The term "apostle" is a special designation for someone to whom Jesus gave authority to teach on his behalf, even to write Scripture itself. Today we have bishops, presbyters, pastors, deacons and other offices, but the apostolic age ended with the twelve apostles.

When the apostles stayed in a home, regardless of its comfort level, they were to stay there to be a blessing to that family. If the people of a town didn't receive the Word, they were to treat those people as pagans and leave, even if they were Jews; they don't belong to God.

The twelve anointed the sick with oil, a new practice in the New Testament. In light of the Old Testament practice of anointing with oil into an office, it may be that the apostles were able to anoint people into the Kingdom, into service for the Lord.

3 main thoughts...

1. Jesus asked the apostles to do things that are beyond their comfort zone; he does this with us too! Life is bigger than mere comfort and familiarity. We must go through refining and deepening of our faith through the trials life brings!

2. Is it wise therefore to underpay a pastor in order to produce this maturity? No. Jesus later says in Luke 22:36 to let those who have money and possessions take it with them. Use those things to God's glory and the benefit of the Kingdom.

3. Meek authority... the apostles were given authority by God. Godly authority is to be wielded with a meekness. 1 Peter 3:15, "... in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..." We should witness with meekness, with power restrained.

Final thoughts...

A. God has called each of us to go into the world and share the message of Jesus.

B. When sharing that message, we must love people enough to tell them the whole truth, to call them to repentance.

C. When the message isn't received well, we must respond with gentleness and respect, with meekness.