From Matthew 10:1-4 – 12 Ordinary Men.

Luke tells us that this appointment of the 12 happened on the heels of Jesus spending all night in prayer. That gives us something of the momentous nature of this event. He did this with no others. It is a singular event. The closest thing we have to it later is Saul/Paul’s calling on the road to Damascus. And it establishes the unique nature of their apostolic office. That being the case, we ought to discount out of hand the claims of so many today who run about calling themselves and one another “apostles.” They are nothing of the sort, especially if by it, they infer something of the same authority and place as these. This was a once-for-all occurrence. Jesus never repeated it during His incarnation and we’ve no reason from the teaching of the Apostles to expect anything else of the like. If you hear them refer to themselves by the name of apostle, you may discount them out of hand. They are at best deceived, and at worst, outright liars.

Note first then that the Disciple’s “power” was not some innate or imparted ability but was located in the permission to act in His name, and on His behalf. They were given authority, not power or ability to exercise at will. They were to act as His agents doing His will when and where He wanted. They were not free agents wielding magical abilities. Confusion here has given rise to much misunderstanding in some branches of the Church. Not a few are like Simon the Magician in Acts 8 who thought this authority could be had upon request. And the Apostle’s denial of it came with severe consequences. In fact, his seeking it in this way demonstrated his condition as still in bondage to iniquity.

Note secondly, and with reference to the first, that they did not seek this appointment. Christ Jesus was the initiator. Men seeking power and authority are always problematic. When people do so, they show already their misapprehension of what it means to serve Christ and His people. In the earliest records of the Church, it was the custom to choose only those who humbly refused the office of elder or deacon at first. Lust for power is a wicked evil that must be guarded against continually. Be careful when people are quick to put themselves forward for offices, and not for service.

Note thirdly, that there is nothing of a special quality in any of the 12 that would make them stand out above others. And so it is with all those whom Christ uses. For our usefulness is in our submission to Him as Lord, not in our native gifts or talents. It is not that He will not co-opt our gifts for His purposes, but it is that our gifts are not what qualify us. A submissive heart to His will, to seek and serve Him as Lord is what is most needed. And then, in His call itself will be all the equipping we need. These were available and willing. Are we? If so, He will use us.

You may think yourself without much to bring to Him so as to serve Him. But dear Christian, if you are His by the washing and regeneration of the Spirit – you are His. And having called you to Himself, He has equipped you to live life before Him, and to be salt and light in the world. His call is sufficient in and of itself.

Note fourth that even a Judas may be used to cast our spirits and heal the sick. Because he could do so in Jesus name, said nothing about him personally. Do not be led astray to listen to any and every teacher or preacher because they may have been used by God to do something spectacular. Many (Jesus will tell us later) will say to Him on judgment day that they did all kinds of wonders in His name. And He will nevertheless cast them into Hell as lost unbelievers.

It is incumbent on us as everyday Believers to measure the teachings of all by the standard of God’s Word. And if it does not pass the muster of sound doctrine already received by the Church, reject them. Apparently, Judas too did all these things. And he, proved at last to be the “son of perdition.” We know from later record that he was already secretly robbing from Jesus’ coffer. And at last his sin found him out. A liar, deceiver, filled with greed and serving self above Christ.

Note lastly, that even though there may be Judas’ in the ranks of the Church, God in His sovereign goodness uses even their wickednesses to fulfill His ultimate plans. They cannot destroy His Church. They cannot overturn the cause of Christ even if they throw the putrid mud of their wickedness upon it. Jesus said that even the very gates of Hell cannot resist the ultimate victory of the Church He is building. When Judases are revealed, we groan and grieve. But we do not despair. Christ is victor over all.