The text speaks clearly that the Lord Jesus appointed eleven specific disciples as apostles to carry out the worldwide work of making disciples, baptizing believers, and teaching the laws of the Kingdom of God.

The task of the rest of us is to find out what our ministries and gifts are and to get busy building up ourselves and our fellow members of the Body. As we do this, we and they will be able to bear a true witness to the world of the atoning death and triumphant resurrection of the Lord.

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. (Acts 5:12,13)

Each one of us is to think soberly concerning the amount of faith that God has given us, and then use that faith to operate the gifts that have been given to us.

God's Kingdom can be brought into the earth only through mature saints, and the saints can come to maturity only through the various ministries and gifts that the ascended Christ has given to His Body.

"And of the rest durst no man join himself to them"!

The Lord Jesus did not call every believer to be an apostle, but He has through the Holy Spirit given gifts to each of His followers. In addition, the Lord has baptized each believer with the Holy Spirit so he or she can bear witness of the Lord Jesus and His Kingdom.

The Holy Spirit is very specific concerning each believer's calling and ministry.

. . . Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:2)

Every believer is not an apostle. But every believer is to be able to give a reason for the hope that is in him and to hold forth the Word of Life. Every believer is called to be a witness.

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. (Acts 8:4)

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. (Philippians 2:15,16)

Sometimes we bear witness by maintaining a meek and quiet spirit.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (I Peter 3:15)

Bearing witness in this manner is a desirable sharing of our faith.

All believers are commanded to perform works of righteousness so that the unconverted may see the light of their good works and glorify the Father in Heaven. Righteous behavior on the part of the saints is not a substitute for the work of the evangelist but it may prove to be the most powerful of the witnesses given to the world.

. . . the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:11)

Having your conversation [manner of life] honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (I Peter 2:12)

To be continued.