Apostles and Prophets

 Sabbath School

The Gift of Prophecy 

Old Testament Prophets 

Lesson 4 - Monday

Built on Christ, Guided by His Messengers

Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:20; Ephesians 3:1–5; 2 Peter 3:1–2

“Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” — Ephesians 2:20, NKJV

Throughout the Bible, God has used different people to communicate His truth and guide His people. In the Old Testament, He called prophets to deliver His messages. In the New Testament, He called apostles to carry the gospel to the world. Although their responsibilities sometimes differed, both served the same God and pointed people toward the same Savior, Jesus Christ.

The word apostle comes from a Greek word meaning someone who is sent forth as a messenger. Jesus chose twelve disciples to be His apostles, training them to witness to His life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Later, others were also recognized as apostles. Paul, for example, repeatedly identified himself as an apostle, called by God's will and appointed especially to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13; 1 Corinthians 1:1).

Unlike the priests, whose office generally followed a family line, prophets and apostles were called according to God's purpose. Their authority did not come simply from family connections, personal ambition, or human appointment. It came from God's calling and the message He entrusted to them.

Paul understood that his work was not about building something independent of Jesus. In Ephesians 2:20, he describes the church as being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. The cornerstone was essential to the building because it established its alignment. In the same way, Jesus is the One who gives the church its true direction, unity, and purpose.

The apostles and prophets served an essential role by communicating God's revealed truth. Ephesians 3:5 explains that God's plan was revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets. Peter also connects the words of the Old Testament prophets with the commandments of the Lord delivered through the apostles (2 Peter 3:1–2). God's message did not change from one generation to another; the New Testament continued and expanded the revelation of God's saving plan through Jesus Christ.

It is important to recognize that not every New Testament prophet was an apostle. Acts 15:32, for example, describes Judas and Silas as prophets who encouraged and strengthened the believers. The prophetic gift continued to serve the church beyond the original twelve apostles and Paul's ministry.

What does this teach us today? God has always used people to share His Word, strengthen believers, correct error, and encourage faithfulness. Yet no human messenger takes the place of Jesus. The church must remain anchored in Christ and faithful to the truth He has revealed.

This also reminds us that we should not judge a person's calling merely by popularity, position, or human recognition. What matters is whether the person's message agrees with God's revealed Word and directs people toward Jesus. A genuine messenger does not seek to make people dependent on himself but helps them grow in their relationship with Christ.

We may not be apostles or prophets, but we can still participate in God's work. We can encourage someone who is discouraged, share a Bible promise with someone who is struggling, or faithfully explain the hope we have in Jesus. Every believer has an opportunity to help strengthen God's church.

The apostles and prophets laid an important foundation by faithfully communicating God's truth. Our responsibility is to remain grounded in that truth, keep Jesus at the center, and help others build their lives upon Him.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the apostles and prophets You called to communicate Your truth and help establish Your church. Thank You especially for Jesus Christ, our chief cornerstone, who gives us a sure foundation for our faith. Help me to recognize the difference between human opinions and the truth of Your Word. Give me wisdom to test every teaching by Scripture and the courage to remain faithful to Jesus. Show me how I can encourage others, share Your truth, and help strengthen Your church. May everything I say and do point people toward Christ rather than toward myself. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

More on Lesson 4: New Testament Prophets 


4th Quarter Sabbath School: The Gift of Prophecy 

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