Do we have Apostles today?
“And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13 AMP
First, my intention is not to teach on this subject. However, I will put before you what I found in my research and share what I believe. This topic is controversial, to say the least, with many scholars on opposite sides. So, I will put before you some pros and cons and you can decide where you stand on this very interesting topic, and do your own research. The controversy includes the prophet but we will focus on the apostle for now.
Purpose of the Five Fold Ministry
- To equip his people for works of service,
- So that the body of Christmay be built up
- Until we all reach unityin the faith
- And in the knowledge of the Son of God
- And become mature,attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
The first thing I noticed during my research is the difference in how theologians refer to Ephesians 4:11. Some prefer the equipping gifts, ministry gifts, and still others prefer ascension gifts. And of course, the rest of us know them as the five-fold ministry.
My question to you, does the church still need equipping? Was the early church the only body of Christ? The church consists of individuals (not buildings) who by faith have accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. (John 1:2, Acts 9:31) Since the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) until now, the church which is consistently growing needs building up (edifying) until we all reach the unity in the faith, in knowledge of the Son of God, unto the measure of the fullness of Christ. The church has been growing for almost 2,000 years. Scholars call this the “church age”, from Pentecost to when the body of Christ (the church) reunites with Him. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) Well, has the church accomplished all that is in the list above?
Criteria for Apostleship
- The apostles served as a foundation for the early church. Ephesians 2:19-20
- They had to have seen Jesus after he rose from the dead. The apostles were to bear witness to the resurrection of Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:1
- Jesus personally appointed the apostles. Luke 6:13
- Apostles had miracle-working power. 2 Corinthians 12:12, Acts 2:43
One theologian, in my research states: “it would be impossible for any contemporary Christian to meet the biblical qualifications required for someone to be considered an apostle.”
Purpose of the Apostle
The five-fold ministry is the expression of Jesus and His ministry. Every area of His ministry he gave to us, and all that he is lives in us. (Galatians 2:20) So, he continues to give these gifts to men for the perfecting of the saints.
“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;” Hebrews 3:1. Jesus was a prophet (Matthew 21:11), as well as a soul winner (evangelist) Luke 4:18-19. Jesus is the Shepherd (pastor) of our souls (1 Peter 2:25) and the teacher who has come from God (John 3:2).
The word apostle means one sent forth, a messenger. Jesus is the great Apostle, sent from His father. Jesus also established “The church”. Then we have the twelve disciples called apostles, sent forth by Jesus himself. They established local churches and ministered to the Jews. Then we have Paul “the church planting apostle” as one writer calls him, sent forth by the risen Christ. Paul also established churches within the gentile communities. Another group exists per some scholars, known as Apostles of the risen Christ. They do not include Paul in this group, however. This group continues laying a firm foundation in individual churches.
“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church … Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT
Please feel free to respond…and I will share some of your responses with our readers.
Pastor Rosita
