Transforming CultureSample

Apostles (Sent ones)

Luke 6:12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: (NKJV)

We may not all be called to be Apostles, but we are all sent with authority to represent Jesus. Let’s take a closer look at the role of an Apostle and see how we can learn from it.

The word "Apostles" comes from the Greek term "apostolos," which means a messenger, envoy, or delegate—someone sent by another to represent them in a particular way. In the case of the New Testament, it refers to those specifically chosen by Jesus Christ to spread His message. In the Greco-Roman world, "Apostolos" was used to describe an individual sent with authority to represent someone else. -Strongs Concordance

For the early Church, apostles were crucial as authoritative figures representing Christ, tasked with spreading His teachings and establishing His Church. Their role was vital for teaching, guiding, and ensuring the doctrinal integrity of the Christian faith.

In the same way that the twelve Apostles were called to be cultural transformers, we are also called to impact and transform society with Jesus.

2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place. (NASB)

This verse speaks about believers spreading the "aroma of the knowledge of Christ," symbolizing how the message of Christ is to be shared with others in a way that reflects His truth and presence.

The word “knowledge” in this verse is key, and if we look it up in Greek we gain a little more insight into what Paul is communicating to us.

Knowledge - Greek - gnṓsisfunctional ("working") knowledge gleaned from first-hand (personal) experience, connecting theory to application; "application-knowledge," gained in (by) a direct relationship. -Strongs Concordance

We're directed to share the knowledge of Jesus that comes from a direct relationship with Him. Out of that intimacy, we have a mandate to carry His word, character, presence, and power into the spheres of influence He has placed us in. As we do this, His “fragrance” and intimate knowledge spill out of us and start to transform the people and places around us.

Prayer: Lord, I ask for more wisdom into how to spread the knowledge of your fragrance everywhere I go.