Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples
and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out
and to cure every disease and every illness.
The Church established by Jesus was "foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone" (see Ephesians 2:20). The Apostles were given a share in the authority of Jesus in order to do what he had done, teaching, performing exorcisms, and curing every disease and illness. Just as the teaching of Jesus revealed a unique authority unlike anything anyone had ever heard (see John 7:46), so too would the words of his Apostles convey that authority to a greater number of people. As Jesus had liberated others from the influence of demonic spirits, so too would his disciples set free those in bondage. And as Jesus healed every disease and illness so too would his Apostles bring healing of both body any soul to those in need. These were the men who had their names inscribed in the twelve pillars of the new Jerusalem that came down out of heaven from God (see Revelation 21:11). They were the pillars because it was on them that the Church of Jesus was built. The layers added on them were those who came after them in what is called Apostolic succession. The first of these we see in Scripture itself when Matthias took the position which Judas Iscariot left vacant (see Acts 1:12-26).
Obviously not all of the Apostles made contributions to the Scriptures, and so the idea of Sola Scriptura would not explain how all them were irreplaceable foundations going forward through history. One might try to say that the others who did not write spread the Gospel through missionary work, as they surely did. But in that sense they would not be unique and irreplaceable foundations for the entire future of the Church as these Twelve in fact were destined to be. The fundamental aspect of that made them foundational was the way in which they communicated the divine authority of Jesus to the world. This continues to be the case in their successors, who also share in their work of bringing deliverance from the powers of darkness healing in body and soul.
Jesus did not arbitrarily choose Twelve. Rather he was establishing the foundations of a new Israel, a new transnational people of God, over whom the Twelve would reign as kings and judges, saying "in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (see Matthew 19:28). Jesus foresaw not only the next few decades but also the deep future when he chose the Twelve and appointed them for their unique mission. They were a pivotal part of his Kingdom, which would never be destroyed. It is in this Kingdom and under the leadership inherited from these Twelve that those within his Church now live.
The Apostles and their successors play a unique role in the Church. But we would be remiss not to mention that all disciples of Jesus share in his authority in some measure, for we are all appointed priests, prophets, and kings, in virtue of our baptism. We all have a mission to make known the authoritative teaching of Jesus to others, and to help those in need to find healing and freedom. We should not underestimate the supernatural aspect of this authority. It should make us bold to go out to all of the lost sheep, whether Gentiles or of Israel, and tell them the good news of the Kingdom of God. If it all came down to us, to our credentials, or what we could prove, we would probably be too timid to speak. But it instead comes down to the call we receive from Jesus himself. And that fact gives us confidence.
Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
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