In many churches, the apostles are often called Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint John, etc. By calling these apostles “saints”, it can easily give people the impression that it is impossible to walk in the steps of these servants of the Lord. It would be more fitting to call them holy brothers, because that is what they are. When we read their letters, we see that they are writing to their brothers and sisters in the Lord. Among other things, Paul writes, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NCV).
Follow their example
To Timothy, his brother and fellow worker, he writes, “But you have followed my teaching, my conduct, and my purpose in life; you have observed my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance …” 2 Timothy 3:10 (GNT). This is a brother’s testimony to his fellow brother. These words do not let us feel that we have to do with an faraway “Saint Paul” whom no one can follow.
When we read the writings of these brothers, we know of course that they were apostles and mighty instruments in God’s hand. But we must be careful not to think that it is impossible for us to walk in the same steps. It is true that we do not have their ministry, but we are called to follow the life of Christ that they lived: “Life itself was revealed to us … so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:2-3 (NLT). And John writes, “I, John, both your brother …” Revelation 1:9.
These holy men and servants of God are our brothers, and Jesus, the Master Himself, is not ashamed to call those who live in sanctification His brothers, and that is also what these apostles did. (Hebrews 2:11.) The holy temple, which is the church of God, has the apostles and prophets as its foundation, and the chief cornerstone, which is the most important stone that sets the direction for everything else, is Jesus Christ Himself. (Ephesians 2:19-22.)
Peter writes that we have to be built up as living stones to be a spiritual house. (1 Peter 2:5.) For these “living stones”, the most important thing is how the Chief Cornerstone reacted, where His steps lead, and where the apostles’ steps lead. And we are exhorted to follow these steps. We should fit into the building together with all the other stones that have been formed over time according to God’s Word.
Love the brotherhood
In 1 Peter 2:17 we are exhorted to love the brotherhood. This brotherhood began with the Chief Cornerstone, who is Jesus, and the foundation has become visible again in these days through the godly fear of faithful men and women. Let us love this brotherhood and prove our love with that same godly fear and holy life that has been in these holy building stones from the days of the apostles until today.
In Philippians 3, Paul exhorts us again to be his followers and to look at those who followed his example just as he followed Jesus’ example. We see how Paul’s only longing was to follow in the Master’s steps. This is Paul, our brother. He could say, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” He says that he hadn’t gotten everything yet, but that he reached out for it and worked hard to win the victor’s crown that he was called to win.
Our brother Peter was also gripped of Jesus’ steps, and he writes about the example that Jesus left us: “… and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.” 1 Peter 2:21-22 (NLT).
“Love the brotherhood …” This is what Peter writes in verse 17. John writes, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 (NIV). It is on actions and truth that God’s house is built from the foundation to the capstone.