WORDS OF THE APOSTLES AND JESUS

 Mike Johnson

Are the words of the Apostles of equal authority with the words of Jesus? Some people view the words of Jesus as being that which a person must accept while viewing the words of the Apostles, and other writers of the New Testament, as less important. Some say, “If it is not in ‘red,’ I will not accept it,” referring to the “red letter” edition of the Bible where the Words of Christ are highlighted in red. Is this a correct attitude? Can a person choose to reject teaching which was not spoken directly by Christ?

It is clear from the Bible that the words of the apostles and other inspired writers, found in the Bible, are the Words of Christ. Understanding this is very important. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:3 that the things he wrote to them are “. . . the commandments of the Lord.” Thus, they are of equal authority.

The Apostles, and other inspired individuals, did not have to rely upon their memory. They wrote about many events years after they happened. However, they had the advantage of the Holy Spirit guiding and teaching them. Jesus told them in John 14:25-26, “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” John 16:12-13 points out that Jesus told them, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” 

Further, Jesus told Peter that He would give him the “keys of the kingdom” or church. After Peter “confessed Christ,” Jesus said to him, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Mt. 16:18-19). The other apostles received the same promise in Matthew 18:18.

Paul, also an apostle, was not one of the original twelve, but he claimed equal authority with the others (2 Cor. 11:5, 12:11; I Cor. 15:8-10). Peter, an inspired man, clarified that Paul’s writings were inspired (II Pet. 3:15).

The entire Bible is inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Words of Jesus are essential. However, those He sent to speak for Him spoke and wrote words that are just as important.