thus did Christ Himself make them able ministers of the New Testament. They had their office directly from Christ. They were to exercise it in and for His church. Their office was in some respects peculiar and extraordinary. They had been chosen and trained directly by Christ. They were witnesses of His resurrection (Acts 1:22 and 2:32; 1 John 1:1–3; 2 Peter 1:16). These founders of the church were endowed with special gifts and powers and had a general commission to preach and labor everywhere.