1. Christian Structure
Bishop: A bishop is an ordained Christian clergy member with authority and oversight in a religious institution, typically responsible for governing and administering a diocese. In the Catholic Church, bishops are seen as successors of the apostles and called to teach, govern, and sanctify.
Apostle: In Christianity, an apostle is a messenger or ambassador chosen by Jesus to spread his teachings and establish the early Christian church. The term comes from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out," and typically refers to the twelve disciples who were closest to Jesus, as well as other early Christian leaders like Paul
An apostle is a special messenger sent by Jesus to spread the gospel and establish churches, while a bishop is an overseer of a specific Christian community, responsible for teaching and pastoral care. The role of bishops evolved from the apostles as the early Church grew and the need for local leadership increased.
An apostle is not just a teacher; they are considered "sent ones" of Christ and serve as foundational leaders in the early Church, tasked with spreading the teachings of Jesus. Their role included teaching, but it also involved being authoritative representatives of Christ.
According to the New Testament, Jesus himself decided who the original apostles were. He selected the Twelve from among his disciples and gave them authority to preach and perform works in his name (Mark 3:13–19; Matthew 10:1–4). The word apostle means “one who is sent,” so they were considered sent by Christ because he personally commissioned them.
After Judas Iscariot’s death, the remaining disciples chose Matthias by casting lots, believing they were following God’s will (Acts 1:15–26). Paul was a special case: he claimed that the risen Jesus personally commissioned him through his encounter on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–19; Galatians 1:1).
Historically, we cannot independently prove that Jesus made those appointments; we know the claim through the New Testament writings and the testimony of the early Christian community.
In mainstream Christianity, Jesus was crucified because his death was understood as part of God’s plan to deal with human sin and reconcile people to God. Different Christian traditions explain this in several related ways:
- Sacrifice or atonement: Jesus gave his life on behalf of humanity.
- Substitution: He bore the consequences of sin so others could be forgiven.
- Victory over evil and death: His death and resurrection broke the power of sin, death, and Satan.
- Revelation of love: The crucifixion demonstrated God’s love and Jesus’ willing obedience.
Christians also believe Jesus’ crucifixion had a historical and political dimension: Roman authorities executed him by crucifixion, with the involvement of local religious leaders, because he was viewed as a threat. Christianity teaches that the crucifixion was followed by Jesus’ resurrection.
Jesus’ mother was Mary, also called the Virgin Mary or Mary of Nazareth. The New Testament identifies her as Jesus’ mother; Christians traditionally believe she conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit while still a virgin. Joseph was Jesus’ legal or earthly father figure, though Christian theology teaches that Jesus’ divine sonship comes from God.
In Christianity, God is the one eternal, uncreated source of everything that exists—not a physical object within the universe, but the creator and sustainer of the universe.
Most Christians understand God as one God in three persons, called the Trinity:
- The Father — God as creator and source.
- The Son, Jesus Christ — God revealed in human form.
- The Holy Spirit — God’s active presence and power.
This does not mean Christians believe in three gods. They believe in one divine being who exists as three distinct persons.
God is also described as personal, loving, just, merciful, and holy. In simple terms, Christianity presents God as both the source of reality and a being who seeks a relationship with human beings.
Why did Jesus needed to be crucified ?