The most prominent ministries by Christians in the New Testament were those of the_____ .

• A. apostles
• B. prophets
• C. deacons
• D. elders

Answer: (A)

In the New Testament, the most prominent ministry is held by those known as the apostles. They were chosen by Jesus and entrusted with the authority to teach, preach, and establish the church. They were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and they received the commission to go into all nations with the gospel. Because of this unique calling, they laid the foundational teaching and practice of the early church and helped shape its mission and doctrine. A foundational statement like that in Scripture describes the church as being built on the apostles (and prophets), with Christ Himself as the cornerstone, highlighting their central, enduring role in forming how Christians believe and organize ministry.

Prophets, while important for edification and exhortation, do not carry the same universal foundation-setting role. Deacons and elders serve vital functions in local church life—deacons in service and compassion, elders in spiritual oversight and shepherding—but their roles are more about ongoing ministry within individual congregations rather than the global, foundational leadership given to the apostles.