The Quest for The Apostle from Magdala

<p class=ql-align-justify><em>How many apostles did Jesus have when he walked this earth some 2000 years ago?</em></p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify> . . . and before we answer that question we need to first establish the difference between 'followers' 'disciples' and 'apostles.'</p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify>Remember: for a 'disciple' to be considered an 'apostle' he must be <em>commissioned</em> or mandated with a specific message (i.e.: <em>Go into all the world and make disciples....</em>). This is a departure from previous 'commands' Jesus had given to His <em>disciples</em>.</p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify>Was there a previous 'mandate' given by Jesus to any group of people or more importantly to one person in particular?</p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify>May I propose that Maryam from the bustling sea-town of Magdala be considered as the premier Apostle to the Apostles? Because before there was any <em>group</em>-mandate (to the twelve disciples) Jesus had to re-stoke the dying embers that had just three days hence burned so fervently in the hearts of His disciples.</p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify>And Jesus had just the person who could carry such a message:</p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify>Jesus could always count on her because not only did she follow the itinerate preacher from town to town but she financially <em>supported</em> His ministry and may very well have been responsible for taking care of the room and board for Jesus <em>and</em> his followers as they moved from town to town! </p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify>But who could have given so selflessly of herself?</p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify>Some people knew her as Mary from Magdala. To her Savior she was only known as:</p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify>Maryam.</p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify><strong>From the Introduction</strong></p><p class=ql-align-justify>What if I proved there were more than twelve apostles? What if I told you there were also women apostles? Would that challenge your faith?</p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify>First and foremost please understand I'm not suggesting <em>any </em>of my opinions presented here are gospel fact. Nor am I adding to the Holy Scriptures as we are strongly cautioned against doing so (Deuteronomy 4:2 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; and Revelation 22:18-19). Nor do I want to be guilty of questioning God as the serpent in the Garden of Eden Did God really say ...? (Genesis 3:1-4 NLRV). I firmly believe we are living in the Last Days. As such I realize there will be many false prophets arising teaching many false doctrines (Matthew 24:24). That is <em>not </em>my intention here. Nor do I want to be counted among them!</p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify>Instead I'm asking that you open your eyes and heart to see and understand what the Holy Scriptures <em>don't </em>say. Just because Scripture <em>doesn't </em>say something doesn't mean it didn't happen. Sometimes reading between the lines helps discover what the Bible <em>doesn't </em>say. For example what were the disciples doing every morning when Jesus arose very early to pray (Mark 1:35)? After an amazing day in Peter's hometown of Bethsaida (John 1:44) what excited the people? Nothing is stated in Scripture but we know <em>something </em>happened!</p><p></p>