority, but a powerful authority. Or we could also turn it around and say that it's not just any kind of power, but it is an authoritative power."

Sproul further emphasizes that the authority given to the apostles was not just for miraculous signs but, more importantly, for the authority of God's Word. This authority underpins the Reformation principles of sola scriptura (Scripture alone) and sola fide (faith alone), highlighting the supremacy of Scripture over church traditions and human authorities.

5. Historical Context: The Reformation and Apostolic Authority

Sproul draws parallels between the apostles' authority and the authority challenged during the Reformation. He references Martin Luther’s stand at the Diet of Worms, where Luther asserted the primacy of Scripture over church councils and the Pope. This historical example illustrates the enduring significance of apostolic authority, as defending Scripture equated to defending the authority of Christ and, by extension, God Himself.

Notable Quote:
R.C. Sproul at [20:45]:
"If you reject the apostles, you reject Christ because Christ is the one who delegated His authority to the apostles. And if you reject Christ, you reject the Father."

Sproul also references Irenaeus, an early church theologian, who defended the authority of the apostles against heretical claims that sought to undermine the biblical canon. Irenaeus affirmed that rejecting the apostles was tantamount to rejecting Christ, reinforcing the foundational role of apostolic authority in maintaining doctrinal integrity.

6. Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Apostles

In wrapping up, Sproul reiterates the paramount importance of the apostles' authority as the bedrock of Christian doctrine and the transmission of God's Word. By delegating their authority, Jesus ensured that His teachings would be preserved and propagated, shaping the course of Christian history. Sproul urges believers to recognize and uphold this authority, emphasizing that the integrity of the apostolic word is essential for the church's survival and growth.

Notable Quote:
R.C. Sproul at [24:00]:
"In this church, we believe that the truth of God stands or falls with the integrity of the apostolic word that comes to us in the Bible."

Key Takeaways:

• Distinct Calling: The twelve apostles were uniquely commissioned with authority that set them apart from general disciples.

• Authority Over Power: While both authority and power were bestowed upon the apostles, authority signifies the sanctioned right to act and command, which is central to their mission.

• Scriptural Supremacy: The apostles' authority underpins the principle of sola scriptura, emphasizing that Scripture alone holds ultimate authority over church traditions and human hierarchies.

• Historical Affirmation: Figures like Martin Luther and Irenaeus exemplify the defense of apostolic authority against challenges, underscoring its foundational role in Christian theology.

• Ongoing Relevance: Upholding the authority of the apostles and the integrity of Scripture remains crucial for the church's faithfulness and witness in the world.

This episode of "Renewing Your Mind" offers a profound exploration of the foundational role of the apostles in Christianity, bridging biblical exegesis with historical context to affirm the enduring authority of God's Word through the apostles.