And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease... These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying... Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. The calling of the twelve apostles and the apostles' reception of priesthood power are critical steps to the organization of Jesus' Church, that continue to bless lives today. Calling of the Twelve ApostlesThe word apostle comes from the Hebrew word ἀπόστολος, or apostolos, which means "a messenger, envoy, delegate, one commissioned by another to represent him in some way" (http://biblehub.com/greek/652.htm). Let's explore that definition. Messenger: The twelve apostles are Christ's messengers. Their responsibility is to share the "good news," or Jesus' gospel. After Jesus' death, when Peter went back to fishing with some of the other apostles, Christ appeared at sea. Later, while dining with Peter, Jesus gave powerful instruction where he thrice instructed Peter to "feed my sheep." (John 21:15-17). In a loving way, Jesus reminded Peter of his purpose. It was not to leave the ministry and everything he had learned to return to fishing; rather, he was to share Jesus' gospel with the world, thus providing the Bread of Life. Envoy, Delegate, One Commissioned: According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, an envoy means a "messenger or representative." A delegate means "a person acting for another." Commission means "an authorization or command to act in a prescribed manner or to perform prescribed acts" or "authority to act for, in behalf of, or in place of another." Each of these terms refers to the concept of authority. An envoy is given authority by a master to be his messenger or representative. A delegate is given the authority to act for another person or entity (e.g., for a government). A commissioner is given authority to act in a person's place--to be their mouthpiece, as well as their hands. The Apostles Reception of Priesthood PowerWhat do we know about the priesthood power given to Jesus' apostles? The Topics section of LDS.org teaches that there are two meanings to the word "priesthood:" "First, priesthood is the power and authority of God. It has always existed and will continue to exist without end (see Alma 13:7–8; D&C 84:17–18). Through the priesthood, God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power, He exalts His obedient children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man” ( Moses 1:39; see also D&C 84:35–38). Second, in mortality, priesthood is the power and authority that God gives to man to act in all things necessary for the salvation of God’s children. The blessings of the priesthood are available to all who receive the gospel" (https://www.lds.org/topics/priesthood). During the 19th Century, priesthood power was restored to the Earth as part of the restoration of Jesus' church. A timeline of the restoration of Jesus' gospel, church, and priesthood can be found here: https://www.lds.org/topics/restoration-of-the-gospel). Blessings of the PriesthoodHow does having the priesthood on the earth today bless my life? Specific times when I was grateful to have the priesthood power of God on the earth include the following:
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