Paul Lincoln Hudson, Jr.
20-12-2002, 10:00 PM
I read on an orthodox discussion group many years ago, that the 70 that Jesus sent out were considered to be 'apostles.' Maybe this is from the Greek word for 'send' that shows up in the Gospel passage.
Do any of the patristic writings call the 70 'apostles'?
I am also doing some research on the use of the word 'apostle' to refer to traveling evangelistic types who planted churches. I see a few examples in the New Testament. But what I am looking for is examples from the subapostolic period in which the word 'apostle' is used to refer to an itinerant church-planting preacher of the Gospel in patristic writings. The Didache refers to traveling apostles, but it certainly isn't clear that church planters are in mind. Any other references to traveling ministers referred to as 'apostles' during this period, even if it isn't clear if they were doing evangelist work, would be appreciated.
Furthermore, I am interested in the history of the use of the word 'apostle' to refer to men who bring the gospel toa new nation or area. Gregory the Illuminator is referred to as the apostle to the Armenians. I would like to find early uses of this sense of the word 'apostle' in patristic writings.
I would also be interested in quotes that show how the word 'apostle' came to be used in reference to bishops as well.
One more request for help: I came across a patristic quote in _Evagnelism in the Early Church_ years ago, but I don't have a copy of the book. The quote said somethign to the effect that in the early years of the gospel, certain men sold all that they had, preached the Gospel in new regions, appointed shepherds, and went on to other areas. If anyone knows of a quote to this effect from the patristics, I would be interested as well.
If you could email copies of your responses to <linkh@mcdowell.main.nc.us> I would greatly appreciate it.
God bless you,
Link Hudson
Do any of the patristic writings call the 70 'apostles'?
I am also doing some research on the use of the word 'apostle' to refer to traveling evangelistic types who planted churches. I see a few examples in the New Testament. But what I am looking for is examples from the subapostolic period in which the word 'apostle' is used to refer to an itinerant church-planting preacher of the Gospel in patristic writings. The Didache refers to traveling apostles, but it certainly isn't clear that church planters are in mind. Any other references to traveling ministers referred to as 'apostles' during this period, even if it isn't clear if they were doing evangelist work, would be appreciated.
Furthermore, I am interested in the history of the use of the word 'apostle' to refer to men who bring the gospel toa new nation or area. Gregory the Illuminator is referred to as the apostle to the Armenians. I would like to find early uses of this sense of the word 'apostle' in patristic writings.
I would also be interested in quotes that show how the word 'apostle' came to be used in reference to bishops as well.
One more request for help: I came across a patristic quote in _Evagnelism in the Early Church_ years ago, but I don't have a copy of the book. The quote said somethign to the effect that in the early years of the gospel, certain men sold all that they had, preached the Gospel in new regions, appointed shepherds, and went on to other areas. If anyone knows of a quote to this effect from the patristics, I would be interested as well.
If you could email copies of your responses to <linkh@mcdowell.main.nc.us> I would greatly appreciate it.
God bless you,
Link Hudson